A former United Church Homes Board member received a standing ovation when he was recognized with the Rev. Dr. Diller Legacy Leadership Award for outstanding leadership at the Housing Services Donor Appreciation Dinner.

Robert C. Kutschbach served on the Board of Directors during the 2007 recession and helped guide the organization through a difficult financial period. He became chair of the Board in 2012 and helped shape UCH into the dynamic organization it is today.

“There is no doubt in my mind that serving on the Board is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Miracle after miracle happened on that Board, and United Church Homes survived,” Bob said.

UCH President and CEO Rev. Kenneth Daniel said Bob approached him shortly after he joined the organization in 2012, saying it was time for UCH to become Open and Affirming, a designation within the United Church of Christ that encourages the inclusion of members of the LGBT community. The statement came from the Board’s theological understanding of caring for the whole person, but the Board also saw this as a justice issue.

LGBT people are often not afforded the same rights to equal treatment to access healthcare, housing and employment. UCH is intentional in its actions to combat this and other forms of discrimination. UCH was the first organization in the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries to become Opening and Affirming, thanks in part to Bob’s leadership.