It’s a New World. Kenneth Washinton’s Story
Kenneth was living on the streets near Columbus Circle, facing early-onset dementia and advanced vision loss alone, when a VA worker brought him to the Rescue Mission. Slowly, he came to trust our staff. He was a veteran and the only member of his platoon to survive. He loved basketball as a young man, until fading eyesight kept him off the court. More than anything, he wanted to see clearly again.
"In June, that wish came true. Syracuse Community Health brought VSP Eyes of Hope to campus, and artist Devon Rodriguez joined as a special guest. Devon sketched Kenneth, listened to his story, and gave him his new glasses. When he put them on, his whole face lit up. For the first time in years, he could see, and everyone in the room felt it."
Kenneth Personal Achievement Hope Award Honoree 2026
"We are honored to celebrate Kenneth’s life with a posthumous 2026 Hope Award."
Kenneth Personal Achievement Hope Award Honoree 2026