The Rhea and Phil Starr Social Justice Award honors the remarkable legacy of two tireless advocates whose dedication to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment shaped Lancaster County for the better. Established by the Jewish Family Service of Lancaster following Phil’s passing in 2021, this award recognizes individuals who embody the Starrs’ unwavering commitment to social justice and the fight for a more just and compassionate society.

​Who We Are Looking For
We seek nominees who, like Rhea and Phil Starr, have demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing systemic inequities and improving the lives of marginalized communities. Ideal candidates will reflect the Starrs’ passion in areas such as:
  • Fighting Hunger & Economic Inequality – Advocating for food security, poverty alleviation, and access to essential resources for underserved populations.
  • Advancing Healthcare Access – Working to ensure equitable healthcare for vulnerable communities, particularly those historically underserved.
  • Championing Education & Child Welfare – Promoting quality education, child care, and opportunities for children and families facing systemic barriers.
  • Advocating for Housing & Fairness – Tackling housing discrimination, affordable housing initiatives, and policies that promote equal opportunity.
  • Leading Community Advocacy – Organizing, educating, and driving policy change to address social injustices, much like the Starrs did through their tireless work.
This award is named in honor of Rhea and the late Phil Starr, longtime residents of Lancaster County, who worked tirelessly to ensure individuals and groups receive fair treatment and share equally in the benefits of society.
​Phil Starr :
  • Co-founded the PA Food Bank
  • Served as Executive Director of the Southeast Lancaster Health Center overseeing its expansion (now Union Community Care)
  • Past member of the School District of Lancaster School Board
  • Director of Jewish Family Service of Lancaster

Rhea Starr:
  • Lancaster YWCA, directed Lancaster's first child care program for infants and toddlers and the first employer supported child care program
  • At the National YWCA, served as  Director of Child Care among other positions
  • Former chair of the Lancaster Fair Housing Committee of the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission
Nomination Criteria
Nominees should be individuals whose efforts have made a tangible impact on social justice issues in Lancaster County. Whether through grassroots activism, nonprofit leadership, policy change, or direct service, candidates should demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.

We invite you to nominate someone who embodies the spirit of Rhea and Phil Starr—someone
who sees injustice and takes action to create meaningful change.

Together, let’s honor those who continue their legacy of compassion and justice in our
community.
Past Winners
[email protected]  |  717-537-1863  |  75 East James Street, Lancaster PA 17602 
Copyright © 2018 Jewish Family Service of Lancaster. All Rights Reserved.
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