Homeless advocate Pamela Atkinson to be honored as 'distinguished Utahn'

Atkinson, who is retired from Intermountain Healthcare as vice president for mission services, was instrumental in initiating the Lincoln Family Health Center, the IHC Neighborhood Clinic at the Sorenson Multicultural Center and the Rose Park Family Health Center.   

Ed Snoddy of Volunteers of America's outreach services has known Atkinson since 1995. He describes Atkinson as the model of consistency and caring.

"She's always trying to lift up those in need. She's a crusader who never gives up. She's very tenacious when she's working for the most vulnerable, the most difficult to get placed or get services for," Snoddy said.

Perhaps that is because Atkinson grew up in poverty in England. Her mother raised her and four siblings in a home that had no indoor plumbing. Atkinson was educated as a nurse but later moved into an administrative position, Snoddy said.

Minkevitch said Atkinson's award from BYU Management Society award "is a testament to how grounded she is in her values, her sense of purpose, who she is and what she's attempting to achieve."

While every encounter with Atkinson is "a joy and a pleasure, it's incredibly purposeful. There's always a list of what needs to be done next." 

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