CHEER Mental Health Association has awarded its prestigious Bell Ringer Award to Tammie Gribble.
“I had no idea they were going to do this,” said Gribble. “It was a complete surprise. I was very humbled. I’m never at a loss for words, but I was then. I’m happy. I’m thankful. I’m honored they think I deserve it.”
The Bell Ringer is given annually to a person who goes above and beyond in service. Gribble is the 44th recipient. She has been with CHEER for five years and has always dedicated her life to helping others.
“I’ve always been in some sort of service work, including teaching,” said Gribble. “It’s my nature to want to help others. If I see someone in need, I’ll help them if I can. When I’m working to help someone, I’m in it 100 percent.”
Currently, she is the prevention specialist for children ages 9-18 at CHEER.
“I work through the school system, private referrals, or the juvenile court system. It’s a tough job but it’s very rewarding," said Gribble.

Gribble added, "You sometimes take home with you what’s going on in the children’s lives and maybe why they made the choices they made. You try and lead them to understand why they made that choice in hopes they will make better choices in the future.”
The presentation was made during the annual meeting/ dinner at Central Church of Christ Fellowship Hall with vice president Neal Cox presiding. Guest speaker was state Rep. Judd Matheny, who spoke about the progress in jobs and education over the last couple of years in his district and thanked CHEER Mental Health Association for its efforts to educate and advocate in the area of mental health.
During the business meeting, the election of officers was held: president Janie Stewart; vice president Neal Cox; treasurer Jane Hall; corresponding secretary Tammy Gribble; and recording secretary Bryan Herriman.
The night also included an honor for Grace Reynolds. A 12-year employee of the center, she was presented the Employee of the Year Award for 2016 by Herriman.