“With appreciation for your distinguished leadership and dedication as Founder of the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project®. This project helps to educate students and their families about their moral and legal right to live free of abuse and violence. I highly commend your outstanding efforts to make Glendale a safer, healthier place to live and work.” – Laura Friedman, Mayor January 17, 2012
Watch Mayor Friedman’s Commendation Here

“Champions For Children” awards are given to people, businesses, and community organizations doing exceptional work in the field of child abuse and family violence. In April 2011, the Champions For Children Award was presented to Ann S. Kelly by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit National Conference in Portland, Oregon. “In Recognition of Your Dedicated, Sensitive, and Valuable Commitment for the Safety of Children and their Families.” –Craig Roberts, Sheriff

In October 2004, the 15th Annual Salem Peace Lecture Award was presented to the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project® at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Members sponsoring the event and the community award include: The Salem Chapter of the United Nations, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Willamette University Educational Programs Committee, the Willamette University Office of the Chaplain, and Salem Peace Plaza, Inc. Every year Salem’s Peace Lecture Committee presents a leading peace speaker to the Mid-Willamette community. At that time, a leading local peacemaker or peacemaking group is also honored with the Peacemaker of the Year Award.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award 2005 was presented to Ann S. Kelly, Founder/Executive Director, Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project®, a Martial Artist/Self Defense Specialist. One of three citizens recognized for outstanding service to the community. The First Citizen Awards Banquet honors the best and brightest of our community, an annual tradition since 1950. These individuals do not seek recognition, but make Salem a better place to work and live through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts. We celebrate those who give themselves tirelessly for the sake of our community, and who inspire others to reach higher levels of leadership excellence.

Since 1941, the Women of the Church Women United movement have held a vision of Christian unity and prayerful action. CWU was founded as a racially, culturally, theologically, inclusive Christian women’s movement to celebrate unity and diversity and work for peace in the world. On March 2, 2007, the Church Women United Inc awarded the Human Rights Certificate of Merit to Ann Kelly, Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project®.