The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors® (NEFAR) is proud to celebrate Stacy Horst, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Atlantic Partners in Fernandina Beach, who was recently honored as one of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2024 Good Neighbor Award winners. Stacy’s recognition comes as a result of her outstanding community work through Erin’s Hope for Friends, a nonprofit she co-founded with her husband following the tragic loss of their daughter, Erin. Stacy also earned a Web Choice Award, showcasing her widespread community support and impact.
Erin’s Hope for Friends was established in 2015 to create safe, welcoming spaces for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum who struggle with social isolation and bullying. The nonprofit’s e’s Club offers activities like arts and crafts, ping pong, karaoke, and holiday parties—providing a judgment-free space for members to form lasting friendships. Over the years, the organization has helped more than 5,000 individuals, with facilities in Atlanta and Lexington, and plans to expand into Florida.
Stacy’s leadership and passion have driven Erin’s Hope for Friends to become a vital resource for teens and families. The organization’s impact is profound, with countless stories from parents who believe e’s Club saved their children’s lives by offering a place where they felt accepted and supported.
As a 2024 Good Neighbor Award recipient, Stacy was awarded a $10,000 grant from NAR to support Erin’s Hope for Friends. Her additional Web Choice Award, determined by public voting, earned the nonprofit another $1,250, highlighting the community’s admiration for her work.
Good Neighbor Award Program Marks 25 Years
The Good Neighbor Awards, now celebrating their 25th year, honor Realtors® who go above and beyond in their volunteer efforts to make a lasting difference in their communities. Stacy was one of five national winners, alongside Realtors® Ed Gardner (Maine), Christopher Johnson (Georgia), Danette Johnson (Utah), and Charlie Wills (Wisconsin), all of whom have made significant contributions to causes like affordable housing, healthcare, and youth mentorship. The winners will be formally recognized at NAR’s annual conference, NAR NXT, in Boston this November.
A Vision for the Future
Stacy is not only focused on maintaining the success of Erin’s Hope for Friends but also has ambitious plans to expand its reach. With the high number of young people on the autism spectrum in Florida, she aims to open additional e’s Club locations across the state and, ultimately, in other major U.S. cities. Her goal is to provide more teens with the opportunity to experience the community and support that Erin’s Hope for Friends offers.
NEFAR congratulates Stacy Horst on this remarkable achievement. Her tireless dedication to helping teens on the autism spectrum find friendship and connection through Erin’s Hope for Friends is an inspiration to us all. Stacy’s recognition as a 2024 Good Neighbor Award and Web Choice Award winner is a testament to the power of Realtors® making a difference far beyond the real estate industry.
To learn more about Erin’s Hope for Friends and how you can support its mission, visit Erin’s Hope for Friends.
