“The Way Maker Award reflects Isaiah 57:14 where God calls on His people to remove barriers for individuals on the margins, making a way for them to be a part of a community, living with purpose, and honoring who God created them to be.

‘Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.’
Isaiah 57:14

In 2004, Phil was asked to lead Operation ID by Pastor Carl Hamilton of First Presbyterian Church. Phil enthusiastically agreed, and as Phil has said, “Things have never been the same. ‘Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.’” (Isaiah 57:14) Phil worked as Operation ID’s Program Manager for 17 years. He led with his gift of creating a structured, hardworking environment, filled with love and true care for the clients being served each day. Phil touched the lives of many.