Fords will receive the Impact Award from Oikos Institute for Social Impact

The Oikos Institute for Social Impact has announced the Rev. Dr. Dwight Ford and Dr. Kit Evans-Ford as the distinguished recipients of its 2025 Impact Award, a news release says.

The award will be presented during the Fishing Differently Conference Impact Awards Gala on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the elegant Arts Ballroom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This award honors individuals whose work exemplifies transformative social impact through faith-rooted leadership and community healing. The Fords embody the spirit of this recognition through their groundbreaking, community-centered work at the intersections of justice, trauma recovery, and spiritual care, the release says.

The Rev. Dr. Dwight Ford, senior pastor of Grace City Church in Rock Island, is a nationally respected voice on issues of poverty, justice, and public theology. Through his leadership, Grace City Church has become a beacon of holistic ministry—combining worship, service, and advocacy. He is also known for founding the Center for Living Leadership, equipping faith leaders across the country to develop sustainable change in underserved communities.

Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, founder and CEO of Argrow's House of Healing and Hope, is a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Located in Davenport, IA, Argrow's House is a safe haven that provides free holistic services and job opportunities to women healing from abuse. A survivor herself, Dr. Evans-Ford's lived experience and deep compassion have shaped her into a powerful force for healing justice, peace-building, and social entrepreneurship. Her work is grounded in faith, love, and practical action.

Together, the Fords represent a dynamic partnership of spiritual conviction and social innovation, showing what it means to "fish differently" in a world deeply in need of hope.

The gala will be a highlight of the Fishing Differently Conference, a national gathering convened by the Oikos Institute to celebrate innovative models of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and faith-rooted justice work. Grammy-Award winner Avery*Sunshine will grace the stage as the guest entertainer.

About The Oikos Institute for Social ImpactSince its launch in 2020, the Oikos Institute has supported congregations in becoming economic and social anchors in their cities. Through its "Fishing Differently" methodology, it offers strategic learning cohorts, partnerships, and tools that engage congregations as catalytic agents of communal transformation. The co-founders of Oikos are the Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, executive director, and the Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, CEO and author of the foundational text, "Fishing Differently: Ministry Formation in the Marketplace" (2018).

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