Dr. Jacqueline Betancourt, Senior Community Health Worker with the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center’s SHIELD Program, has been selected to receive the 2026 Community Impact Award from Limitless Community Development. The award will be presented during the organization’s Annual Snow Ball Gala on Friday, December 11, 2026 at the M Garden.
Dr. Jacqueline Betancourt
Limitless Community Development (LCD) is a South Carolina-based nonprofit that strengthens access to support, knowledge, and resources through economic empowerment, health and wellness programs, and language assistance. Founded and led by Tanya Rodriguez-Hodges, LCD serves Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, Sumter, and York counties.
Its Community Impact Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the well-being of others and take meaningful action to address community needs. The organization praised Betancourt’s leadership, persistence, and dedication to serving communities across South Carolina.
Betancourt has served at BLEC for more than five years. In addition to her work with SHIELD, a diabetes prevention and management program, she spearheads BLEC’s annual Community Health Fair and Community Baby Shower. She also facilitates Mental Health First Aid training for Spanish speakers and pedestrian and bicycle safety classes and has served as BLEC’s representative for the United Way of the Midlands Annual Campaign.
Over the past year, Betancourt has faced health challenges of her own. Even while navigating those challenges, she continues to show up every day for the community, bringing the same compassion and commitment to the people she serves.
Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, executive director of the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC), said the recognition reflects the compassion, and commitment Betancourt brings to her work every day.
“There is no one more deserving of this Community Impact Award than Dr. Betancourt,” Cotton said. “She puts her heart and soul into her work and serves our community with great compassion. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure people are served, always looking for opportunities to reach others and offer help.”
Cotton also emphasized Betancourt’s collaborative spirit and the encouragement she brings to colleagues and community partners.
“She is a true team player who enjoys working with other organizations to meet the needs of our community,” Cotton said. “Regardless of the challenges we face, she continues to show up with a smile and a willingness to help. We are proud to see her dedication recognized in this meaningful way.”
For Betancourt, the recognition offers an opportunity to reflect on the relationships and shared efforts at the heart of community service.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Betancourt said in a proposed statement. “Serving the community is work that comes from my heart. I want people to know that they matter and that someone is willing to listen and help. I am grateful to work alongside colleagues and community partners who share that commitment, because together we can reach more people and make a meaningful difference.”
Limitless Community Development said that building stronger communities requires people and organizations to work together, and recognized Betancourt for her commitment to that shared effort and to improving the lives of others.