2026 Elizabeth M. Forsyth Community Service Award Recipient
The Elizabeth M. Forsyth Community Service Award was created in 2004 to acknowledge the impact of individuals who have made significant contributions to the community by recognizing local needs and supporting solutions to meet them. The award was named after one of our co-founders, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Forsyth who set a tremendous precedent in her lifetime of service to the Lynchburg community and particularly to Miriam’s House through a generous financial commitment. This year’s award recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Miriam’s House and our work to end homelessness.
Bio
BJ McGraw has been a dedicated supporter of Miriam’s House for over three decades, serving first on the Board of Directors from 1997 to 2001 and then again from 2016 to the present. During her time with Miriam’s House, BJ has held a number of leadership roles including Board President from 2021 – 2023 as she guided the organization through the challenges of the pandemic.
BJ is a Project Manager with Pacific Life and has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. While working at First Colony Life, she met a founding board member of Miriam’s House, Vince Sawyer, who introduced her to the organization and thus began her first board service experience. BJ’s service to the community extends far beyond Miriam’s House as she has served as a volunteer, strategic planner, or board member for many nonprofits, including Daily Bread, the Salvation Army, Amazement Square, Opera on the James, Jubilee Family Center, Lake Christian Ministries, Friends of the Lynchburg Public Library, and many others.
In addition to nonprofit service, BJ is the Chair of Member Care at Peakland United Methodist Church where she attends and regularly serves. BJ has called Lynchburg home since 1989 where she raised her twin daughters, Cindy and Stephanie. In addition to her daughters, BJ has a son-in-law, Brandon, and two wonderful grandsons. While not serving others, BJ can be found enjoying time with friends and family and cheering on her family in sports.
We are grateful for BJ’s many years of service to Miriam’s House and the broader Lynchburg community as her compassion, generosity, and leadership has made Lynchburg a better place to live for all of us.
Our 2025 EMF Award recipient, Kate Sigler, presented this award to BJ at our Annual Luncheon on May 12, 2026 at the University of Lynchburg.
