Gabriel Homes, Inc. (GHI), a leading housing provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Reston and Herndon, is proud to announce five inductees to the Hall of Fame class of 2025. As the largest class since the posthumous founders’ class of 1982, this year’s inductees are honored for their significant, long-lasting impacts on Gabriel Homes.
Inducted at the Christmas party, the Gabriel Homes Hall of Fame class of 2025 was selected by the Board of Directors for exemplifying our mission and vision of independence for adults of all abilities. The esteemed members of the 2025 class include:
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Jim Anderson, Volunteer
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John H., Former Resident
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Beth Hoyos, Staff
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Willie Lemay, Former Volunteer
- Tom Stringer, Former Staff
Jim Anderson
Jim Anderson has long been a quiet force behind Gabriel Homes. Whenever a home needed a truck, landscaping, or a new driveway, Jim and his business partner Mike Holupka were the ones making it happen without fanfare or recognition. From solving countless problems to supporting the Gabriel Homes Annual Golf Tournament, Jim generously donated his time and resources through The Anderson Company. When Mike served as board chair, Jim worked behind the scenes. Jim’s partnership and commitment to Gabriel Homes have been invaluable.
Jim is known for his selflessness and desire to give back. Gabriel Homes was the beneficiary of his generosity for many years.
“Jim is a wonderful, kind, and giving individual,” Mike says. “He has the biggest heart of anyone I know.”
John H.:
The late John H. had an outlook on life and sense of humor that brightened everyone’s day. Everyone who met John was greeted with a warm smile and welcome; he truly wanted to get to know others. He was loved and revered by staff, his community, and coworkers as a beacon of independence.
At home, John was the king of pop culture. He would break stories to you quicker than the news ticker would finish the headline. You could always catch him watching all the best soap operas on TV, “General Hospital” being his favorite.
“Every day with John was exciting,” said Rich, John’s former housemate. “We did everything together, and I knew I’d spend the whole time laughing.”
Most inspiring was John’s work ethic. He celebrated 30 years working at Walmart in 2024 and, with pride, hung his certificate in his room. His coworkers often praised him, saying, “Without John, Walmart would fall apart.”
Beth Hoyos:
Beth joined Gabriel Homes in the summer of 1998 as a weekend counselor. She was pursuing her master’s in social work at George Mason University at the time. Up to her induction in 2025, she has always given — and continues to give — 100% of her heart to our residents and Gabriel Homes. Beth consistently found creative ways to support them, always prioritizing their dignity and rights.
In 2020, Gabriel Homes faced unprecedented challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. Adults with IDD saw higher hospitalization rates. With Beth’s leadership and the support of the Gabriel Homes staff, residents stayed safe and cared for during one of the most anxious health crises in our lifetimes.
“I’ve had the privilege to work closely with Beth in the 25 years I have been a part of Gabriel Homes,” said Michele Bolos, chair of the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors. “She has been a steady source of support for the residents, staff, and board. We are so lucky to have her as part of the Gabriel Homes community.”
Willie Lemay:
The late Willie Lemay was a rare individual who always showed up with a smile on his face. He was part of the Gabriel Homes Work Crew (GHWC), a group of retirees who meet once a month to help maintain our many homes. Many in the GHWC know of Willie as “Mr. Happy.”
Willie helped with painting, landscaping, and home repair projects. Some may remember him for his antics, like spraying paint or tossing too many mothballs around the homes. But true to his word, Willie would be first to leave the homes better than he found them.
“The workday will not be the same without Willie,” said Mickey Femino, Willie’s former coworker and longtime friend who’s also in the GHWC. “We miss him so much because he meant so much. He was an individual who liked everyone, and everyone liked him.”
Tom Stringer:
Tom worked at GHI for 13 years as a residential counselor before retiring in May 2025. During his tenure, he was a respected employee who was loved by the residents he worked with and respected by his coworkers. Every time he walked through the front door, the residents could count on him to lend a listening ear and offer a kind heart. Many of the residents reached new heights in their independence thanks to Tom’s dedicated support.
“Tom was family,” said Shelby, a resident at Gabriel Homes. “He was nice to Caryn and me, and he was always great to see at home. He helped us get ready for dances like Night to Shine and the Spring Fling. I’m very happy to call Tom my friend.”
Meet and read the bios of past Hall of Fame inductees at gabrielhomes.org.
Gabriel Homes Inc
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Lynn Davis Executive Director
- December 16, 2025
- (703) 403-2830
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