Montgomery County, TX (July 20, 2026)  Kari Prihoda, Executive Director of Children’s Safe Harbor, has recently received the 2026 Oak Wood Masonic Lodge 1444 “Grand Lodge of Texas Community Builder Award”.

This prestigious honor is presented by individual Masonic lodges to non-Masons who have provided outstanding service and contributions to their local communities. It recognizes outstanding leaders – whether in business, government, education, or other fields – who have demonstrated strong civic leadership and dedicated service to the betterment of society.

The award  is designed to enable the lodge to formally recognize outstanding nominations who have distinguished themselves through their services to the community,

Kari Prihoda was chosen for this year’s award due to her extensive dedication, leadership, and service contributions at Children’s Safe Harbor, an advocacy center serving abused children in Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto counties. Founded 27 years ago, over 31,000 children have been heard, helped, and healed at Children’s Safe Harbor. Over her 20-year career, Prihoda has conducted more than 4,000 interviews with young victims of abuse.

By presenting this award, Texas Masonic lodges aim to strengthen community bonds and highlight the importance of active involvement and leadership for the greater good.

Children’s Safe Harbor is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center with a mission to achieve justice, healing, and hope for every child victim of sexual assault, severe abuse, trafficking, neglect, and trauma, and to engage the community in that mission. Children’s Safe Harbor is a 501 © 3 nonprofit corporation. For more information, visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org.