Teter honored with Good Samaritan Award

JEFFERSON – Nicole Teter has made a difference in people’s lives both personally and professionally, and for that, the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce honored her with its Good Samaritan Award recently.
Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce Board member Becke Bradbury Creed presented Teter with the honor during the Chamber’s annual banquet at the Jefferson Recreation and Community Center on Tuesday, April 21.
As she presented the award, Bradbury Creed shared how Teter has affected people in the community and Bradbury Creed herself.
“[Teter] is as genuine as they come and deserves this recognition,” Bradbury Creed said. “It is such an honor to stand here tonight as a board member of the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce to present the Good Samaritan Award. But this one is deeply personal for me because this isn’t just someone from our community – this is someone I know very well.”
Bradbury Creed shared that she’s known Teter since their kids, now in their 30s, met in 6th grade.
“From the very beginning, I realized something pretty quickly – she doesn’t do anything halfway. She doesn’t ‘kind of’ help. She doesn’t ‘show up if she can.’ She shows up. Period,” Bradbury Creed said. “And she shows up big, every single time.”
She shared how Teter helped feed the entire football team at home games, among many other community contributions, but what makes her truly deserving of this award isn’t just what she does publicly.
“It’s what she does quietly, when no one is watching. And I know that because I’ve lived it,” Bradbury Creed said.
She shared how when she was starting over with nothing but her dog, clothes and a used trailer in 2009, Teter showed up with everything to turn that trailer into a home.
“More importantly, she showed up with love and laughter when I needed it most,” Bradbury Creed said.
Teter also was there in 2011, when Bradbury Creed lost her brother unexpectedly.
Bradbury Creed shared words from other people who Teter has helped in life, including during her time working at the Village Table in Jefferson.
“She would go out of her way to pick up my dad, Mike, who has ALS and take him to lunch at the Village Table. While he was there, she would blend up his food to make it easy for him to enjoy. Also, she would take him food on her own time and invite him to her home for meals. She does things like that for others as well,” Bradbury Creed shared.
Another person said of Teter, “She always made sure to take care of the officers and the office personnel at the Jefferson Police Department. She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve known. She always went above and beyond to take care of the seniors at The Village Table.”
“She was instrumental in creating meaningful work-based learning opportunities at the Village Table. These opportunities allowed Jefferson Area High School students to build essential soft employment skills while earning the hours to meet necessary graduation requirements. Through her guidance, students gained hands-on experience in areas such as communication, teamwork, time management and customer service, all within a supported and structured environment,” another person shared of Teter. “She consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentoring students, providing constructive feedback and modeling professionalism in the workplace. Her efforts not only helped students develop confidence and independence, but also prepared them for future employment and post-secondary success. The impact of her work has been evident in the growth and readiness of the students she supports, making her an invaluable partner in their educational journey.”
Bradbury Creed said Teter “is the kind of person who steps in before you even realize you’re falling.”
“She gives without hesitation. She loves without judgment or limits. And she carries people through some of the hardest moments of their lives – and did I mention she’s an amazing cook?” Bradbury Creed said. “She brings comfort. She brings warmth. She brings laughter. But most importantly, she makes people feel safe, important, taken care of and loved – in every sense of the word.”
Bradbury Creed said Teter is the friend everyone hopes to have – and the person every community needs.
“And the definition of what it means to be a Good Samaritan. Without recognition, without attention. She does it because that’s just her DNA,” Bradbury Creed said. “They say a Good Samaritan is someone who helps a stranger. But the truth is, she’s never met a stranger – and she doesn’t just help people. She shows up for them, stands beside them and carries them when they can’t stand on their own.”
Bradbury Creed said this award doesn’t define Teter.
“She defines what this award should be,” Bradbury Creed said.
Teter’s family includes husband Eric, sons Shane and Dustin, daughter Brittany, cousin Christie, new granddaughter Leilani and sister Renee Carnes.