Community volunteers are the key to our community success.
That was the theme of June 21st's United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Volunteer of the Year event, held at the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown. Seventeen volunteers, all nominated by agencies funded by United Way, attended the event, and were honored with a special certificate, signed by Amy Rohler, UWAY SCC executive director, and a representative from the nominating agency.
“We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers, and the volunteers that serve our partner agencies make a big difference in the lives of the people they serve. Our community is better because of them.” said Lindsey Goold, Director of Community Impact, “Volunteering not only benefits nonprofits but it fosters a stronger sense of unity, involving marginalized people in community projects, and improving overall physical and mental health. With volunteer time valued at $28.54 per hour, most nonprofits would not be successful in pursuing their mission without the support of volunteers.”
Goold presented the awards to each nominee, and Leecroft Clarke, I.D.E.A. Coalition Director, was the keynote speaker. The event was generously sponsored by Fessenden, Laumer, and DeAngelo, PLLC.
Honorees for the evening included:
American Red Cross – Wendy Brickman
Chautauqua Adult Day Care Services – Pedro Fajaro
Chautauqua County RSVP Community Volunteers – Carol Parnell
Chautauqua Striders Mentoring – Len Barry
Chautauqua Striders Tutoring – Wayne Berg
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – Kristin & Shawn Fileger
Jamestown Community Learning Council (JCLC) – Tina Sandstrom
Jamestown YMCA – Scott Johnson
Junior Achievement of WNY – Amanda Braley
Meals on Wheels – Charlie Hodges
Prevention Works – Lois Lindell
The Relief Zone – Tim Lyon
The Resource Center – Doug Anderson
United Way of Southern Chautauqua County – Marion Beckerink
WCD Boys & Girls Club – Conner Zawisa
YWCA Jamestown – Kristin Lee Yaw
Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with United Way or our partner agencies can contact Lindsey Goold, Director of Community Impact, at lrensel@uwayscc.org or call United Way of Southern Chautauqua County at 716-483-1561.