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AmeriCorps Week Spotlights Area Supporters

Hampton, Va.—The First Annual VISTA Volunteer Recognition Dinner was held Friday May 16 at the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple presented by Hand and Hand, Inc. Among those awarded were non-profit groups, churches, and individuals
who are working to address poverty and related issues in Hampton Roads.
    The local event was part of programs around the country observing AmeriCorps Week, from May 11-18, and spotlighting how American citizens are tackling high-school dropouts, prisoner re-entry, illiteracy, and other national challenges in partnership with the Federal program.
    The awardees participate in volunteer programs in Hampton Roads that fight poverty, mentor youth, recover from disasters, raise graduation rates, build homes, and tackle our toughest social challenges. ,”
   “We want AmeriCorps Week to inspire millions more Americans to serve, whether through AmeriCorps or Peace Corps or volunteering in your neighborhood,” said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps, including state and national grants, VISTA, and NCCC.
    In the past 15 years, more than 540,000 men and women have taken AmeriCorps’s pledge to “get things done for America,” providing more than 705 million hours of service, mobilizing tens of millions of volunteers, and improving the lives of countless citizens.
    Hand And Hand, Inc., founded by Cynthia Downs-Taylor, recruits area citizens to work in community programs at churches and non-profit groups that partner with AmeriCorps.
    The Dinner recognized nonprofit and community partners, and AmeriCorps workers for the impact they’ve had in the communities where they’ve served.
   The AmeriCorps honorees were:
    Harnessing Baby Boomers Experience: Ms. Connie Pryor - Six House, Inc.; Ms. Mildred Rodgers - RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program); Ms. Georgia Wheeler - CIOCED (Cornerstone International Outreach for Community and Economic Development)


 

Posted May 21, 2008

    Engaging Students in the Community: Weed and Seed Program, Urban League of Hampton Roads; Gospel Light Cares, Inc.
    Mobilizing Volunteers: RSVP - Mrs. Mary Dean; Emmanuel House, Inc. - Ms. Shelia Cook   

   Outstanding Disaster Relief Program: Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple; CIOCED (Cornerstone Assembly of God); Moton Community House
    Ex-Offenders and Prison Re-Entry Program: Holy Tabernacle Church of Deliverance; Second Chances; Freedom Outreach Center
    Exceptional Community Service of the Year Awards: Ms. Maceon (Jackie) Barrett - Six House, Inc.; Mrs. Tara Davis - Second Chances; Ms. Pia Holmes - Mannah, Inc.;
Mr. Bilal Muhammad - Moton Community House; Ms. Kathy Stokes - STOP (Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Program); Ms. Toya Wynn - YWCA Domestic Violence Program
    Most Supportive Organizations: CIOCED - Pastor Andrew Williams; Gospel Light Cares, Inc. - Ms. Jetsie Johnson; Marching Elites Association - Mark Cooper; Mannah, Inc. - Mrs. Evelyn Holmes; Six House, Inc. - Mr. Charles Mason; First Baptist Church Jefferson Park - Ms. Willie Mae Hunt
    Outstanding Community Organization: Urban League of Hampton Roads, Ms. Edith White, Executive Director
   Outstanding Faith - Based Organization: Six House, Inc.; Mr. Charles Mason, Executive Director
   Outstanding Grass - Roots Community Organization: Moton Community House, Mr. Linwood Debrew - Executive Director

   Outstanding VISTA Site Supervisor - Paid Staff: Ms. Fran Dillard-Moore; Pastor Andrew Williams; Ms. Yvette Young

   Outstanding VISTA Site Supervisor - Unpaid Staff: Mrs. Evelyn Holmes: Mrs. Sheila Cook Additional persons recognized were VISTA members who have completed their 1st and 2nd year of service.

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