From Staff Reports
Gaston County commissioners and United Way of Gaston County recognized the 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award recipients at a recent commissioners work session.
The Governor s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service, according to a United Way press release.
Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator.
County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.).
Local woman receives Friend of Extension Award
Purdue Extension Jackson County Director Heather VonDielingen, left, is pictured with Iveth Vasquez. Submitted photo
Purdue Extension Jackson County recently announced Iveth Vasquez had been named the recipient of the 2020 Friend of Extension Award for the state of Indiana.
The Seymour woman started the Working for Our Dreams 4-H Club that provides a well-rounded 4-H experience for Latino youth. She also serves on the 4-H expansion and review committee and Purdue Extension board and is employed by Purdue Extension Jackson County as a site coordinator for the Juntos 4-H program.
“To be honest, I do not have words to express how I feel. It is too much to explain,” she said. “I feel like Joseph in Egypt. God is putting me in a position that is reserved for only a few people. I am grateful to him first.
Labor and Economic Opportunity
MCSC offering up to $25,000 through Michigan Community Resilience Program
Request for Proposals
The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is requesting proposals to assist with strengthening the infrastructure and capacity of nonprofits to respond during COVID-19 by collaborating to meet community needs. Organizations will serve as backbone entities and assist nonprofits with accessing resources that support utilization of best practice elements to safely recruit, manage, retain, track and recognize volunteers in both rural and urban environments. Grant recipients will assist with launching a Volunteer Technology Suite provided by the MCSC to support volunteers virtually and capture data to make informed decisions. The intent of the project is to support the expansion of Volunteerism including skills-based, virtual, and employee, older adults, and youth. The goals align with MCSC s State Service Plan that was signed by Governor Gretchen Whi