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Outstanding Volunteers Recognized with Forsyth County Governor’s Awards
(Winston-Salem, NC) – This morning, HandsOn Northwest North Carolina in partnership with the United Way of Forsyth County, and Salem College presented the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards to sixteen recipients from across Forsyth County. HandsOn, whose mission is to mobilize people and organizations that inspire community change, presented the awards during an event that welcomed approximately 300 guests on Tuesday, May 7 at 8 am at Novant Health’s Forsyth Medical Center Conference Center. Winners were selected by a volunteer committee from a diverse pool of nominees. Award recipients are: Carla Johnson (Animals); Thomas Allred (Committee’s Choice); Allegacy Federal Credit Union (Corporate); Kristina Ebbink (Cultural); Paige Reilly (Director of Volunteers); Susan Peatross (Environmental); Jim Graham (Faith-Based); The Little Engines That Could: The Morgan, Griffith, and Mills Families (Group/Team); Valerie George (Health and Human Services); Joann Goodson (Historically-Underserved Populations); Tanya Garanzuay (Individual); Thao Sommerville (Lifetime Achievement); Judy McAllister (Senior); KeKe Robinson (Service to Seniors); Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (Service to Youth); and Max Chen (Youth). The program featured the winners sharing their individual and inspirational stories of service. The emcee was Michelle Kennedy, WXII News 12.
These volunteers give their time to a variety of different organizations. Carla Johnson organizes vaccination clinics for Humane Solutions Spay-Neuter Program. Thomas Allred has spent the past 15 years helping the Community Care Center run smoothly. Allegacy Federal Credit Union was recognized for their effectiveness in engaging their employees as volunteers for causes and events across the community. Kristina Ebbink’s volunteer leadership has made sure that the “show must go on” at the Kernersville Little Theatre since the 1990s. Paige Reilly uses her professional expertise to keep the volunteer program at the heart of Senior Services’ Meals-on-Wheels running. Susan Peatross uses her artistic flair to help make events at Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center and across Winston-Salem beautiful. Jim Graham puts his faith into action by serving clients at Samaritan Ministries. The “Little Engines that Could” have served more that 15,000 meals at SECU Family House since 2011. Valerie George spearheads the “Wee Care” Cereal Drive for Crisis Control Ministry. The Wells Center’s clients have enjoyed the visits from Joann Goodson for almost 40 years. Tanya Garanzuay puts her Spanish translating skills to good use with a wide variety of organizations across the city. Thao Sommerville continues to show up in multiple ways to support her neighbors in Lewisville and Clemmons. Judy McAllister helps keep the SECU Family House organized. KeKe Robinson makes everything a little easier for staff and residents at Salemtowne Retirement Community. The annual Youth Symposium at the Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club wouldn’t happen without the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. – Alpha Mu Sigma Alumnae Chapter. Lastly, Max Chen has spent the majority of his school years turning other youth onto science as a volunteer with Kaleideum.
About the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards have been awarded by the Governor’s Office and its Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (VolunteerNC) for nearly 40 years. The award honors citizens who have shown significant concern and compassion for their neighbors through volunteer service. In Forsyth County, the awards were coordinated for over a dozen years by the United Way. Since 2007, the United Way and HandsOn NWNC have worked together to co-host the awards breakfast. Salem College joined the planning team in 2013.
About HandsOn NWNC
HandsOn NWNC, based in Winston-Salem, NC, is a member of the Points of Light Global Affiliate Network and mobilizes people and organizations that inspire community change. They engage thousands of people a year in meaningful volunteer service across a network of more than 500 different nonprofits across Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Davie, Davidson, Yadkin, and Iredell counties.
Photos available upon request.
SPC Mechanical Corporation Team Ups with Activate Good and HandsOn Northwest NC for Community Impact, Employee Volunteer Engagement
Raleigh, N.C. – August 12, 2021 – This year, employees at SPC Mechanical Corporation kicked off a special campaign to give their time and talents to help North Carolina causes, many of which have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and its economic impacts.
To facilitate this campaign in two North Carolina regions where SPC Mechanical Corporation offices are located, the company has partnered with Activate Good, a nonprofit that helps mobilize community members to volunteer in the Triangle area, and HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, a nonprofit that mobilizes people to create community change in the Triad area.
“We love it when companies offer up their special talents and skills to help causes in the Triangle area in unique ways,” shared Amber Smith, Executive Director of Activate Good. Amy Lytle, Executive Director of HandsOn Northwest NC mentioned that “working with SPC Mechanical reminds us of the benefits highly-skilled employees can bring to our partner nonprofits. We hope to continue to engage companies like SPC Mechanical who are dedicated to community service.”
Activate Good and HandsOn Northwest North Carolina are both affiliates of the Global Points of Light network.
The partnership with Activate Good and HandsOn Northwest North Carolina will send SPC Mechanical employees out to serve causes in both regions every quarter. “We are excited to team up with Activate Good and Hands On to contribute to the success of our local communities,” says Kiel Mattsson Operations Manager SPC Mechanical. “It’s a pleasure to work with them and use our skills to fulfill needs. We look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future.”
Utilizing the specific skill sets and meeting unique needs of the Triangle and Triad communities, the organizations SPC Mechanical will be working with include:
● The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC has provided food for those facing hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for over 40 years. The Food Bank works every day to provide food to people in need while building solutions to end hunger.
● Solus Christus strives to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of women experiencing homelessness, trauma, and addiction, as well as supplying their physical needs of food, clothing, and shelter.
● ABC OF NC Child Development Center is a nonprofit school and service provider for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
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About SPC Mechanical Corporation
Established in 1965, SPC Mechanical is a family owned and operated Mechanical Contractor with construction and service operations throughout North Carolina. SPC is a forward thinking company investing in and leveraging the latest proven technologies to build high quality and schedule sensitive projects. SPC is known for high quality installation and service and is experienced in private, institutional, healthcare, university and state/federal government work.
SPC is committed to giving back to the communities that have given their support to us!
LinkedIn: SPC Mechanical Corporation
Facebook: SPC Mechanical Corp. (@SPCMechanical) Instagram: @spcmechanical
Twitter: @spc_mechanical
About Activate Good
We believe we all have a responsibility to work towards a better world. That’s why Activate Good improves our community through people-powered projects for good.
Activate Good envisions a world in which all people realize and act on their power to improve their communities. Learn more about Activate Good and find local volunteer opportunities at www.activategood.org.
To support companies with a local employee base and engagement goals, Activate Good offers a variety of engagement opportunities, including Custom Service Calendars and Custom Service Projects and Events. Each engagement is fit to the partner company’s unique needs, including frequency, project type, location, and cause area preferences – as well as goals related to Human Resources, CSR and more.
www.activategood.org ● 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27604 Twitter: @activategood ● Facebook.com/activategood
About HandsOn Northwest North Carolina
HandsOn NWNC works with a variety of companies—both large and small—to help them source, manage, and evaluate employee volunteer efforts and other CSR initiatives as part of its mission to mobilize people and organizations that inspire community change. They support a network of more than 500 different nonprofits in Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Davie, Davidson and Yadkin counties in a variety of ways that help them meet their missions more effectively, and engage approximately 5,000 volunteers each year in meaningful service across that network. Hundreds of service opportunities, offered throughout the year for volunteers of all kinds, can be found on GetConnected, part of HandsOn NWNC’s website.
HandsOn Northwest North Carolina Expanding Equity-Focused Programming; Hiring New Program Coordinator
Winston-Salem, NC- HandsOn Northwest North Carolina is pleased to announce it has received a significant programmatic grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to build capacity for nonprofit organizations led by or primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and other people of color working with under-resourced neighborhoods and traditionally marginalized communities in Forsyth County. The grant is based on HandsOn’s extensive experience providing professional, culturally competent training and leadership development programs that strengthen and sustain nonprofits and individuals. The funds will support participation in programs that provide technical assistance and coaching to small grassroots nonprofits in a variety of functional areas important to nonprofit operations, as well as train emerging BIPOC community leaders to serve as effective nonprofit board members. The funding also provides the opportunity for HandsOn to hire a new Program Coordinator to oversee program logistics and outreach.
“We are excited and heartened by this investment from the Trust in our equity-focused programming, which will allow us to expand our efforts to support these smaller, grassroots groups led by Black, Indigenous and other leaders of colors,” says Amy Lytle, HandsOn Executive Director. “Together with our board, HandsOn has been on an equity journey since our founding in 2007, and we’re looking forward to putting our established expertise in training nonprofits and their leaders to work in these expanded and much-needed efforts. Since the Trust has been a long-time funder and partner with HandsOn, it’s fantastic that we’re taking this next step on our journey together.”
HandsOn’s first goal in the roll-out of these initiatives is to hire a new Program Coordinator, who will work closely with HandsOn’s Program Director to plan and implement all of HandsOn’s training programs with a focus on those programs supported by the Trust’s grant funds. “Being able to expand our small, close-knit team to support these efforts will be crucial to their success,” states Lytle. “We’re looking for someone with experience working or volunteering in local nonprofit organizations, who preferably has lived experience as a BIPOC community leader as well.” Recruitment for the full-time, hourly position, which includes benefits, has already begun, with hopes that the person will start in September. A full position description and application instructions can be found in the “About Us” staff section of HandsOn NWNC’s website.
HandsOn NWNC, based in Winston-Salem, mobilizes people and organizations that inspire community change in Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Davie, Davidson, and Yadkin counties. They work within a network of more than 500 different nonprofits, engage approximately 5,000 volunteers in meaningful service a year, and have trained thousands of local nonprofit professionals since their founding in 2007. They are also a proud member of Points of Light’s Global Affiliate Network. All of their training and capacity-building offerings, along with a continuously-updated list of volunteer opportunities, can be found on their website at www.HandsOnNWNC.org.They have also curated a list of local equity-focused resources for both nonprofits and volunteers on their site at volunteer.handsonnwnc.org/equity.
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina. The mission of the of the Trust is to improve the health and quality of life of financially disadvantaged residents in North Carolina. The Health Improvement in North Carolina program area supports community-wide health solutions across the state. The Local Impact in Forsyth County program area fosters equitable and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life in Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as the sole trustee.
Diverse Group of Outstanding Volunteers in Forsyth County Are Recognized
(Winston-Salem, NC) – This morning, HandsOn Northwest North Carolina in partnership with the United Way of Forsyth County, Salem College, and The Winston-Salem Journal presented the 2019 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards to fifteen recipients from across Forsyth County. HandsOn, whose mission is to mobilize people and organizations that inspire community change, presented the awards at a breakfast presented the awards at a breakfast attended by more than 200 people at 8am on Wednesday, April 17th at Wake Forest University’s Bridger Field House. Winners were selected by a volunteer committee from a diverse pool of nearly 40 nominees. Award recipients are: The Shepherd’s Center Singers (Group/Team); Joseph Turner (Senior); The Legendary Labelers-Frank Young & Michael Collison (Perseverance in Volunteerism); Darlene Talbot (Faith-Based); HanesBrands (Corporate/Business); Moriah Gendy (National Service); Camilla Washington (Veterans and Military Families); Richard Gray (Serving Youth); Maya Agger (Disaster); Elite Canine’s Comfort Dogs (Animals); Deanna Perez (Cultural); Liz Price (Environment); Charles Poteat (Health and Human Services); Myrtie Davis (Lifetime Achievement); Robin Pardella (Director of Volunteers). The People’s Choice Award winner, chosen from amongst all of the nominees by voters at JournalNow.com, was Myrtie Davis, marking the first time in the history of the People’s Choice Award that they chose a category winner. The program featured the winners sharing their individual and inspirational stories of service. The emcee was Kenneth Pettigrew of the Winston-Salem Urban League.
These volunteers give their time to a variety of different organizations. The Shepherd Center Singers share their talents with numerous nursing homes in the area, and support each other as participants at The Shepherd Center of Greater Winston-Salem. Mr. Turner, aged 85, supports literacy efforts at Kimberly Park Elementary School. The Legendary Labelers overcome the logistics of Michael’s wheelchair to label eggs weekly at Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC. Darlene Talbot has become known as the “Underwear Queen” at Helping Hands Ministry. HanesBrands was recognized for their support of Samaritan Ministry, while Moriah Gandry was recognized for her dedication to service above and beyond her role as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader at Wake Forest University. Camilla Washington has been influential in building and rehabbing homes for veterans and their families through the work of Whole Man Ministries. Richard Gray serves as a mentor and role model for numerous young men at Walkertown Middle and High School, while Ms. Agger, a former recipient, “pays it forward” as a disaster volunteer with the American Red Cross. The Elite Canine’s Comfort Dogs spread joy throughout the community, especially at events hosted by The Piedmont Down Syndrome Association. The art teacher at Vienna Elementary School counts on the daily support of Deanna Perez, while Ms. Price works to ensure that every client at Catholic Charities benefits from their sustainable-raised garden produce. Mr. Poteat makes sure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, crosses the threshold of Novant Health’s Medical Park Hospital with a smile on their face. Myrtie Davis has brought both her children, and now her grandchildren, along for the ride during her weekly Meals-on-Wheels deliveries for Senior Services. Robin Pardella was recognized for her decades of excellence in supporting and mobilizing volunteers at The Salvation Army.
Please see a PDF of the attached program, which includes profiles of each winner and the names of the additional nominees, for more details. A group picture of some of the winners is also attached. For more information, call HandsOn NWNC at 724-2866 or through e-mail to AmyLytle@HandsOnNWNC.org.
About the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards have been awarded by the Governor’s Office and its Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service for nearly 40 years. The award honors citizens who have shown significant concern and compassion for their neighbors through volunteer service. In Forsyth County, the awards were coordinated for over a dozen years by the United Way. Since 2007, the United Way and HandsOn NWNC have worked together to co-host the awards breakfast. Salem College joined the planning team in 2013, and, in 2014, The Winston-Salem Journal helped launch an online nomination and voting system for the awards, including a “People’s Choice Award.”
About HandsOn NWNC
HandsOn NWNC, based in Winston-Salem, NC, is a member of the Points of Light Global Affiliate Network and mobilizes people and organizations that inspire community change. They engage approximately 5,000 people a year in meaningful volunteer service across a network of more than 500 different nonprofits across Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Davie, Davidson, and Yadkin counties.