GOVERNOR MCDONNELL HONORS 2011 VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS. - States News Service

RICHMOND, VA -- The following information was released by the office of the governor of Virginia:

Governor Bob McDonnell today honored eight recipients of the 2011 Volunteerism and Community Services Awards whose extraordinary volunteer efforts contribute to the life and welfare of citizens throughout the Commonwealth. Honorees were recognized during an awards ceremony at the Dominion Resources Riverside Campus, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Social Services, Office on Volunteerism and Community Service and the Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteerism and National Service. The awards were sponsored by Altria, Amerigroup and Dominion Resources.

'This year's recipients reflect the tremendous difference individuals, families, businesses and non-profits can make in their communities through volunteerism,' said Governor McDonnell. 'Each honoree's contribution began with one word, 'yes.' As we recognize their vision and accomplishments, we encourage all Virginians to follow their examples and engage in their communities. Many regions of the Commonwealth have been affected by tornadoes and severe weather in recent weeks and the outpouring of support for volunteer efforts has been tremendous. The example set by the individuals you see here tonight has never been more important to follow than right now.'

'Volunteerism strengthens outcomes for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth,' said Virginia Department of Social Services Director Martin Brown. 'We're honored to thank today's award recipients for empowering those in need to live safer, more fulfilling lives.'

2011 Volunteerism and Community Services Award Recipients

SUPERVALU Eastern Region is the recipient of the Outstanding Business Award. Recognized for their financial support and employees' volunteer commitment to Junior Achievement of Central Virginia SUPERVALUE is dedicated to providing economic and financial literacy education to children.

The Joe 15 Team, Inc., a Manassas-based a 501(c) 3 organization, is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Organization Award. Founded by Debbie Page-Maples whose 20-year-old son, Joe, was murdered in 2008, 'Joe 15' partners with local public high schools and middle schools encouraging young people to become involved in their communities.

Virginia Tech Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships Coalition for Refugee Resettlement is the recipient of the Outstanding Educational Institution Award for providing educational and cultural mediation assistance to refugee families in the Roanoke area. Since its inception, the program has served more than 250 children and adults from Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Albania; helping adults and children achieve self-sufficiency.

Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics, a network of five locations, is the recipient of the Outstanding Faith-Based Volunteer Service Award. With clinics housed in churches of various denominations, professional and non-professional volunteers serve county residents who have no health insurance by providing medical, dental, eye care, podiatry, as well as mental health care.

Jessica and Raymond Burmester are this year's recipients of the Outstanding Family Award for their many years of exceptional service to Virginians with intellectual disabilities. The Burmesters have been models of persistence, patience and optimism through their invaluable service and volunteerism to the Coalition for Virginians with Mental Disabilities, the Arc of Virginia, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Long Term Care Coordinating Council.

Stephen Michalski, M.D., is the recipient of the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for his achievements and dedication as a math tutor for Fairfax County's Mott Computer Clubhouse. The after school program provides a safe and creative out-of-school learning environment for children.

Maria Santos is the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award for establishing Love and Caring for the Homeless, a shelter for disenfranchised women and children in Virginia Beach. As founder and director, she has continuously provided care for more than 2,000 women and their families in the past 16 years.

Emily Claire Lodge is the recipient of the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award for establishing 'Score for the Poor,' a soccer camp that not only raises money to help 100 elderly Virginians each year, but also provides an affordable week-long summer camp for children aged three to twelve.

The Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards are presented by the Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteerism and National Service and the Virginia Department of Social Services' Office on Volunteerism and Community Service on behalf of the Office of the Governor. These awards recognize the significant contributions of Virginia citizens to the life and welfare of the Commonwealth and its people. Additional information about the program and this year's recipients can be found online at http://www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/gov_award

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