Good Shepherd to receive Governor’s Service Award
CHARLESTON – On Wednesday, Aug. 10, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will honor Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of “Faces of Leadership,” the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations who exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. Good Shepherd is one of two recipients in the organization category.
Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers is the oldest Faith in Action program in West Virginia.
Good Shepherd provides aging seniors and disabled Jefferson County residents with free services that include transportation to and from medical appointments, including dialysis and chemotherapy. The organization also provides a diverse menu of home improvement services, including handicap ramp installations, household chores, home repair, yard work and snow removal, just to name a few.
Good Shepherd coordinates 357 volunteers that provided more than 5,200 volunteer hours for more than 500 individuals in 2010. Volunteers drove more than 48,000 miles and provided more than 5,000 services for a total value of $133,600 to the county.
The organization also coordinates a Medical Lending Program, in which medical equipment is repaired, recycled and maintained for the use of those who are in need. This program not only respects the environment by limiting the amount of medical equipment sent to landfills but also by continuing use from one person in need to the next.
Good Shepherd partners with 18 health and social service agencies and receives funding from faith organizations, community members, civic organizations and foundations, which allows the organization to offers its services free of charge.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service to honor outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses solving community problems through volunteer service.