On April 25, 2024, Project Access Resource Centers celebrated the unsung heroes of our community at the prestigious 48th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards at The City Grove of Anaheim in California. The event is one of OneOC’s most anticipated events of the year. It celebrates the outstanding and innovative volunteer service of individuals and groups throughout Southern California.
At the core of our mission lay the firm belief that every act of service, no matter how small, possesses the potential to ignite profound change. As we reflected on the nominees, it became abundantly clear that this belief was embodied in the remarkable individuals and teams who selflessly gave their time and talents to make a difference.
Meet our unsung heroes:
Melannie D. – Melannie goes above and beyond, especially for our youth. Her optimism, positive attitude, care, and attention to detail have made after-school programming a pleasant experience for our program participants.
Recognizing the importance of inclusion, she tirelessly translates instructions for our Spanish-speaking participants, ensuring that no language barrier stands in the way of their learning and engagement.
And her dedication goes even further. Beyond assisting with homework, Melannie invests extra time to reinforce English vocabulary and alphabet skills, empowering our participants to thrive in their language development.
Marivel M. – Marivel has been a consistent and reliable presence at our Park-it-Market event every Tuesday. We greatly appreciate her steadfast support, especially during times when we’re short on volunteers. She brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm that uplifts everyone around her.
Marivel’s dedication shines particularly bright when she interacts with our special needs adults who join us weekly for volunteering. She ensures they feel welcomed and cared for, demonstrating patience and warmth in every interaction.
Her genuine care and approachable demeanor make her a valued member of our team, and we’re grateful for the love and dedication she brings to every task.
Therese N. – Therese’s positive attitude, creativity, and strong leadership skills are evident in everything she does. Her enthusiasm sets a welcoming tone for our programming efforts, creating an inclusive environment for youth and residents alike.
Therese consistently goes the extra mile. She takes the initiative to lead activities, and crafts engaging projects for our toddlers, and ensures that every child feels included during group activities. Her attention to detail shines through in her efforts to ensure the safety of our youngest participants during nutrition classes. Therese’s dedication and care make her an invaluable asset to our community, and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Audra Z. – Audra’s optimism, creative approach, conscientious nature, and infectious energy embody the very essence of what Project Access strives to achieve: empowering every resident of affordable housing communities to reach their full potential.
Audra’s dedication goes far beyond the call of duty. She actively seeks opportunities to equip our residents with essential life skills, ensuring they are equipped to thrive independently.
Her thoughtful approach to assessing the community’s needs is evident in every program, event, and activity she leads or supports. Audra’s passion for positive change shines through in her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sunwest Bank – The dedication of Sunwest Bank and their volunteer team to imparting financial literacy education has left a lasting impact on the lives of our youth and adults. Their efforts in teaching essential skills such as budgeting, savings, and goal-setting have empowered our residents to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
Sunwest Bank volunteers take the time to forge personal connections with our residents, going above and beyond to create a supportive and inclusive environment. They provide a safe space for residents to ask questions, share aspirations, and seek guidance, fostering a sense of trust and community.
As we came together to celebrate these extraordinary individuals and teams, we were reminded of the transformative power of service. Each nominee represented a shining example of the impact one person—or one organization—could have on the lives of others. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference served as an inspiration to us all.
Together, we raised our voices in celebration of these unsung heroes of our community. We honored their remarkable contributions and reaffirmed our belief in the power of service to change the world, one act of kindness at a time.
Project Access Resource Centers remained immensely proud to have such outstanding volunteers recognized, showcasing the transformative power of service. Here’s to their continued success and the inspiring impact they made every day.
Make a difference today! Find out how you can make an impact by volunteering, click here or email Linda Tran at ltran@project-access.org.
#projectaccess #philanthropymatters #housingisahumanright #buildingfutures #affordablehousing #residentservices #familyhousing #endhomelessness #volunteerism #volunteer #volunteering #volunteers #volunteerwork #nonprofit #volunteerlife #community #communityservice #love #charity #communityengagement #donate #memes #volunteersrock #volunteerabroad