FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 18, 2022

National service agencies host volunteer recognition ceremony during VolunteerNC’s AmeriCorps Member Launch

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, Oct. 17, AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, and VolunteerNC hosted a national service reception and volunteer recognition ceremony in Greensboro, N.C. During the event, Sonali Nijhawan, AmeriCorps State and National director, gave remarks about national service and volunteerism in North Carolina and awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Awards to seven local volunteers who have served thousands of hours across multiple organizations.

The volunteer recognition ceremony followed VolunteerNC’s 2022 AmeriCorps new member event which included AmeriCorps member networking, a swearing-in ceremony, workshops and closing remarks from Nijihawan. Currently, more than 4,000 Americans are meeting local needs, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity through national service at more than 800 locations across North Carolina. Last year, AmeriCorps invested more than $22.2 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, working hand in hand with VolunteerNC and other local organizations.

“For the past 19 years, the President’s Volunteer Service Award has inspired countless people to enact change and the service we see in North Carolina is no exception,” said Sonali Nijhawan, AmeriCorps State and National director. “I am grateful for the recognized volunteers and their decade's long commitment to service. Thank you each for giving your time and demonstrating service as a uniting force.”

Yesterday’s President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honorees include:

  • Ghaisha Yahaya-Mohamed, Lifetime Achievement, 4514 hours, AmeriCorps Cross-Cultural Education Service Systems Project at the University of North Carolina Greensboro
  • Leonard Ronk, Lifetime Achievement, 7500 hours, Gaston Hope in Christ Ministries, Inc.
  • Mike Sweeny, Lifetime Achievement, 4000 hours, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center, Wheels for Hope, Dorcas Ministries and The Carrying Place

Additionally, the President’s Volunteer Service Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards were bestowed upon:

  • Ann Lassiter, Silver, 368 hours, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center
  • Barbara Thomas, Silver, 388 hours, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center
  • Jimmy Bender, Gold, 550 hours, The Filling Station
  • Tina Falker, Bronze, 157 hours, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center

Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.