First Lady Cecilia Abbott Announces 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recipients

First Lady Cecilia Abbott Announces 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recipients

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the 34th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, today announced the 2017 award recipients. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, administered by OneStar Foundation, honor the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in Texas that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering. Through her Texanthropy Initiative, Mrs. Abbott has made promoting volunteerism and service to others her primary focus as First Lady of Texas.

“It is no secret that Texas is filled with generous individuals and organizations, but these eleven awardees are truly extraordinary,” Mrs. Abbott said. “I am touched by all of the amazing things they are each doing to help their fellow Texans. Their example is truly inspiring.”

The awardees will be honored in the Fall at an evening reception at the Texas Governor’s Mansion. The recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards are:

Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award — David Godwin

David Godwin has performed decades of volunteer service in the Houston area. His longest-running charitable endeavor is with Literacy Initiative for Today (LIFT) at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where more than 10,000 adult students from over 20 countries have learned to speak English. David has also served as coordinator for the Center for Cultural Interchange since 2002, he has served as a board member of “Families with Children from China” since 1999, coordinated a silent auction to raise funds for the organization, and he has taught ESL at Houston’s Chinese Consulate. Additionally, David and his wife Lucy have hosted more than 75 students from 28 different countries who are in the U.S. attending intensive language schools in Houston.

First Lady’s Rising Star Award — Micah Pinson

Micah Pinson is only twelve-years-old, but he has already performed several years of volunteer service. In 2011, at the age of seven, Micah decided that he wanted to give back to Dallas Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the hospital that has helped him with a hand deformity. Micah conceived a community service project – a toy drive – that today stands as the largest single toy donation for the hospital. In total, more than 25,000 toys have been collected over the last six years, and 2016 was the best year ever with over 10,000 toys donated. Each year, Micah seeks ways to involve more community and business leaders in this project, and sees this not only as a way of giving back to the hospital that helped him so much, but also as a blessing in his life. 

Partners in Education Award — Fort Bend Education Foundation

In 1992, Fort Bend County business and community leaders came together to form the Fort Bend Education Foundation (FBEF). FBEF’s mission is to “inspire and equip all students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine.” Throughout its twenty-five year history, FBEF has provided support to the 75 campuses that house the more than 74,500 students and approximately 5,000 teachers in Fort Bend ISD. FBEF works collaboratively with the school district, and has given $32 million in grant funding to provide an exceptional learning experience, helping enhance educational outcomes by implementing programs that support teachers and equip students for a brighter future, while also utilizing the work of more than 800 volunteers.

Service to Veterans Award — Tony Smith

Retired Veteran Tony Smith has turned his service to country into a more-than-full-time, unpaid second career as a county-appointed Veterans Service Officer in Coryell County, which has one of Texas’ largest populations of disabled veterans. Two years ago, Tony found free office space and began reviewing a backlog of veteran’s cases where assistance had been requested but not acted upon, helping local veterans navigate the sometimes-challenging waters of the VA system. Tony serves as the commander of the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, and is a trained small group facilitator through “Bring Everyone in the Zone”, where in less than two years he helped grow local peer-to-peer veteran groups from one poorly-attended group to four thriving groups. Tony has provided for the veterans in his area in other ways as well, including counseling and support for several successful suicide prevention engagements, securing a motorized scooter for a disabled elderly veteran so he can be mobile on his rural property, raising funds for the burial of a veteran who died with no family to pay for the expenses, and assisting veterans’ family members with finding cost-effective funeral services and volunteer pastors.

Higher Education Community Impact Award — University of Houston SURE™ Program

The SURE™ Program, based at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business, stands for Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship, and that is exactly what the program has been doing with remarkable results. SURE™ trains students to provide current and aspiring entrepreneurs with free financial and business education, ongoing business consulting, and access to startup capital. The students are led and aided by a small staff and a large army of executive volunteers that guest lecture for each class and provide one-on-one consulting when needed. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony and pitch day. Since 2012, SURE™ has trained over 500 entrepreneurs from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds and helped launch over 80 businesses.

Corporate Community Impact Award — USAA

USAA’s signature corporate responsibility cause is promoting military family resiliency, and a key pillar of this cause is supporting the needs of the 5.5 million caregivers who care for wounded, injured or ill service members and veterans. In 2016, USAA supported the PsychArmor Institute in its efforts to develop a free online school and call center catering to the unique needs of military caregivers. In less than six months, over 40,000 caregivers had completed at least one training course. According to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, USAA is the first business to dedicate a pillar of its corporate responsibility program to addressing the nation’s military caregiver crisis, highlighting its commitment to programs that recognize the sacrifices and address the needs of our military and veterans, as well as their caregivers and families.

Corporate Community Impact Award for Small Business — Granite Properties, Inc.

Granite Properties, Inc. is a commercial real estate development and investment firm with offices in Dallas and Houston, and has made growing servant leaders an integral part of its corporate fabric. Since it was founded in 1991, employees have been encouraged to “show up, stand up, speak up and contribute.” Each year Granite gives its employees 40 paid hours toward community service, and many employees strive to go above and beyond this commitment.  In 2016, Granite employees completed over 5,000 volunteer hours, servings organizations in Texas such as the Richmond State Supported Living Center, Children’s Medical Center in North Texas, Collin County Meals on Wheels, and Easter Seals. Through their volunteering, employees at Granite Properties are creating a lasting impact in the communities they serve. 

Community Leadership Award — Haven for Hope
Haven for Hope of Bexar County is the largest homeless service center in the State of Texas and is a national model in moving the homeless to self-sufficiency. Founded in 2010 with a focus on seeking innovative solutions to San Antonio’s homeless problem, Haven for Hope guides a person from homelessness to housing through a recovery framework and comprehensive on-site social services. With 137 nonprofit partners housed either on campus or in the community, Haven for Hope provides services to address the systemic causes of homelessness, including job training, basic reading to college preparation, professional certifications, financial literacy, behavioral health services, spiritual care and more. Its Ambassador Program is led by men and women residing at Haven and addresses community needs while providing those experiencing homelessness with the opportunity to give back.  More than 3,600 Haven resident volunteers have participated in the Ambassador program through neighborhood cleanup and beautification projects, demonstrating Haven’s strong commitment to the San Antonio community. Through its unique model, Haven for Hope is making a difference in the lives of San Antonio homeless, local businesses and the community at large.  

AmeriCorps “Make a Difference” Awardees

AmeriCorps — Erin Moody

Erin Moody is currently completing her second term of service as an AmeriCorps member with Communities In Schools of Central Texas, a dropout prevention program. During her service term, Erin has carried a caseload of more than forty 6th through 8th grade students at Lockhart Junior High School with whom she meets individually for at least one hour per week. Last year, one hundred percent of Erin’s students improved in academics and behavior, ninety percent passed all four of their core classes, and one hundred percent were promoted to the next grade level – making Erin the only AmeriCorps member to have these results with such a large caseload of students. Erin has also facilitated numerous student-led projects on campus during her service. Erin has gone above and beyond to build relationships and initiate strategies that encourage and empower the youth at Lockhart Junior High so that they have the best opportunity to reach their full potential as well-educated, engaged young citizens.

AmeriCorps VISTA — Shelby Thomas

Shelby Thomas is an AmeriCorps VISTA serving in the Disaster Relief and Recovery Division of the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, a member of the Greater Houston Storm Recovery Network and the Texas Gulf Coast VOAD. Houston was impacted by four major storms from 2015 to 2016, and Shelby’s work as a VISTA was invaluable to recovery efforts.  One of the greatest challenges in times of disaster is communication across the many volunteer organizations involved in response and recovery.  Seeing this, Shelby implemented systems and processes to address this challenge. Not only were Shelby’s efforts a success, but they are already being replicated by associated ministries, and will remain in place even after her service is completed. This will ensure that Shelby’s significant contributions during her time as a VISTA will have a lasting impact.

Senior Corps — Arlen and Mary ’Beth Lohse

For over 30 years, Arlen and Mary ’Beth Lohse have been volunteering as drivers with Meals for the Elderly in San Angelo. In 2004, upon their retirement, the Lohses started volunteering fulltime through West Texas RSVP, a Senior Corps Program. They deliver meals on at least seven routes within a 5-day work week, though they often go beyond that by serving as substitute or emergency drivers. But they Lohses don’t just deliver meals – Mary ’Beth is known as the “napkin lady” for always providing a seasonally inspired napkin with the meals, and they also provide clients with special packages of cookies on milk delivery days, bologna on bread days, and lollipops – including sugar-free lollipops for diabetic clients. Many in the San Angelo community say there is no one who does more for the Meals for the Elderly program or the clients served than Arlen and Mary ’Beth Lohse. 

To view the official press release on the Office of the Governor website please click here.

500+ City, County, Tribal Leaders to Recognize AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in Local Communities Across Texas

Mayors day logos

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          CONTACT: Elizabeth Darling

DATE: March 31, 2017                                                               512-287-2062, liz@onestarfoundation.org

 

500+ City, County, Tribal Leaders to Recognize AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in Local Communities Across Texas

AUSTIN, TX — On April 4, 2017, more than 500 mayors and county leaders across the State of Texas will be among over 4,000 mayors and county leaders nationally to join together in recognition of the impact national service participants in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have made on their local communities.  Given the many social needs facing communities – and the fiscal constraints facing government at all levels – cities and counties are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs.

The fifth annual Mayor and County Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities and counties, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.  The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, Cities of Service, and National Association of Counties (NACo).  In Texas, the initiative is being coordinated by CNCS’s Texas State Office in partnership with OneStar Foundation, which serves as Texas’ National Service Commission.

“We are proud to be part of the national service family and grateful for the AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers who are getting things done for Texas,” said Elizabeth Darling, President/CEO of OneStar Foundation, which administers $14 million in AmeriCorps State grants to nonprofits each year.  “Our AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers have made a significant impact on Texas’ ability to meet so many local needs, and the Mayor and County Day of Recognition for National Service is a perfect opportunity to recognize their great work.”

Each year, more than 33,000 national service members of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement in Texas through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps (Texas National Service Profile, 2016-2017). Serving at more than 3,000 locations throughout the state, these citizens tutor and mentor children, assist the elderly, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers.

Participating mayors and county judges will visit national service sites, assist with service projects, present proclamations, and host celebrations. Highlights of the Mayor and County Day of Recognition for National Service in Texas include events in the following cities:

  • Amarillo – On April 4, 2016, at 9am Mayor Paul Harpole will join national service programs to recognize the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs in the Amarillo community and to thank members for their commitment and service.  In addition to remarks by the mayor, this event will feature a soil amendment and planting project by AISD national service members at the High Plains Food Bank Garden (815 Ross Street, Amarillo TX 79102).
  • Austin – Austin area national service programs will join Mayor Steve Adler on April 3rd at 9am on the South Steps of the State Capitol Building (1100 Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78701) where Mayor Adler will read a proclamation honoring National Service.  The event will include guest speakers and refreshments. 
  • Dallas & Dallas County – Dallas area national service programs will highlight the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs in the county and city of Dallas on April 4th from 9am-11am.  A Proclamation Presentation will begin promptly at 9am at the Commissioners Court (411 Elm Street, Dallas TX 75202) followed by a Recognition Reception at The Senior Source (3910 Harry Hines, Dallas TX 75219) from 10am-11am. To RSVP, click here.
  • El Paso – Mayor Oscar Leeser and the El Paso City Council will recognize the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in the El Paso community with a proclamation honoring national service. This proclamation will be read in City Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 4th at 8:00 a.m. at El Paso City Hall (300 N. Campbell, El Paso TX 79901).
  • Fort Worth – Tarrant County national service leadership and members will meet on April 4th at 1pm at the Cornerstone Assistance Network (3500 Noble Avenue, Fort Worth 76111).  Attendees will focus on the importance of citizen service and bolster support for national service. 
  • Houston – Mayor Sylvester Turner will host a proclamation presentation at City Hall on April 4th (901 Bagby) at 11:30am to honor national service in the Houston area. Attendees should arrive early and bring a picture ID.

Many other Texas officials will participate throughout the month of April with proclamations, presentations at local council and commission meetings, or visits with local AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers. A full list of participating Texas mayors and county leaders can be found here. A list of event details for activities being held in Texas can be found here.  

“I am proud to be working with Texas leaders as we continue to strengthen communities through national service” said Kim Mansaray, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.  “County officials and mayors are leaders who get things done.  They know firsthand the value of national service in tackling problems.  I commend participating Texas mayors and county leaders for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, local officials hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities. 

 “National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions,” said Terry Gunnell, Director of the CNCS Texas State Office based in Austin. “Today, as we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen our country through service and volunteering.”

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OneStar Foundation is the Governor-designated National Service Commission in Texas and administers the AmeriCorps State grant program. The Governor-appointed Board members oversee the legal and policy governance of the AmeriCorps Texas program portfolio. OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger nonprofit sector in Texas. For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 33rd ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER AWARDS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       
May 3,2016

Contact: Liz Darling
(512) 287-2062
Liz@onestarfoundation.org                                                                                                  

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 33rd ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER AWARDS

AUSTIN – In conjunction with the Office of the Governor, OneStar Foundation announced today that nominations for the 33rd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards are now open. These awards honor the exemplary service of individuals, groups and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to their communities through service and volunteering.

Nominations are open through Thursday, June 30th in the following categories:

• Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award

• First Lady’s Rising Star Award

• Partners in Education Award

• Service to Veterans Award

• Higher Education Community Impact Award

• Corporate Community Impact Award

• Community Leadership Award

• National Service “Make a Difference” Award
 

Awardees will be honored in October at an evening reception hosted by Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. The ceremony will be held at the Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin.

To see descriptions and criteria for each award, please visit our website. Click here to submit a nomination or email gva@onestarfoundation.org for more information.

Presenting Sponsor
AT&T

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OneStar Foundation is a nonprofit agent of the state created as a public/private partnership working on behalf of the state to further volunteerism and community service, and to increase the impact and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. OneStar serves as a neutral convener and a respected partner to nonprofits, foundations, state agencies, and the business community. For more about OneStar Foundation please visit www.onestarfoundation.org.

Event sponsorships will be made to and for the use of OneStar Foundation in planning and administering the 2016 Governor’s Volunteer Awards program, and any funds received over and above the budget of the solicited purpose will be used in furtherance of OneStar Foundation’s charitable purposes.

 

 

 

 

400+ City, County, Tribal Leaders to Recognize AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in Local Communities Across Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Elizabeth Darling, liz@onestarfoundation.org, (512) 287-2062

Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service logo

AUSTIN, TX — On April 5, 2016, more than 400 city, county, and tribal leaders across the State of Texas will be among more than 3,000 mayors and county leaders nationally to join together in recognition of the impact national service participants in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have made on their local communities. Given the many social needs facing communities – and the fiscal constraints facing government at all levels – cities and counties are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs.

The fourth annual Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.   The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, Cities of Service, and National Association of Counties (NACo).

In Texas, the initiative is being coordinated by CNCS’s Texas State Office in partnership with OneStar Foundation, which serves as Texas’ National Service Commission.

“We are proud to be part of the national service family and grateful for the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members who are getting things done for Texas,” said Elizabeth Darling, President/CEO of OneStar Foundation, which administers $13 million in AmeriCorps State grants to nonprofits each year.  “Our AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members have made a significant impact on Texas’ ability to meet so many local needs, and the Day of Recognition for National Service is a perfect opportunity to recognize their great work.”

Each year, more than 23,000 national service members of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement in Texas through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps (Texas National Service Profile, 2014-15). Serving at more than 2,500 locations throughout the state, these citizens tutor and mentor children, assist the elderly, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers.

Mayors Day compilation for web postParticipating mayors and county judges will do site visits, assist with service projects, present proclamations, and host celebrations. Highlights of the Mayors Day and County Day of Recognition for National Service in Texas include events in the following cities:

  • Amarillo – April 5, 2016 – 10:00am-12:00pm – Amarillo Mayor Paul Harpole will issue a Proclamation to highlight the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps and to thank those who serve their communities at ACTS Community (located at 202 S. Louisiana). Afterward, Amarillo ISD AmeriCorps members and Pandhandle RSVP Senior Corps volunteers will serve at ACTS Community Center garden, a satellite project of High Plains Food Bank.
  • Austin – Mayor Steve Adler and Chief Service Officer Sly Majid will host a ceremony at City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street) on April 5th from 8-9am for a celebration of national service.
  • Bexar County (San Antonio) – Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and County Commissioner Tommy Calvert will host a Commissioners Court Presentation by issuing and reading a proclamation honoring National Service. There will be a quick photo with the commissioners. The total presentation will be no longer than 5 minutes. The event will take place on April 5 from 10:00-10:45am at Bexar County Courthouse (100 Dolorosa, Suite 2.01, 78205 (2nd floor), San Antonio, Texas 78205).
  • Dallas & Dallas County – On April 5, Mayor Mike Rawlings & Judge Clay Jenkins will join together to highlight the impact that AmeriCorps members & Senior Corps volunteers have across the County and City of Dallas. The day will begin with a Recognition Breakfast at Scottish Rite Cathedral located at 500 S. Harwood St. Dallas, TX from 7:30 until 8:30am. The event will continue at Commissioners Court located at 411 Elm St. Dallas, TX for a Proclamation Presentation that begins promptly at 9:00am.
  • El Paso & El Paso County – Mayor Oscar Leeser & County Judge Veronica Escobar will both recognize the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in the El Paso community with a Proclamation. El Paso County will celebrate on Monday, April 4 at 9:30 a.m. (Report to the El Paso County Courthouse at 500 E. San Antonio, Third Floor, Room 303 by 9am. Visitor parking is behind the courthouse in Overland St. If possible park in the 3rd floor and take the skywalk.). The City of El Paso will honor national service on Tuesday, April 5 with a Proclamation read in City Council Chambers at 8:00 a.m. at City 1, which is located at 300 N. Campbell.
  • Houston – Mayor Sylvester Turner will present a proclamation recognizing National Service in Houston on April 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Legacy Room of the Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Attendees should arrive early and bring a picture ID.
  • Waco – Mayor Malcolm Duncan and the Waco City Council members will proclaim that National Service works in the City of Waco at 6:00pm on April 5 during the City Council meeting (City of Waco Operations Center, 1415 N. 4th Street, Waco). Special guests include Mikel Herrington, Director of the Office of Field Liaison for CNCS, Terry Gunnell, the Texas State Director for CNCS, and Liz Darling, the CEO of OneStar Foundation. Before the event, a gathering of national service volunteer programs will be held at the Communities In Schools-Heart of Texas offices (1001 Washington Ave., Waco, Texas 76701) from 4:00-5:30pm.
  • West – Leading up to the third anniversary of the West Fertilizer Plant Explosion of 2013, Mayor Tommy Muska will issue a Proclamation honoring national service volunteers and the role they played in helping the West community respond to and recover from the deadly explosion. Special guests will include Congressman Bill Flores, Senator Brian Birdwell, State Representative Kyle Kacal, McLennan County Commissioner Will Jones, McLennan County Sheriff Parnell MacNamara, Ross Mayor Jim Jaska, Director of the Office of Field Liaison for CNCS Mikel Herrington, CNCS Texas State Director Terry Gunnell, and President/CEO of OneStar Foundation, Liz Darling. The event will take place on April 5, 2016 from 1:00-2:00pm at the West Museum (112 East Oak St., West, TX 76691).

Many other Texas officials will participate throughout the month of April with Proclamations, presentations at local council and commission meetings, or visiting with local AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers.

A full list of participating Texas mayors and county leaders can be found here.

A list of event details for activities being held in Texas can be found here.

“We are proud to be working with city and county leaders across America as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.  “Local leaders get things done and they know firsthand the value of national service in tackling problems.  I commend the participating mayors and county leaders for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, local officials hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities.

“National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions,” said Terry Gunnell, Director of the CNCS Texas State Office based in Austin, who served as lead coordinator for the Day of Recognition in Texas. “Today, as we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen our country through service and volunteering.”

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OneStar Foundation is the Governor-designated National Service Commission in Texas and administers the AmeriCorps State grant program. The Governor-appointed Board members oversee the legal and policy governance of the AmeriCorps Texas program portfolio. OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger nonprofit sector in Texas. For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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Mayors Day sponsors compilation for web

AmeriCorps Teams Seek Volunteers to Help Texas Flood Survivors

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Under the coordination of AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams, thousands of volunteers have assisted residents with home clean-up and debris clearing from the devastating floods. But the work is not finished and there are many residents that still need help. 

Whether you can donate a few hours or several days of your time, your effort will help multiply effect and speed the recovery for disaster survivors. Volunteers can register at the locations below: 

Wimberley Volunteer Reception Center
200 Stillwater Dr, Suite 2
Wimberley, TX
(512) 715-4234
Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 4 pm.  

San Marcos Volunteer Reception Center
126 W. Hopkins St.
San Marcos, TX 
(522) 753-2320
Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 5 pm

Bastrop Volunteer Reception Center
1106 College St.
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 521-3001
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

AmeriCorps members from the Texas Conservation Corps, Arizona Conservation Corps, Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps, AmeriCorps St. Louis-Emergency Response Team, and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa are supporting local and state efforts to provide volunteer support to residents in Wimberley, San Marcos, and Bastrop.  

http://nationalservice.tumblr.com/post/122947374737/americorps-teams-seek-volunteers-to-help-texas  

Texas Sets a New Record for the 2015 Mayors Day & County Day of Recognition for National Service!

Texas Sets a New Record for the 2015 Mayors Day & County Day of 
Recognition for National Service!

THANK YOU to everyone who attended events and participated in the 2015 Mayors Day & County Day of Recognition for National Service!

On April 7th280 mayors and county leaders from across the State of Texas were among 2,630 mayors and county leaders nationally to join together in recognition of the impact national service participants in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have made on their local communities.

The third annual Mayors Day and first annual County Day of Recognition for National Service  was a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.   The initiative was led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, Cities of Service, and National Association of Counties (NACo).

In Texas, the initiative was coordinated by CNCS’s Texas State Office in partnership with OneStar. 

Some of our Texas-sized bragging rights from this year are:

  • Texas had a total of 280 elected officials participating which is more than 10% of the national total of 2,630;
  • Over 18 million Texans or 2/3 of the state’s total population were represented by the elected officials participating;
  • The Mayors of 26 of the 27 cities with over 100,000 people participated;
  • Our five largest counties were represented by the County Judge’s participation;

We had our first tribal leader participate this year: Governor Hisa of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.

The final breakdowns of participating officials are:

178    Mayors
  70    County Judge
  27    County Commissioners
    3    Executive Directors
    1    Tribal Governor
    1    School Superintendent

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEXAS NATIONAL SERVICE FAMILY!

Click here to view photos of the 2015 Mayors Day and County Day of Recognition in Texas

 

Texas Mayors and County Leaders to Recognize AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in Local Communities

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 
CONTACT: Elizabeth Darling, 512-287-2062, liz@onestarfoundation.org
DATE: March 31, 2015                                                                                                                                    

Texas Mayors and County Leaders to Recognize AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in Local Communities

AUSTIN, TX — April 7, more than 200 mayors and county leaders across the State of Texas will be among 2,228 mayors and county leaders nationally to join together in recognition of the impact national service participants in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have made on their local communities.

Given the many social needs facing communities – and the fiscal constraints facing government at all levels – cities and counties are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs.

The third annual Mayors Day and first annual County Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.   The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, Cities of Service, and National Association of Counties (NACo).

In Texas, the initiative is being coordinated by CNCS’s Texas State Office in partnership with OneStar Foundation, which serves as Texas’ National Service Commission.

“We are proud to be part of the national service family and grateful for the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members who are getting things done for Texas,” said Elizabeth Darling, President/CEO of OneStar Foundation, which administers $13 million in AmeriCorps State grants to nonprofits each year.  “Our AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members have made a significant impact on Texas’ ability to meet so many local needs, and the Mayors Day and County Day of Recognition for National Service is a perfect opportunity to recognize their great work.”

This year, more than 23,000 national service members of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement in Texas through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps (Texas National Service Profile, 2014-15). Serving at more than 2,500 locations throughout the state, these citizens tutor and mentor children, assist the elderly, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers.

Participating mayors and county judges will do site visits, assist with service projects, present proclamations, and host celebrations. Highlights of the Mayors Day and County Day of Recognition for National Service in Texas include events in the following cities:

  • Amarillo – Mayor Paul Harpole will present a Proclamation and participate in a service project on April 7th at 9:00am at the Wesley Community Center Garden (1615 S. Roberts).  Alongside the Mayor will be Senior Corps RSVP, VISTA members from Panhandle Community Service and Amarillo Independent School District AmeriCorps members.  The group will then head to Wildcat Bluff Nature Center to participate in a trail cleanup (2301 North Soncy). 
  • Austin – Mayor Steve Adler and Chief Service Officer Sly Majid will host a ceremony at City Hall on April 7th at 1:00pm for a celebration of national service. The event will be held in the Council Chambers (301 W. 2nd Street). Validated parking is available in the city hall garage. Attendees must arrive by 12:30pm and bring a picture ID.
  • Corpus Christi – Mayor Nelda Martinez will present a Proclamation at city hall with national service members on March 31st at 11:15am.  Mayor Martinez will be spending the afternoon serving as a Senior Companion.
  • Denton – County Judge Mary Horn will deliver the Oath accompanied by the city of Denton Mayor Watts.  T-shirts with logos will be given out that say “I SWEAR” on the front and “TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY” on the back.  This event will wrap up with a Flash Mob to Uptown Funk using Michelle Obama Dance/fitness routine.
  • El Paso – Mayor Oscar Leeser will present a Proclamation recognizing national service volunteers (streaming online) at the April 7th City Council Meeting (300 N. Campbell, Main Conference Room, 2nd floor) beginning at 8:00am.
  • Fort Worth – Mayor Betsy Price will attend a recognition event from 4:00 – 5:30pm on April 7th at Cornerstone Assistance Network (3500 Noble Avenue).
  • Houston – Mayor Annise Parker will host a Proclamation presentation at City Hall on April 7th in the Council Chambers (901 Bagby). Attendees must arrive by 1:15pm and bring a picture ID.

In addition to the Texas cities and counties that will be hosting events, many other Texas municipalities will be celebrating April 7th or throughout the month of April with a Proclamation or in other ways. A full list of participating Texas mayors and municipal leaders can be found here.

“We are proud to be working with city and county leaders across America as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.  “Local leaders get things done and they know firsthand the value of national service in tackling problems.  I commend the participating mayors and county leaders for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

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OneStar Foundation is the Governor-designated National Service Commission in Texas and administers the AmeriCorps State grant program. The Governor-appointed Board members oversee the legal and policy governance of the AmeriCorps Texas program portfolio. OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger nonprofit sector in Texas. For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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OneStar Celebrates 10 Years of Service; Hosts Largest Swearing-In Ceremony in Texas History as Part of Nationwide AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

OneStar Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Service;

Hosts Largest Swearing-In Ceremony in Texas History as Part of Nationwide AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary

Pledge Ceremony Kicks Off New AmeriCorps Class

Austin, Texas – September 12, 2014 – Today, a new class of Texas AmeriCorps members will pledge to “get things done for America” as part of a nationwide ceremony to mark AmeriCorps’ 20th Anniversary (#americorps20). This year’s ceremony is an extra-special milestone, as it also celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Texas’ state service commission for AmeriCorps, OneStar Foundation. OneStar will host the event – the largest of its kind in Texas history – on Friday, September 12, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the University of Texas at Austin’s historic Lyndon B. Johnson Auditorium and Presidential Library and Museum.

“For the past ten years, OneStar Foundation has been promoting service and volunteering across the state, awarding millions annually to nonprofit organizations who are making a difference in our community to help build a better Texas,” said Elizabeth Darling, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation. “We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Texas’ AmeriCorps members in tandem with AmeriCorps’s 20th anniversary and are thrilled to welcome this new class as they embark on a year of service for greater impact and growth for their communities.”

Rosie Mauk, former national Director of AmeriCorps and Associate Director of Peace Corps, will lead the AmeriCorps pledge ceremony in Austin that kicks off a year of national service for more than 4,500 AmeriCorps members in Texas. The Austin celebration will be part of a nationwide event featuring the simultaneous swearing-in of AmeriCorps members and alums taking place in every state. The event will highlight the commitment and impact of AmeriCorps members and alums over the past 20 years and showcase how AmeriCorps has grown through innovative public-private partnerships that meet critical community needs and expand opportunity for those who serve.

With more than 1,000 people expected to attend, the event in Austin will be emceed by Taylor Ellison, a former OneStar Youth Commissioner, AmeriCorps Alum, an Austin area lifestyle & entertainment reporter. The event will also feature prominent spokespeople including:

  • Mark Updegrove, LBJ Presidential Library Director
  • Randi Shade, Founding Executive Director, Texas Commission on Volunteering & Community Service/former Austin City Council Member
  • Rosie Mauk, Former Director of AmeriCorps
  • Dan Rather, in absentia, is providing a video message that will be aired at the event
  • Neil Bush, in absentia, is providing a video message that will be aired at the event
  • Governor Perry, in absentia, is providing a video message that will be aired at the event
  • and many more!

President Obama – who will also be joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush – will lead the nationwide ceremony and give remarks to AmeriCorps members from the White House, which will be live streamed by the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C. and other state commissions across the country to celebrate 20 years of inspiring Americans to be involved in what is the country’s best example of civic engagement, collaboration, and problem solving. In absentia, former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will provide a video message for the national event. Those not able to attend can tune in to the live stream at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live from 9:30-11:00am CT.

Then, at 10:30 am CST, AmeriCorps members from coast to coast will take the AmeriCorps pledge, launching a new service year for more than 75,000 AmeriCorps members.

“AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps. “Building on Texas’ strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members have improved countless lives across Texas over the past 20 years.  AmeriCorps has become an indispensable solution for America’s communities.”

President Obama’s participation in the nationwide ceremony underscores the long history of bipartisan presidential support for AmeriCorps, from President George H.W. Bush signing the first national service legislation in 1990, to President Clinton creating AmeriCorps in 1993, to President George W. Bush increasing AmeriCorps by 50 percent after the September 11th attacks.

AmeriCorps’ Role in Texas

Since 1994, more than 46,265 Texas residents have served in AmeriCorps, providing more than 61,114,400 hours of service. They have earned education scholarships totaling more than $129,885,900 to help pay for college or pay back student loans and made vital contributions in the fields of Education, Environment, Disaster Services, Health, Nonprofit Capacity Building and more.

Whether through mentoring students so they can stay on grade level or helping young people gain access to post-secondary education, AmeriCorps members have made a difference in the lives of Texas youth. AmeriCorps members have also helped communities recover more quickly from disaster as they did after Bastrop wildfire, Central Texas Halloween Floods and following the devastating explosion in the town of West. AmeriCorps members have also played a significant role in safeguarding Texas’ natural resources working hand-in-hand with our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. AmeriCorps is making a significant contribution to the quality of life for all Texans.

In addition to the statewide event in Austin, several cities throughout Texas will be hosting local events to honor new AmeriCorps members. Cities include Amarillo, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and Waco. For more information about these localized events, please visit http://onestarfoundation.org/americorpstexas/americorps-20th-onestar-10th-anniversary/.

About OneStar Foundation

OneStar Foundation was created to support the State of Texas by strengthening the nonprofit sector, encouraging civic engagement through service and volunteering, promoting innovative strategies to address local issues and facilitating public-private partnerships to expand the reach of the sector.  For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

About AmeriCorps

Nationally, AmeriCorps members serve at more than 25,000 locations from coast to coast, strengthening education, providing disaster services, fostering economic opportunity, assisting veterans and military families, preserving the environment, and expanding health services.  While they serve others, AmeriCorps members expand opportunity for themselves – gaining skills, experience, and education support to help jumpstart their careers.  Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have earned more than $2.7 billion in education awards to help pay for college or repay their student loans.

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

Media Contact

Jamie Camargo

Motive Communications for OneStar Foundation

512.296.9611

jamie@motive-communications.com

 

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OneStar Foundation Announces 31st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Winners

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    

CONTACT:   Elizabeth Darling, 512.287.2062,  liz@onestarfoundation.org

 

ONESTAR FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 31st ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER AWARDS WINNERS
Winners from across the State to be recognized at an Austin ceremony

AUSTIN, TX – August 15, 2014 – OneStar Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 31st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards.

The winners are:

 

Governor’s Lonestar Achievement Award – Virgil L. Teter, Jr. (Waco)

Virgil Teter is the inspiration behind “Food for Families”, the largest one-day food drive in the State of Texas. This past year “Food for Families” provided food for 37 pantries in 9 counties throughout Central Texas and gathered more than 1.5 million pounds of food. In the past 24 years over 20,826,549 pounds of food has been collected.  This event brings thousands of volunteers from dozens of communities together: schools, churches, civic groups, major businesses, military units on Fort Hood, even Texas Prison units in Gatesville compete with each other to see who can gather the largest amounts of food.

 

First Lady’s Rising Star Award – Elise Clements (Denton)

Elise Clements volunteers her time with several organizations.  She completed a yearlong project to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award by having a Texas Historical Commission Marker made for Miss Beulah Harriss, Denton’s very first Girl Scout.  Elise persuaded Mayor Mark Burroughs to proclaim 2/27/14 as Beulah Harriss Day.  Girl Scouts can now earn a Beulah Harriss patch designed by Elise.  Elise was also given permission by the Denton Parks Board to place a Beulah Harriss Texas Historical Marker in the Quakertown Park where the Girl Scout Little House once stood.  Elise volunteers at least 100 hours each year and has received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for the last 3 years.

 

Community Leadership Award – Texas Master Naturalist Program (Kerrville) – tie for award

The Texas Master Naturalist Program (TMN) sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has trained over 8,850 Certified Master Naturalist Volunteers who have contributed  over 2.4 million hours valued at more than $53.9 million to date impacting over 206,300 acres and over 1,866 miles of trails. Twenty new partnerships were developed by TMN chapters statewide in 2013 with over 370 partnerships established statewide.  The Master Naturalist program has been so successful in Texas that it has been replicated in 29 other states.

 

Community Leadership Award – Heart of Texas RSVP (Waco) – tie for award

Heart of Texas RSVP provides support and services to over 75 nonprofits, schools, nursing homes, and citizens in their community.  They work with students from McLennan Community College, Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and Tarleton University who directly assist community agencies with food drives, civic development, public safety and education.  As a result of the explosion of the fertilizer plant last year in West, Texas, Heart of Texas RSVP provided over 10,075 man hours and supervised over 400 volunteers and continues to provide services still today to a recovering community.

 

Senior Corps Community Impact Award – Oscar Cole (Beaumont)

For 21 years, Oscar Cole, “Grandpa”, has been volunteering his time as a Senior Corps Foster Grandparent with the youth at Boys Haven, Inc. which serves boys ages 5 to 17. Many come from single parent homes and will stay until they graduate high school. He has accumulated over 20,000 hours of service to these young men. Oscar also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  Boys Haven, Inc. recently announced they are adding an additional building to their campus. In recognition of the service and dedication “Grandpa” Oscar Cole has given to Boys Haven the new building will be named the “Grandpa Cole Education Complex” in honor of Mr. Cole. 

 

AmeriCorps "Make a Difference" – Katherine Martin (Dallas)

AmeriCorps member, Katie Martin, served as the inaugural Site Coordinator at Charles Rice Learning Center, a new partner for Reading Partners Dallas and built one of their most successful school sites in Dallas.  Due to Katie’s great work ethic, professionalism, and individualized approach with teachers and volunteers, over 90% of all enrolled students narrowed their achievement gap while in the program.  Katie also attained a new partner in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority which led to increased volunteer numbers bringing the Reading Center to capacity for students and tutors. In addition, she organized for the Reading Partners Dallas team to serve at a “9/11 Day of Service” event. 

 

"The individuals and organizations honored through the 31st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards have truly gone above and beyond to help their fellow Texans in times of need," said Elizabeth Darling, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation. "They are stellar examples of the good that can be found in all of us when we become engaged in solutions to social challenges."

The winners will be honored at a ceremony on September 17, 2014, in Austin with their invited guests and the OneStar Foundation Board.

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OneStar Foundation was created to support the State of Texas by strengthening the nonprofit sector, encouraging civic engagement through service and volunteering, promoting innovative strategies to address local issues and facilitating public-private partnerships to expand the reach of the sector.  For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

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Elizabeth Darling Earns Certified Association Executive Credential

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                DATE: July 1, 2014

CONTACT:  Chris Bugbee chris@onestarfoundation.org

 

Elizabeth Darling Earns Certified Association Executive Credential

WASHINGTON, DC – ASAE has announced that Elizabeth Darling, President/CEO of OneStar Foundation, has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) credential.  The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry.

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years experience in nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics.  To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management.  More than 4,000 association professionals currently hold the CAE credential.  The CAE Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 21,000 association executives and industry partners representing 10,000 organizations.  Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world.  With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession, and provides resources, education, ideas and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community.  For more information about ASAE, visit www.asaecenter.org.

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OneStar Foundation is the Governor-designated National Service Commission in Texas and administers the AmeriCorps*State grant program. The Governor-appointed Board members oversee the legal and policy governance of the AmeriCorps*Texas program portfolio. OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger nonprofit sector in Texas. For more information, visit onestarfoundation.org.

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