Boswell Organization Recognized for Volunteerism

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL--- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Volunteerism recently recognized a Boswell organization at the State Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in Oklahoma City at the Langston University-Oklahoma City campus. 

The Believers in Boswell Community Coalition, Inc. received the Karen Jacobs Award for Exemplary Community Service. The Jacobs Award is named for a longtime OKDHS employee and is given to an organization or individual that inspires, motivates and uses the most volunteers to benefit a community. The recognition ceremony honored exceptional individuals and organizations that provide volunteer service whose work has had a significant impact on individuals or a community. 
 
Established in 2004, the Believers in Boswell provided 912 volunteer hours last year through partnerships with community and county organizations, the Boswell Youth Center, youth education and development, healthy living initiatives, community development and beautification and outreach and family activities.

They received the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Excellence Award for Community Development and a $10,000 grant from Oklahoma’s Promise to support students within the Boswell, Soper and Bennington school districts. With grant funds, they administer the Plan4College Center, where students can obtain higher education information in a one-stop shop, in an effort to encourage more middle and high school students to plan for and apply to college.

They have organized a mentoring effort, Project Falvmmichi, where high school students provide leadership and guidance to younger students in the community to prevent violence.

With the mission statement, “Working Together for a Greater Boswell,” they have promoted countless programs and projects designed to fulfill this objective.

Believers in Boswell has also organized local park improvements, a trash pick-up and beautification initiative, sponsored the annual fall festival and annual family fun night, supported a local health expo, the Independence Day celebration, a cookoff and car and tractor show to benefit a local playground, sponsored the annual Dixie Days celebration and many other projects.

Gov. Brad Henry’s Cabinet Secretary for Human Services, OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick, presented the awards and congratulated the honorees.

The theme, Volunteers Create Magic, was displayed throughout the room as each recipient was awarded a trophy and a commendation from the state legislature.  A reception followed the ceremony.

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