Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 522-4283, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently honored a number of individuals who have significantly contributed to the state through their volunteer efforts. Disney resident Wayne Finfrock was among those honored.
The State Volunteer Awards Ceremony, “Volunteers -- The Keys to Success,” was held at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City, with OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick and former Oklahoma First Lady Donna Nigh presenting the awards.
Finfrock has often ignored his own health the past few years to help others. Diagnosed with arthritis, diabetes and other health problems Finfrock says “helping others takes my mind off my own problems.”
Each week, Finfrock visits several men with varying problems. He admits having a special knack for working with Alzheimer patients, providing respite time for caregivers.
He also provides volunteer services to a man who is an amputee deal with the loss of his son. In addition he visits with yet another man who is paralyzed, and listens close as he recounts old war stories.
Finfrock is past president of the Senior Companion Volunteer Advisory Board and spends countless hours volunteering his time and service.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including volunteers, their family and friends, and a number of state legislators.
“Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of this state,” said Karen Jacobs, Coordinator of the OKDHS Office of Volunteerism. These folks spend countless hours volunteering their time, working to make Oklahoma a better state. They do it not for any glory or recognition, but simply because they have a caring and generous nature. We all owe these volunteers a debt of gratitude.”
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