OKDHS Recognizes State Volunteers - Wewoka's New Life Church Receives Award
Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 522-3731, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state of Oklahoma saved more than $38 million dollars last year as a result of hours and service donated by volunteers. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) recognized those volunteers in a state awards ceremony held recently at the Oklahoma History Center.
The 30th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, “A Symphony of Service,” honored a number of Oklahomans for their outstanding contributions. OKDHS Interim Director Preston Doerflinger presented opening remarks, and the event was hosted by OKDHS Chief Administrative Officer Sandra Harrison and Communications Coordinator Sheree Powell.
“I am very proud to be a part of some great things going on at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services,” Doerflinger said. “It is an honor to be here and I want to personally thank each of you for your time and for your service.”
New Life Church in Wewoka has a congregation of 100 members. They routinely partner with the Salvation Army for the Back to School effort as well as the Christmas Store.
The church has an Outreach Ministry with a food pantry that is accessible two to three times a week with a food box and other staples. A clothes pantry is accessible twice a week.
In addition, the church hosts a community fellowship dinner each Wednesday night, serving about 50 youth and 30 adults. On Thursday nights during football season, they feed high school athletes, band members and others in attendance.
New Life Church says their motto is: “We just do as we are being led to help.”
More than 100 people attended the ceremony including volunteers, their family and friends and several state legislators.
“I have the best job at OKDHS,” said Karen Jacobs, Coordinator of the OKDHS Office of Volunteerism. “I work with and recognize individuals and organizations who have given so generously to their neighbors and to their state. They certainly do not do it for any glory or recognition, but simply because they have a gentle and caring nature. These individuals truly represent the best of what makes Oklahoma so special.”
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