OKDHS Recognizes State Volunteers - Shawnee Youth Coalition

OKLAHOMA CITY -- “A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.”—Greek Proverb

Each year, generous Oklahomans across the state donate their time, talents and service to making Oklahoma a better place in which to live.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) recognized some of those volunteers at a recent awards ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center.

“Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness” was the theme for the annual event.  Last year, volunteers provided more than 2.2 million hours of service to OKDHS recipients, for a total of $40,352,770 in savings to Oklahoma. 

“Your commitment in planting seeds of kindness throughout Oklahoma helps fulfill the agency’s mission,” said OKDHS Director Ed Lake.  “Our goal is to help individuals and families help themselves lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives.  We thank you for volunteering your time and resources to help us achieve our mission.”

The Shawnee Youth Coalition is a group of 7th-12th graders.  Their mission is to establish pride in the community by being a positive youth movement.  They impact all generations by creating mutual respect through service, the improvement of themselves, their community, and the state.

Their accomplishments include a free sports and arts camp for 100 children who are in poverty or have no access to camps.  They are currently working on issues of underage drinking and tobacco use by partnering with law enforcement, retailers, and adults to create a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their friends. 

More than 100 people attended the ceremony including volunteers, their family and friends and several state legislators.

"I have witnessed the volunteer services these individuals provide, the compassion they exemplify, and am always amazed and truly humbled by the tremendous impact provided to Oklahoma children and families,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the OKDHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “They do not volunteer for any glory or honor, but simply because they have a gentle and caring nature.  I am honored to help recognize these individuals and organizations for their service to Oklahoma,” Jacobs said.

Oklahoma had more than 831,000 volunteers last year, with nearly 70 percent of volunteers doing favors for their neighbors.  Oklahoma ranks 20th in the nation with 29 percent of all residents volunteering.

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From left, OKDHS Director Ed Lake, Shawnee Youth Coalition members Jon Greenwood, Meg Reeder, Kaylee Roper and Representative Justin Wood