DHS Recognizes State Volunteers Moore resident Cindy Busby receives service award
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e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) recently honored a number of groups and individuals for their volunteerism at a statewide ceremony held at the Oklahoma History Center.
The 2015 Volunteer/Partner Recognition Awards is an annual event that spotlights Oklahomans who volunteer their time and effort in making positive changes in the lives of others.
DHS Director Ed Lake presented the awards and commended each individual for helping bridge the gap between public and private agencies and people in need.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be here, and to thank each of you for your service,” Lake said. “You really do make a world of difference in our state, and to those whose lives you touch with your selfless work. Thank you for all you do.”
Receiving the “Freida Mosley Special Tribute Award” was Moore resident Cindy Busby. As an employee in the DHS Aging Services division, Busby’s co-workers say she has a “servant’s heart and a gift of giving.”
Busby volunteers for many projects that are outside the scope of her job. She has donated her own financial resources and time, helping provide Christmas gifts for senior adults. She collects bingo prizes for adult day centers, and helps co-workers with special needs. During the May 2013 tornado, Busby’s neighborhood was hit. She rented a hotel room in Norman and stepped in and provided assistance to others who needed help.
Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement, said volunteers are the lifeblood of the state.
“I have the best job in the world,” Jacobs said. “I witness first-hand the work these individuals and organizations do and how they impact the lives of so many Oklahomans. On a daily basis they selflessly give of themselves, not asking anything in return. This award ceremony is simply our way of shining the spotlight on them for a moment and saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done.”
Recent figures show that more than 735,000 Oklahoma volunteers provided 85.4 million hours of service, equating to $1.9 billion of service contributed. Oklahoma ranks 28th among the 50 states, with 26.6 percent of residents volunteering their time and service.
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Cutline: Moore resident Cindy Busby receives a State Volunteer Award from DHS Director Ed Lake.