DHS Recognizes State Volunteers Oklahoma City resident James Nicholson receives service award

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 “Donna Nigh Special Tribute Award” was Oklahoma City resident James Nicholson.  He was the DHS Developmental Disabilities Services director from 1991 until his retirement in 2013.  He was a 41-year DHS employee who helped guide the agency through extended litigation following the closing of the Hissom Memorial Center in Sand Springs.  Subsequently, he developed a strong, community-based service delivery system for people with disabilities.

Since his retirement Nicholson has served as the chairman of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel for Developmental Disabilities.  He has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.  He is a Vietnam veteran and resides with his wife, Susan, in Oklahoma City.

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: Oklahoma City resident and retired DHS employee James Nicholson, right, receives a State Volunteer Award from DHS Director Ed Lake, center, and Senator Ervin Yen.