DHS recognizes state’s volunteers—Dewey, Oklahoma, group receives award

Every year generous Oklahomans across the state donate countless hours to making the state a better place in which to live.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) recognized some of those individuals recently at the annual 2016 Volunteer and Community Partner Awards Ceremony, held at the Oklahoma History Center. 

 “Leading the Way” was the theme for this year’s event.  The ceremony honored volunteers and community partners whose efforts made a difference in the lives of others.

“In lean budget years it becomes increasingly important for us to collaborate with our community partners, stakeholders and volunteers,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator for the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “Each year our citizens donate countless hours and continue to lead the way in helping their communities.  This ceremony was our way of honoring them for their efforts.”

The “Leather Angels” chapter of “Women in the Wind” received a DHS Community Partner Award for their work with foster children in Washington County.  The group donates their time and money to help both children and families in their community.  “Women in the Wind” is an international women’s motorcycle club and the local chapter was established in 2000.

"I have witnessed the services these volunteers provide, and I am always amazed and humbled by the work they do,” Jacobs said.  “Oklahoma is truly blessed to have such genuine, caring individuals."

Last year Oklahoma had nearly 800,000 people who volunteered more than 85 million hours of service.  Their efforts provided more than $37 million in services to Oklahoma.

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