DHS recognizes state’s volunteers—Checotah resident Jeanetta Anderson

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.”

Checotah resident Jeanetta Anderson works with kids who have special or exceptional needs and provides one-on-one attention so they can read at grade level.  For the past 18 years she has donated nearly 20,000 hours of volunteer service.  At age 90, Jeanetta continues going to school each day where she volunteers at least six hours.

"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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