DHS recognizes state’s volunteers—Oklahoma City resident receives Donna Nigh 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.”
 

Oklahoma City resident Rick Barcus received the Donna Nigh Award.  After serving as First Lady for two terms in the 1980s, Nigh began working on a volunteer basis to establish programs and services for Oklahomans with disabilities, and to improve the lives of the state's youth.  The award is named in her honor.

Barcus has been an active volunteer and advocate for nearly twenty years.  He donates his time and personal resources to support a number of ventures.  He is active in the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy, and was a board member of the Winds House, serving those living with HIV/AIDS.  He also works with older Oklahomans, as well as the disabled.

"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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