DHS honors state volunteers and community partners at annual awards ceremony

​The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) hosts the annual Volunteer and Community Partner Awards ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.

Each year, volunteers and community partners play an important role in helping organizations achieve their goals and their mission.  In 2015, more than 700-thousand Oklahoma volunteers donated more than 100-million hours of service to nonprofit or community organizations.

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

This year's theme is "Volunteers/Partners—Leading the Way."

If a dollar amount is attributed to volunteer hours, statistics show those volunteers have provided more than $37 million dollars in service to DHS recipients.  Nearly 70 percent of all Oklahoma volunteers say they do favors for their neighbors.

"Volunteers and community partners contribute their time, talents and resources to those in their communities," Jacobs added.  "Oklahoma is truly blessed to have such genuine, caring individuals."

DHS Director Ed Lake will attend the ceremony to present the awards. 

###