Pamela Baker Blood, a volunteer with the Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kan., has been nominated for a national volunteer leadership award.
The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes top volunteers with the Shepherd’s Centers of America network for their service in helping seniors live safely and independently in their own homes. This is the only national volunteer award recognizing the service of seniors to seniors.
“There are countless ways volunteers inspire others,” said Shepherd’s Centers of America’s board chair, Kay Wallick. “Through the Shepherd’s Centers network, senior volunteers perform simple, ordinary acts of care and kindness that make a remarkable difference in the lives of other seniors.”
Volunteer activities include driving a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment or grocery store, or could be as simple as changing a light bulb, helping with minor home repairs, or offering companionship with regular, friendly visits.
“These acts of kindness allow older adults to safely remain in their own homes,” Wallick said.
“Pam is the kind of volunteer every Shepherd’s Center loves,” said one reviewer from the national committee. She is a leader in sharing her time, ideas, financial support and hands in service.
“We are honored to work alongside Pam in delivering our mission in the community,” said Melissa Bynum, executive director of Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kan. “She makes numerous sacrifices to help others and give back.”
Each year, the Shepherd’s Centers network of 60 centers supports nearly 10,000 volunteers who donate 375,500 hours of service. As a result, 42,000 older adults are provided informal caregiving services at no charge. The estimated value of these services is $8.3 million, based on the Independent Sector’s value for volunteer time.
The distinguished Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award is given annually to recognize volunteers from around the Shepherd’s Centers network. The 2014 award winner will be announced Oct. 8, at the Shepherd’s Centers of America national conference in Lake Junaluska, N.C.