Naperville CARES Volunteers Earn Honors

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - June 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Naperville volunteers are an integral part of the community and the foundation of many organizations. Naperville CARES is proud to have incredible volunteers that serve the people of Naperville in various ways. This past May, we were able to recognize our volunteers with two awards.

DuPage Foundation Spirit of Volunteerism Award

In May, the DuPage Foundation awarded the 2015 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards to Naperville Family Shelter Service, Fair Lady Productions and Naperville CARES. The DuPage Foundation fosters a legacy of support for the people of DuPage County by making grants to not-for-profit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services. It launched the Spirit of Volunteerism awards in 2011 to recognize organizations which have implemented successful volunteer programs and have leveraged volunteers to enhance organizational outcomes.

“We are delighted to be recognizing these organizations for their vibrant volunteer programs,” said Barb Szczepaniak, Foundation director of programs.  “And thanks to the generosity of a Foundation donor-advisor who values the importance and impact of volunteer services, these awards are even sweeter because they are accompanied by grants of $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000, respectively.”

With only one full-time executive director and two part-time positions, Naperville CARES’ client program services and office administration functions are performed by volunteers. The value of Naperville CARES volunteers has also increased with the implementation of a more involved volunteer event, which included a professional development speaker.  This professional development training is one area that will be funded by the Spirit of Volunteerism Award.

“We want to thank the DuPage Foundation for honoring the dedication and hard work of our volunteers by awarding Naperville CARES a Spirit of Volunteerism award, said Janet Derrick, executive director of Naperville CARES.  “Each day our volunteers strive to serve our neighbors in need by being mindful of our core values of compassion, respect, stewardship, integrity and collaboration.  This award certainly recognizes all the efforts of our volunteers.”

Volunteer of the Year Award

Naperville CARES also recognized an outstanding volunteer of their own this past May. The Naperville CARES’ Volunteer of the Year award was given to Palma Aikins. Palma has been a volunteer at Naperville CARES since 2002. She serves on our resource committee and last year also created a new database, which allows us to complete client applications and appointments electronically and get away from paper, also making us much more efficient.

“Palma has been an integral part of our team for 13 years. Her caring heart, wisdom and dedication to our cause is truly remarkable,” said Maria McTarnaghan, Naperville CARES’ Program Director, “We are proud to have her as a part of our organization.”

Palma will join ten other previous award winners on a plaque displayed in the CARES’ office. The "Volunteer of the Year Award" was launched in 2005 to celebrate the work of those who give their time and commitment to Naperville CARES.

About Naperville CARES

Headquartered in Naperville, IL, since 1999, Naperville CARES is where the community comes together to ensure all our neighbors have access to resources to meet their essential needs. The CARES Emergency Assistance Program, which provides emergency financial assistance to pay for basic needs like rent and utilities, is a very effective model for preventing homelessness in our community. The goal of the CARES Car Program is to help individuals maintain employment by providing reliable transportation by either providing a client with a donated vehicle or repairing client owned vehicles. Naperville CARES welcomes your support of Toasting for a Cause, Cuisine for a Cause, CARESGiver, CARES Car Donation program and other events. For more information visit www.NapervilleCARES.org (http://www.napervillecares.org/#_blank).