Rescue Mission gives Servant's Heart awards

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Above are the recent Servant’s Heart award winners for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. In front from left, are Sandy Love, Jacci Bradley and Madison Goske. In back are Rick Blair III; Jim Echement, executive director; Sharon Moser; Becky Long; and Kristi Schmitz.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley honored seven volunteers at a special ceremony May 4 with the Servant’s Heart award at the shelter, 962 Martin Luther King Blvd.

The Servant’s Heart award is the Rescue Mission’s highest volunteer honor.

Lynn Wyant, director of development, said the award began in 2006 to honor an exceptional volunteer, the late Barbara Clark, who was a faithful volunteer serving cheerfully during years of an illness. She was an inspiration to all so the award was created in her honor for the most dedicated volunteers.

Many individuals and groups give sacrificially each year and about 25,000 hours are donated.

Those receiving the award this year follow:

Rick Blair III, who shares his musical gifts on Sunday mornings, holidays and special occasions, and this year raised $29,193 for the ministry while training for the Boston marathon;

Madison Goske, who volunteers about 30 hours per week in the social services department helping clients;

Kristi Schmitz, who lightens the load on the kitchen staff by preparing food while being outgoing and pleasant to everyone and volunteers eight hours several days each week;

Becky Long, who works with family services clients, is a great organizer of spaces, and does anything asked of her;

Sharon Moser, who helps in the family services department by continually encouraging clients and giving good advice, and she helps with devotions and prays for the ministry and the clients; and

Sandi Love and Jacci Bradley, who both bring joy to the dining hall cheerfully serving meals for many years while making clients feel welcome and important.

For information about the mission or how to become a volunteer, contact the office and ask for Brad Weber at 330-744-5486 or email 2ndchance@RescueMissionMV.org.