Henry Lozano, Deputy Assistant to the President- Director of USA Freedom Corps, was a featured speaker at this year's volunteer conference - Forging New Links (April 21).

As Director of USA Freedom Corps, Mr. Lozano is charged with implementing the vision for volunteerism and service in America. Echoing the President's Call to Service, initiated in his 2002 State of the Union, Mr. Lozano works to promote and expand opportunities for Americans to serve causes greater than themselves. Mr. Lozano was appointed by President Bush and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

While in Columbus, Mr. Lozano also had the opportunity to meet with Ohio Citizen Corps/Medical Reserve Corps coordinators, and present two Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. "I am very impressed with the pro-active nature the State of Ohio has taken with the development of Citizen Corps and Medical Reserve Corps," Mr. Lozano said. "Ohio truly stands out as a leader throughout the country in creating a culture of citizen preparedness."

Click here to read about the Presidential
Volunteer Service Award Winners: Ute Päpke and
Dr. Edward T. Bope

On March 28, 2007, Leisa was made aware of a burglary in her neighborhood. She proceeded to spread the word by sending informational flyers to over 300 homes, asking people to call her with any information. A neighbor called and said a man had knocked forcefully at her door, scaring her. She did go to the door, but talked to him behind a closed door. She secured a vehicle description and called police with the information. On April 4, a call came in to Dispatch about a burglary in progress a few miles from a burglary the previous week. As Detective Schwartz was on his way to the scene, he relayed the vehicle information provided to him. The vehicle, matching the description, was spotted by an officer and stopped. The offenders were arrested and further investigation revealed that the offenders had committed at least four burglaries in Westerville and at least 10 others in Central Ohio. Several stolen guns and other valuables were recovered from the suspects. The citizen volunteer was later able to identify both suspects from a photo line-up, further helping the case for court. After the incident, Leisa took her own initiative to recruit people in the surrounding areas to start their own neighborhood watch program – she received a tremendous response! Seven additional neighborhood watches were organized as a result of her efforts.

Congratulations Leisa ...keep up the great work!

	National Volunteer Week Honoree

by: Jacqui Dewey-Smith,
RSVP Program Director for Stark County

Canton Christian Home was spotlighted for special recognition during National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3).  The Home has been an active member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) since 1994. 

	RSVP Volunteer Gail Coe enjoys sewing blankets for Project Linus - a national organization whose motto is “Providing Security Through Blankets”

Canton Christian Home (CCH) is a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community offering the security of a comprehensive continuum of care ranging from Independent Living to full Nursing Care.  We are blessed to have many loyal volunteers who give generously of their time, talent, and love adding to the well-being of our residents. Our volunteers come to us from the community and also many of our own residents volunteer in areas of interest to them. We currently have 105 volunteers who have donated 25 hours plus in the year 2007 with a total of 8,620 hours. 

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On Tuesday, April 22, Frances Strickland and Jim Tressel recognized 10 outstanding Make A Difference Day Ohio (MDDO) projects and one Encore Award Winner at the MDDO Awards Ceremony. (Click here to read list of award winners)

For the 8th consecutive year, Ohio led the nation in the number of volunteer service projects planned for Make A Difference Day Ohio (MDDO) – Saturday, October 27. Over 1,000 projects were conducted throughout the state, involving nearly 40,000 volunteers. “Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of volunteering (always held the last Saturday in October), is a catalyst that brings people together for projects that often extend beyond one day a year,” said Mrs. Strickland. “Volunteerism makes a community a better place because people help one another with no thought of reward or personal gain.  It provides us all with an opportunity to do something greater than ourselves.” 

Way to go OHIO!

MDDO 2008
Saturday, October 25
"It Starts ...with You!"

Senate Bill 259, legislation creating the new Volunteer Specialty License Plate, was an agenda item in the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee meetings March 11 and April 21. Senator Joy Padgett, our legislative sponsor, provided the initial testimony. Additional testimonies were given by Kitty Burcsu, Ohio Community Service Council, Janet George, City Year Columbus, and Dale Leach, Ohio District of Kiwanis International.

NEXT STEPS: In early fall, the legislation should move out of committee to the full Senate for a vote. Then... on to the House and Governor for his signature! Thanks to Brady Oxender, Senator Padgett, and State Representative Larry Flowers for their fine work on behalf of volunteers throughout the state.

Tune to www.serveohio.org for updates…it’s moving!