Gladys McCoy Award

Kathie Minden

Kathie Minden is the tenth winner of the Gladys McCoy Award for lifetime volunteer achievement. Kathie has spent her lifetime engaged in volunteer activism in the community.

"Mrs. Minden is a very worthy recipient of the Gladys McCoy Award," said Ken Ray, Chair of the Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC), which makes the award each year to an outstanding volunteer who has given exemplary time and service to the County community.

"She exemplifies the community organizer's maxim of "think globally, act locally". Her energy, enthusiasm, and tenaciousness motivate others to join in and actively solve problems.

Kathie has been instrumental in developing neighborhood awareness in her communities that have often lacked resources and a sense of positive self. She has seen to it that children have books to read by organizing book drives and making the books available at laundromats. This project dubbed "Operation Soap" has been duplicated in a number of other communities.

A few years ago Kathie had an idea for a community-wide focus on literacy. She brought together members of businesses, schools, and community to plan a series of events designed to encourage lifelong learning. Oregon Literacy, a statewide organization, was founded due to these successful events. More recently she has turned her attention to revitalizing East Multnomah County parks. As a kick-off to December's holiday season Kathie and other Rockwood activists filled 1,000 paper lunch bags with sand and lighted candles and used them to line the quarter-mile walking path in Vance Park. The idea was "bright not blight" as Vance Park had seen much crime and gang activity.

Kathie certainly is a tireless and passionate volunteer who spends most of her "free time" involved in the community. When Altrusa International of Greater Gresham presented her with a Community Leadership Award and a check which she could use as she saw fit she handed it back to the committee saying that now we can do even more! Her friends and co-workers say that this is Kathie! If each community were lucky enough to have their own Kathie Minden, this world would indeed be a better place.

Jennifer Beegle Youth Involvement Award

Saige Gracie

In her 19 years Saige Gracie has dedicated an extraordinary amount of energy to our community. Most notably, her courageous work in support of lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) youth stands out. Being an “out” lesbian in high school can be difficult. Saige rose to the occasion, speaking out for the needs of LGBTQ youth and educating others with endless energy and an engaging sense of humor.

She has committed hundreds of volunteer hours to social justice causes about which she is passionate, including serving various LGBTQ community groups over several years. The Washington County Pride Project, the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) and Basic Rights Oregon have all marvelled at Saige’ s ongoing commitment and enthusiasm, as well as her quirky humor, and of course her fabulous sense of style. Peers look to her as a role model: she inspires others to take action, she leads by example, she supports those who are struggling to come out, or are facing harassment. She has impacted the lives of hundreds of LGBTQ youth as well as adults who have had the priviledge of working with her.

Without a doubt Saige’s commitment to the betterment of our community deserves recognition. We all, young and old, can learn from her ability to think critically and act with compassion. May her sense of her own history and where she comes from, her strength in using her own experience to fight injustice, and her dedication to those around her, continue to make our community stronger.

Department of Business & Community Services

Rosemarie Cordello deserves the recognition and thanks of Multnomah County for her dedicated efforts to make Multnomah County a more sustainable and healthy community. Her leadership in creating a Food Policy Council that serves both Multnomah County and the City of Portland, as well as her participation in the Sustainable Development Commission to assist the County in moving towards sustainability _ are truly invaluable. She works innumerable hours and draws on a wide range of skills to further the projects in which she is involved. No one could bring the vision, enthusiasm, knowledge, and at times patience, to these activities that Rosemarie provides. It is an honor to work with her.

Kind and thoughtful, Anne-Marie Louise Plass has volunteered with Multnomah County Animal Services since September 2001. She volunteers twice a week averaging 24 hours a month. Anne Marie is conscientious in everything she does. Her duties include working in the cattery, copying and assembling cat and dog adoption packets, compiling volunteer hours, and helping with other administrative tasks. Anne Marie always has a smile and a good word for staff and other volunteers. She always gives her best in whatever task is presented to her. Multnomah County Animal Services is extremely pleased to recognize Anne Marie Louis Plass as an outstanding volunteer.

Very competent, great attitude, reliable _ these are only a few of the compliments that staff and other volunteers have expressed about Kay Geiger . Kay has been volunteering twice a week with Multnomah County Animal Services since September 2002. Kay is willing and able to do whatever needs to be done. She is great with both dogs and cats. She works exceptionally well with the public, and she is handy washing and brushing dogs in need of grooming. Kay is also a wonderful mentor for new volunteers in training. Multnomah County Animal Services is pleased to recognize the exemplary volunteer efforts of Kay Geiger.

Molly Statham would be an exceptional volunteer at any age, but especially at the age of 17 years. Molly has been volunteering with Multnomah County Animal Services since November 2002. As a member of the Gresham High School Internship program, Molly has mentored students with the Work Experience program at the shelter. She trains the students, supervises, and assists the students with their volunteer work. Molly also volunteers at MCAS on her own working on adoption outreach events, taking photographs of animals for the web and advertising, showing animals to prospective adopters and helping with other animal care duties. Molly and her family have also fostered several animals until they are ready to be adopted. Multnomah County Animal Services is proud to recognize Molly Statham as an outstanding volunteer.

Pat Auman is a great friend to animals and to Multnomah County Animal Services. Pat has volunteered with MCAS since July 2000. She is a valuable all-round volunteer participating in animal care, grooming, and showing animals to prospective adopters. Pat is particularly effective in speaking with the public and encouraging animal adoptions in community settings. Pat did this recently with one day's notice to help organize an opportunity with Good Day Oregon who showcased shelter animals needing adoption on their morning program. Pat also fosters special needs animals with a particular fondness for poodles. Multnomah County Animal Services is very happy to recognize Pat Auman for her exceptional volunteer commitment.

Citizen Involvement Committee

J.C. Kizak is completing six years with the Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee, two as Vice Chairperson. She came to the CIC as a representative from the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods in Commissioner Serena Cruz's District #2. J. C. currently serves as the CIC representative on Multnomah County's Audit Committee and will also be representing Multnomah County on Metro's Committee for Citizen Involvement very soon. Making sure that the public process is respected and used is often unglamorous but when J.C. commits to doing something, you can take it to the bank. Thank you J. C., for all the time and energy you have given to all your endeavors!

Citizen Budget Advisory Committees

Irwin Mandel and Dick Wegner serve on the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee for the District Attorney's Office. Dick has spent the past three years as Chair and also serves as this committee's representative to the Central CBAC where he or Irwin have updated representatives for the other CBACs on issues and concerns connected to their department. The District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecution of criminal cases, victim's assistance, and additional service programs. Irwin's and Dick's hard work and searching questions on budgets, benchmarks, and policy issues have proved informative and challenging for all participants in the CBAC Program. Thanks gentlemen!

Vera Robbins and Don Smith are members of the Sheriff's Office Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). Vera has been on the CBAC for 6 years and has also represented the committee on the Central CBAC, the coordinating body that consists of one member elected from each CBAC. Don has served on the committee for the past three years and always brings his special perspective and insight to committee activities. The Sheriff's Office provides policing in the unincorporated areas of the county, operates the county jails, and provides crime prevention programs.

The Department of Business and Community Services CBAC has been fortunate to have Michael Morris as a member for the past three years. He has provided special insight into budget and policy decisions on a range of services including facilities, transportation (roads, bridges, bike paths), planning, taxation and assessment, elections, and animal control. Thanks, Michael!

Columbia Gorge Commission

In 6 years of service on the Gorge Commission, Anne Squier has spent countless hours dedicated to protecting one of our national treasures, the Columbia River Gorge. Anne is a biologist and lawyer, which gives her a unique ability to see the connection between policy and environmental impacts. She is often times put in the undesirable position of being the sole voice for conservation and preservation, never compromising her principles. She has met much controversy in her role as Chair of the Commission and must facilitate very difficult and polarized meetings. Having a seat on the Gorge Commission requires hundreds of hours poring over complex records, case law and policy analysis, listening to hours of testimony and long periods of deliberations responsibilities that have been all the more demanding over the last few years as the Commission has worked to complete the first comprehensive revision to the Scenic Area Management Plan. Anne does all of this without a note of complaint and with an unmatchable energy, and she spends many more hours behind the scenes trying to improve relationships with all of those involved in the Gorge. Without people like Anne, this valuable resource would not be the asset that we all appreciate today. Thanks, Ann!

Community Justice

Anita August has been volunteering with the Londer Learning Center since November 2002. She works with some of our most challenging students: those who have reading disabilities, as well as students who find reading easy. She has found the work so rewarding that she has, on her own initiative, taken English as a Second Language training and is in the midst of a practicum to learn to teach students with learning disabilities. She is always cheerful and enthusiastic. She creates a knowledgeable and patient presence that staff and students appreciate.

David August has been volunteering at the Medford Program since May 2003. David has helped both staff and residents become more computer literate. Residents are on parole and probation with Multnomah County and are re-entering the community through our transitional housing. David's help with these individuals has allowed them to use our computers to develop resumes and computer skills that will help them be more successful in their transition into the community. All of the individuals receiving David's help give him high praise for his patience, knowledge and teaching skills. He deserves our thanks and recognition.

Christine Evans has volunteered at the Londer Learning Center since May 2003. She comes twice a week, after working a full day at the Nike Corporation, to help out with English as a Second Language students, computer students, and, most recently, works with a Pre-GED teacher to help learning disabled students transition to a higher reading class. She was an immense help during our Everybody Reads project, making huge posters that are still being displayed at the center. Christine's help is invaluable.

Lynne Fairweather is a graduate student of social work, who has been working with DCJ since September 2003. She has been working with people who are victims of crime. Lynne brought a great deal of experience and expertise with her — she has over 10 years experience working with women who are victims of domestic violence. Lynn has brought good ideas to our agency, and professional and compassionate help to the crime victims whose lives she has touched. Thank you Lynn for your contribution...and the best of luck to you in your graduate studies.

Nancy Jameson is a PSU student who has volunteered at the Juvenile Detention Facility for over a year. She continues to volunteer even after her practicum term was completed. Nancy is bright, articulate, caring and compassionate. She is eager to complete any tasks we assign to her and is willing to find work to do on her own as well. Nancy has designed artwork for our service learning projects and has worked with youth in the classroom, assisting low-level learners. Not all volunteers feel comfortable in our setting, the Donald E. Long detention facility, but she has kept an open mind and we are grateful for all she has to offer.

Jessica Lowman began volunteering with the Department of Community Justice's Transition Services Unit last spring and has been a great asset to both the transitional housing program and the Corrections Counselors at the Mead Building. Jessica came to us out of curiosity, but then jumped right in, serving some female offenders, but also volunteering her assistance to some of the most needy and dangerous offenders in the community. She has been dependable and fun to have around, and we would like to recognize her service to the department.

Amanda Mendez has been volunteering with the Department of Juvenile Justice since June of 2003. She began her practicum in the Diversion Unit, but transferred to the Female Gender Team when her supervisor changed positions. Amanda has been successfully assisting in case management. Her case management skills are excellent, and she has been able to adapt quickly and successfully to all of the changes of the reorganization. Amanda is currently employed with Clackamas County Aquatic Center and just recently was hired part time at NW Behavioral. Amanda is a dependable and hardworking asset to our unit.

Derek Oringer has been volunteering with the Londer Learning Center since August 2003. He has specifically helped out with basic math tutoring and has worked as a teacher's assistant in our lowest level reading class. This class has 10+ adults who read below 3rd grade levels and who have mental impairments and emotional difficulties. Derek is able to work with these students in a patient and calm way. It is with joy and sadness that we've learned Derek has entered into a graduate teaching program at PSU and has, as of Feb. 2004, had to stop volunteering at the Learning Center. We wish him the best of luck!

Even though Seth Prouser has only been our intern since February 2 ^nd , he has learned very quickly. He has four offenders that he oversees under the direction of his supervisor. He is learning how to complete comprehensive case plans, risk assessments, and needs assessment forms. Seth is working with a difficult population of sex offenders and is eager to learn every aspect of parole and probation. Once he receives his Master of Social Work degree, he would make a fine contribution as a Parole, Probation Officer for this department.

Ed Quinn was reading about the County's budget crisis in the local newspaper, and decided he could make a difference by volunteering. In August of 2003, Ed began volunteering for the Intake Unit of Adult Services Division. Shortly after that he transferred to the Family Services Unit, where he is one of the unit's top "dog snoop detectives." If we want to find a person, before placing a warrant, Ed is hot on the trail. With the help and support of his full time employer, Fleet National Bank, Ed has contributed so much. He has updated our field books, written warrant requests and court reports, and has even shadowed us in the field. He truly deserves our thanks and recognition.

Christy Tappan is a graduate student in the Portland State University Administration of Justice program. She has been a great help at the Southwest Parole and Probation Office assisting in the supervision, interviewing and field contacts with our clients. Christy responds well to any given situation and we appreciate her choosing us for her internship experience.

Heidi McCuster is an incredible young woman who is dedicated to her volunteer work. This is demonstrated in her ability to understand and apply her skill within the complexity of working with probation youth and families. Heidi is compassionate in her approach with the youth and families, as well as with the staff. She takes on assignments with seemingly no challenge and has a gift of inspiring others to achieve their potential. The Female Gender team could not have asked for a better student volunteer. She is greatly appreciated!

Elders In Action

Michael Eagan began volunteering with Elders in Action Ombudsman Services program in May 2003. Since becoming a volunteer Ombudsman, Michael has taken on many different hats as a volunteer. Besides working one-on-one with those in need, Michael volunteers every week in our office assisting recent victims of crime and linking them to community resources. Michael has a wonderful disposition and an excellent listening ear, and has called over 100 victims of crime in the past year. He has provided individual assistance to over 13 clients in the areas of Healthcare, Housing and Crime and Elder Abuse. We are proud to have Michael as an Ombudsman Volunteer and look forward to his continued work to helping those in need.

Elders in Action is pleased to recognize Charles Kurtz for 6 years of outstanding service on the Elders in Action Commission, including two years as Chair. He has a unique talent of sorting through the complicated maze of State and Federal Legislative issues to educate his peers so that they may effectively advocate. He appeared at Press Conferences and was a spokesperson in the Elders in Action Commission's strong advocacy for State Measures 28 and 30, and the Multnomah County 26-48 I-TAX. Charles is also an "Elder Friendly" evaluator and has helped evaluate some of the 190 businesses and services that Elders in Action has certified in the past two years. Charles is an effective communicator in presenting information to the City and County Commissioners and is dedicated to seeing that Government acts and works for the betterment of all citizens.

Health Department

Earnie Dory is completing her third year as a consumer member of the Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council serves as the Health Department's citizen advisory board and its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. She served as an Executive Committee member, providing leadership to the Council. She has also participated in the county's budget process, providing personal testimony during the County's public hearings. Earnie continues to help Health Department better understand the challenges clients experience when accessing the health care system.

Lilia Evangelista is completing her third year as a consumer member of the Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council is the Health Department's citizen advisory board and serves as its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. Lilia is the first Latino youth to serve on the Council. This year, Lilia helped to put together a Multnomah County television program to educate the public about the county health centers and share her perspective about why these services are important. She also co-facilitated a Health Department focus group with homeless youth. Lilia's commitment to promote health and wellness in the community is inspiring.

Katy Yen is completing her third year as a community member of the Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council is the Health Department's citizen advisory board and serves as its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. Katy's insight and expertise help the Health Department to better understand the health needs of our county's refugee and immigrant communities. She is an advocate for culturally-competent health care services, and she continues to engage the Health Department in conversations about how we can best serve the diverse communities of Multnomah County.

Rosemary Sotta is completing her third year as a health care provider member of Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council is the Health Department's citizen advisory board and serves as its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. She previously served as Chair of the Council's Nominating Committee, which assists with member recruitment. Rosemary is herself a dentist, and she brings expertise and knowledge about providing quality health care services in an increasingly diverse community.

Eric Valkenaar is completing his third year as a community member of Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council serves as the Health Department's citizen advisory board and its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. Eric currently serves on the Council's Executive Committee. In this leadership role, Eric helps to plan Council meetings and guides the Council in successfully achieving its work plan goals. Eric brings an important perspective to issues of health care access, speaking out about the increasing numbers of people in our communities who are unable to afford adequate mental health and primary health care.

Shirley Davies has completed two years of service as a consumer member of the Multnomah County Community Health Council. The Council is the Health Department's citizen advisory board and serves as its Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. Over the last year, Shirley participated in the county's budget process, providing personal testimony to the Board of County Commissioners. She also participated in the production of a Multnomah County television program, highlighting the county's health services and her experiences at the Southeast Health Center. Shirley brings an important perspective to the Council's table as someone who uses the county's health services.

Human Services

Rachel Indigo Cerise Baum is an AmeriCorps Volunteer with Lifespan Respite Care Network. She is a compassionate person and she thrives on reaching out to underserved people and linking them to needed services. Caregivers often comment on Rachel's helpful nature and her abundant resource knowledge. Thanks Rachel for sharing your gifts with the Lifespan Respite Care Network.

Library Services

The Multnomah County Library uses volunteers in all aspects of its operations. This year's representatives of these volunteers are:

Carmen Iranzo is the main volunteer book mender for the Popular Library at Central. Because of her hard work we are able to rescue and repair books that would otherwise require expensive repair at the bindery or would be discarded. The quality of her work is so excellent and consistent that staff never need to check it. Carmen has an exemplary attendance record and treats her job with professionalism and pride. She has been our faithful volunteer for over four years and is a delightful member of our team.

Diane Eklund has volunteered for the Hollywood Library for over three years now, and is one of the longest-term volunteers that library has ever had. She arrives faithfully and punctually each week and checks-in and shelves some of the 14,000 holds we process per month for our patrons. Diane is smart and the Hollywood staff are grateful that her love of books brought her to them. She is most loved for her kindheartedness. She rarely misses on her day to volunteer, but when she does, everyone misses her ! She shares in the staff's joys and sorrows, as we do hers. We are very fortunate to have Diane Eklund on our team at Hollywood.

Once or twice a week, including occasional Saturdays, Kam Barron has brought spirit and enthusiasm into Multnomah County Library's Volunteer Services office. Though she works full time at Portland State University, she breezes into Volunteer Services each week with verve and a smile. Last year she helped train, on short notice, about a hundred volunteers for the Summer Reading Program and she coordinated young volunteers at North Portland Library. She interviews volunteers for placement and for the newsletter and is a maverick with a digital camera, having taken fabulous photos of library volunteers in action. Just for fun, Kam periodically scrutinizes DVDs for sellability at the Title Wave Bookstore. It's not an exaggeration to call Kam Barron a renaissance volunteer!

Sara Normington is extremely generous with her time when it comes to the library. Though she has many other obligations, she makes the library a priority. With her assistance, the Teen Lounge and Homework Center at Hollywood Library has become a welcoming place for teens who need a place to work or be with peers. They appreciate the one-on-one help that Sara gives them. Aside from giving her time to the Teen Lounge, Sara has helped with numerous projects at Hollywood. Whatever she undertakes, Sara brings a sense of joy and enthusiasm to her work. On top of all that, she often brings a bouquet of flowers to brighten the library and cheer patrons and staff. The staff at Hollywood are always pleased to see her and believe she deserves this recognition.

Anne-Marie Plass has volunteered at the Midland Branch Library for over 4 years. She has contributed more than1750 hours to the library during that time. Three mornings each week she arrives early and joins the staff in preparing the branch for a busy day. Her daily routine is to clean public computer screens, put out paperback books and board books, and then she begins to looks for other urgent jobs. The Youth Services librarians have also relied upon her for help with preparing materials for craft projects, cleaning toys, and keeping things in order. She helps prepare books for use by the public by cleaning them and applying labels. She has helped prepare for a variety of library events and is always willing to be there to help with the programs. Anne-Marie always has a cheerful smile and greeting for the staff, and is a pleasure to work with.

Morley Knoll has been volunteering with the Cyber Seniors Program at the Library since its inception in February of 2000 and was instrumental in its development. She started out helping with the classes offered by the library at senior centers and community centers around the County. When Cyber Seniors classes began in the libraries she started teaching at the Gregory Heights branch, then migrated to the Capitol Hill library, in her neighborhood in 2002. Patrons at the Gregory Heights Branch Library still ask about her, and still comment on her fabulous sense of fashion! At the Capitol Hill Library she and her fellow volunteers have taught about 50 seniors a year, exposing them to the world of the internet, e-mail and the online library catalog. She has also recommended ways to improve the classes and make them better for the students. Morley symbolizes the best in volunteer work: dedication to helping her community and a warmth and love of people that makes her work so successful, over and over again.

Sheriff's Office

Karen Hofrichter has an exciting day job. She works graveyard shift at OSHU as an RN at the Oregon Poison Center. You'd think that after a long and often hectic shift, Karen would rush home and get some shut-eye. Not Karen. More often than not, you'll find Karen in the MCSO River Patrol Office from the wee hours of the morning until late afternoon, answering phones, taking messages, copying, and generally helping the officers and Sheriff's office staff with whatever needs to be done. Karen has put her phenomenal organizational skills to good use creating spreadsheets for tracking daily activities, statistics, and scheduling. Karen's MCSO colleagues say she fits in very well and is a pleasure to have in the office. One officer notes, "She has, pretty much, freed me up so I can focus my energy on some of the higher priority things needing immediate attention."

Shannon Jones has always had an interest in law enforcement. A few months ago, she decided to follow her dreams and began actively volunteering her time with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. To date, Shannon has provided much needed assistance to three different units within our agency. One of her supervisors notes, "Shannon worked out great. You couldn't have selected a better person. She was very conscientious and thorough. In fact, when I was able to break away from my duties to help her out, she seemed apprehensive about me stepping in and messing things up (which was smart on her part). She caught on right away, with little oversight on my part." Thanks again, Shannon, and keep up the excellent work!

Real heroes are those who strive selflessly day after day, doing whatever it takes to get the job—in some cases— thankless job, done. And thus it is with the interns working for the Sheriff's Office. Terri McClure and Josh Hennigh have performed their assigned and self-initiated tasks above and beyond, while gaining a variety of experiences in police work. Terri and Josh were willing, if not exactly eager, to be thumped, twisted, thrown, shot (simunitions), tased and pepper-sprayed to learn the effects, and the emotional cost, of what police officers are sometimes forced to do to affect arrests. And this in addition to shoveling through the mounds of paperwork that go with the job, helping set up and conducting community meetings, trainings for other police and civilian agencies, and generally making us all look good. It's this day-to-day `grunt' work _ long hours and no pay _ that makes these two individuals not only noticeable, but most deserving of recognition.

Thirty (30) years! That's how many years Kevin Huntley has served his community as a volunteer with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. At the tender age of 13, Kevin knew he wanted to be involved with law enforcement, so he joined the Search and Rescue Explorer Post 631. In addition to his Explorer commitment, Kevin became a MCSO Reserve Deputy in 1996, and in 2001 was promoted to MCSO Reserve Sergeant. He currently serves as the head advisor of Search and Rescue and assists in the supervision and direction of approximately 50 individuals. Kevin is also assigned as the River Unit Supervisor, which entails coordinating the Reserve resources with the River Patrol Unit. During his 30-year tenure with MCSO, Kevin has been involved in numerous search and rescue missions, including the DC-8 plane crash in 1978 and the mudslides in Multnomah County in 1996. Kevin serves as an excellent role model and mentor, and is highly regarded by his colleagues in the Sheriff's Office.

Volunteer Chaplains Gene and Marilyn Lee have been with the Sheriff's Office for approximately four years now and have collectively earned a reputation for doing superb work. Gene is the support volunteer for the staff chaplain at Inverness Jail and fills in on the staff chaplain's days off. It is not uncommon to see him at Inverness five days a week! Marilyn, who is a secretary at Clackamas Community College, has provided much needed secretarial support—handling mail and sorting requests from inmates for assistance provided by more than 65 volunteer chaplains. Marilyn spends a great deal of time working in the female inmate housing unit providing for the spiritual needs of individuals confined to jail. One officer notes, "As a deputy, I have asked for their assistance with many situations: a female inmate who couldn't stop crying after being sentenced or an inmate who just learned her children were going to be taken away from her. Both chaplains have made themselves available whenever they are needed." One officer commented, "They seem to always be available whenever they are needed, but they're never in the way."

Cheryl June has been a volunteer member of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Employment Resource Team for more than two years. During this time, Cheryl has inspired many inmates by giving them job search resources and building their confidence by getting them to see the talents they have beyond their criminal records. She has educated our offender population in effective job search strategies, resume preparation, interviewing skills, felony conviction explanation to employers, and the importance of a positive attitude. Whenever we make the announcement that Cheryl June will be hosting another employment class, we have more people sign up to attend than we can allow; class feedback is always positive. We can't think of a more effective educator and role model for our inmates, who desperately need all the advice and resources they can obtain prior to release back into our community.

Alice Tate came on board as an MCSO volunteer this past year. Alice had no prior experience working in a jail system, but was willing and eager to provide support and comfort to the females in our jail system. Her dedication has been recognized not only by staff, but also by numerous female inmates. Alice is, by nature, a creative person; she has been described by many as "a real breath of fresh air." By all accounts, she has done a superb job working with the female inmate population. Without volunteer chaplains like Alice, it would be all but impossible to provide for the spiritual needs of our diverse inmate population.