Helping Hands honors volunteers, presents awards at annual board meeting

(ROCKWALL, TX – Jan. 27, 2016) Rockwall County Helping Hands honored several of its volunteers, welcomed its new Board members for 2016, and celebrated a successful 2015 during its annual meeting on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club.

The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding commitment, dedication and service to the mission of the Rockwall County Helping Hands:

President’s Volunteer Service Awards presented by President & CEO Jon Bailey – Parker and Sydney Hail, in recognition and appreciation of their commitment to strengthen our nation’s community through volunteer service

The Chairman’s Award presented by Board Chair, Sheri Starkey-Parks – Sandra Doyle

David Lensch M.D. Award (Volunteer Physician of the Year) presented by Vice Chair Health Services, Dr. David Lensch – Jim and Gail McCurry

Ethel Moss Award – accepted by

Loren Liechty on behalf of The Liechty Family

President’s Award presented by President & CEO, Jon Bailey – Melody Hail, Director of Development; Melody East, Director of Thrift Store; Alicia Coleman, Controller

Helping Hands Chairman Sheri Starkey-Parks and President and CEO Jon Bailey summarized the successes of 2015 for the nonprofit organization despite some overwhelming odds at times, including the Spring rains which flooded two offices of Helping Hands and destroyed several homes in Lake Rockwall Estates; the retirement of longtime Helping Hands President Margo Nielsen and Events Director Kay Dutta; and the Dec. 26 tornado.

In 2015, the Helping Hands Annual Campaign grew almost 35% ($25,000) from 2014, special events increased by 14.5% ($26,000 more than 2014), and holiday giving increased by 55% (over $37,000 more than 2014). Helping Hands raised $185,000 for expansion of its facilities, including the food pantry which relocated along with its Assistance and Referral Services to the newly-renovated Reeves Service Center at 102 S. First St. They helped over 72 families affected by the tornado and are continuing to help more families.

This past year also marked the first year since 2011 that the Helping Hands Health Center came out in the positive thanks to generous donations, growth in office visits, and being able to even out staff-to-patient ratios and expenses.

The Assistance and Referral program had another fruitful year, giving out 23,643 bags of food, $18,561 in vouchers, $11,041 in gift cards, and distributed 821 Thanksgiving baskets. It also made over 2,153 payments for utilities, shelter and emergency assistance, and provided 537 students with school supplies.

“As I reflected back on this past year, the one thing that never wavered from my mind is that I wouldn’t have wanted to be in any other place than where I was this entire past year,” Bailey said. “I saw firsthand what a staff, an organization, a board and what a community can really do when they have an unwavering spirit and empowerment for an organization like Helping Hands. It was absolutely amazing to watch.”

Bailey said the goals for 2016 include continuing to generate financial resources for the capital campaign, raising $240,000 to be able to run the Assistance and Referral program, increasing store hours for the thrift store and increasing awareness of what Helping Hands does for the community.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer.

The Blue Ribbon News print edition is delivered free to more than 18,000 homes throughout Rockwall and Heath.