Sacramento, CA - The Ninth Annual Heroes of Human Service Awards Recognition event will take place today, October 06, 2015 during the county's Board hearing. The awards ceremony, presented by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the county's Human Services Coordinating Council, will honor residents of Sacramento County who have touched the lives of others through their advocacy, dedication, service and support.
When:
09:30 a.m. – Tuesday, October 06, 2015 – Reception to follow
Where:
County of Sacramento Administrative Building
1st Floor, Board Chambers
700 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Great photo opportunity!
Honorees and Honorable Mentions available after ceremony for interviews – THEIR STORIES ARE FASCINATING AND INSPIRING
During the ceremony, each Supervisor will present resolutions to honorees from their district. A total of 15 honorees will be recognized from the five supervisorial districts.
The Honorees:
| District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 |
| Dawn M. Olson | Teresa Yokoi-Fong & Frank Fong | Albertine Johnson | Sandie Fredericks | Ethan Cutts, MD |
| | | Maxine Krugman | Leonard Johnson | Terry Esparza |
| | | Michael Saigeon | Tracy Whipple | David Huleva |
| | | | | Linda Pinkham |
| | | | | Vitalina Tufi |
| | | | | Frank Withrow |
The work of these heroes can be exemplified through the stories of Honorees like Maxine Krugman. She served the seniors and disabled adults of Sacramento for two terms on the Adult and Aging Commission (AAC), as member, then chairwoman. She was on the Parkinson's Association of Northern California for six years, serving as president. One of her goals on the AAC was to have a safe place for abused and neglected elders to go when removed from a dangerous situation. For 11 years, Ms. Krugman advocated, found funding, and worked through the legal and practical requirements to make this come true. Safe House has been a short-term emergency shelter and critical-services connection for endangered elders for five years, working with community partners.
Another example is the heartwarming love story of Teresa Yokoi-Fong and Frank Fong that is rooted in their volunteer service. They are the volunteering dream team for the ACC Senior Services (formerly known as The Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley) and have been volunteering for decades!
Teresa began her work with ACC in 1987 and for 28 years she spent weekends bringing joy to residents who loved to play BINGO and socialize at parties. In addition to helping with Care Center events, she volunteered as a teaching assistant for an English as a Second Language class sponsored by ACC. She also helps annually at the ACC Craft and Bake Sale.
Frank began volunteering in 2000 when his mother resided at the Care Center. After spending time with her there, he became inspired to volunteer regularly assisting elders. He signed up to volunteer with ACC Rides Transportation Program, driving seniors to their destinations. Through his love and talent for dance, he began teaching Ballroom Dance at ACC. When Frank overheard Teresa talk about a tap-dance performance at the Care Center, he struck up a conversation and offered to teach her how to ballroom dance. Their friendship blossomed over years of volunteering side-by-side, and the couple married three years later!
And last, an Honoree who shows that you are never too old to help make a difference in the community, is David Huleva. For the past 30 years, David has volunteered five days a week serving lunch at the Meals on Wheels All Season Café located in The Senior Safe Center of Elk Grove. David is now 92 years young and continues to ride his bike every day to the café to perform his volunteer duties!
CONTACT:
Jerri Thompson, Staff, Human Services Coordinating Council
Phone:
916-875-1250
E-mail:
thompsonjer@saccounty.net
