In the last months of 2020, the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office of Volunteerism and Partnership launched an initiative to recognize those who have done inspiring work to make the city a more inclusive, vibrant, and resilient place to work, play, and thrive.
In mid-April, the office, known as SERVE DC, held an online awards ceremony to commemorate seven honorees of the 200 nominated to receive honors through the new initiative.
Alexis Squire, Interim Director of SERVE DC said these awards “personify DC values through service, volunteerism, and civic engagement,” and told each of those nominated that their “acts of service help to advance our mission of connecting people to purpose to address some of our city’s pressing challenges.”
It is no secret that the past year presented significant hardships, health emergencies, and calls for social justice. SERVE DC honors all who serve, but specifically highlighted seven individuals or groups that Squire said: “represent the best of DC… with a commitment to service that inspires.”
“These residents, community-based organizations, and multi-sector partners demonstrated what’s possible when we work together to donate our talent, time, and resources to support our city,” said Mayor Bowser in a pre-recorded statement.
The Emergency Preparedness Youth Award was presented to Alexandra Diaz, who participated in the agency’s annual programs to provide preparedness training educating families and individuals for emergencies and disasters. Diaz’s “passion for healing people” has led to certifications in CPR and AED.
SERVE DC’s Emergency Preparedness Adult Award was presented to Ben Curran, a native Washingtonian who serves as deputy Branch Chief for Mass Care Voluntary Agency Coordination with FEMA. He has supported several disasters throughout the country through his work. On behalf of his group Southwest Strong, Curran accepted the awards and shared his “vision to build a community… [that will] learn about the hazards we face and prepare to be resilient when disasters happen.”
The Award for National Service was presented to the AmeriCorps’ After School All-Stars program, which provides free comprehensive after-school programs. Daniela Grigioni, Executive Director of After School All-Stars accepts the award on behalf of the program, designed to keep children safe, help them succeed and thrive in all aspects of their life.
The Public-Private Partnership: Achievement in Collaboration Award was offered to the Washington Area Community Investment Fund for its meaningful investments in strategic alignment with commitment-based organizations in the public sector. It was particularly lauded for its aims to support small business owners in underserved neighborhoods.
SERVE DC’s Donor Difference Award recognizes one organization that has made significant financial or in-kind contributions in support of government initiatives. The DC Public Education Fund was presented with this award, recognized for raising more than $150 million in high-impact private investments to support DC schools, including staffing support and technology.
The Individual Community Impact Award honors an outstanding commitment to connecting DC’s most vulnerable residents to critical services and resources through service and volunteerism. With over 20 years of community organizing experience, Salim Adofo actively engages with the community and sustains hope for DC residents.
The Organization Community Impact Award was presented to Project GiveBack, which aims to provide a space for corporate firms and professionals to give back to communities through programs like an annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution and year-round donation drives for food, toys, and technology. Ransom Miller III, Chairman of Project GiveBack accepted the honor, saying, “Over the last 26 years, our team has been amazing, but this year’s effort allowed them to step up and lead in new ways.”
Mayor Bowser’s DC Hope Award recognizes the best in civic engagement, service, and volunteerism across DC. Jessica Brown, founder of The College Girl, President of the College Girl Foundation, and author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke, accepted this award for recognizing a need in the community and creating a genuine solution, using service as a tool.
The Office of Volunteerism and Partnership plans to continue to celebrate the impact of volunteerism while recognizing the work and efforts of individuals, community-based organizations, and other partners in communities across the District.
