Community Corner

New Hope Housing Recognizes Exceptional Volunteers

Four individuals and groups were recognized for going above and beyond for a local nonprofit.

New Hope Housing  presented four outstanding groups and individuals with special awards at its annual volunteer recognition night last week at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church.

Andrea Grimaldi was presented with the Kyle Randall Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in establishing an employment "boutique" for residents. Job-seeking residents can turn to the boutique for professional assistance, wardrobe advice, and resume writing support. 

Volunteer Linda Hill was presented with the Jim Lund Award and was recognized for dedicating 20 years of service to the Alexandria Community Shelter.

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Carylin Waterval and members of Girl Scout Troop #479 were honored with the Allie McConnell Youth Service Award for organizing special activities for children at New Hope Housing’s family shelters. 

Eleven other groups and individuals were recognized for their commitment to volunteering at New Hope Housing over the past year:

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  • Sammie Thornton, Bethlehem Baptist Church, for his work with VICHOP, the hypothermia shelter
  • Bethlehem Baptist Church
  • Charles Lepple, Special Events Volunteer
  • Jason Tonks, Special Events Volunteer
  • Blessing Ekemezie, Kitchen/Meal Volunteer
  • Loretta Bowman, Alexandria Community Shelter
  • The Sunday Brunch Group, Service Organization
  • Yvonne Claytor, Tutor
  • Michelle Helaire, The Reading Connection
  • Meghan Roberts, Class Facilitator
  • Bonnie Cardwell, Mentor
  • Laurie Forbes, Mentor

“We are so fortunate to have the commitment and dedication to helping people in our community demonstrated by Andrea and all of those recognized this evening," said Executive Director Pam Michell. "Our volunteers demonstrate a sincere commitment to helping others, and we are a stronger community as a result of their support.”


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