Meet the 2017 Senior Spirit Award Winners! They will be honored on April 21 at the 2017 Senior Spirit Awards. The luncheon will be held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Johnstown from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.
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Spirit of Leadership
Brother Shamus McGrenra, Dorothy Day Outreach Center – Saint Francis University
To date Brother Shamus has biked over 3,000 miles and raised nearly $200,000 for the Dorothy Day Outreach Center (DDOC). The DDOC is a modest home that provides services, programs, food, clothing and monetary assistance to local people since 1981. His efforts in cycling and raising money are providing a source of sustainability for the many vital program and services provided to local persons in need throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. He works tirelessly to raise funds for the center, even while dealing with cancer and the effects of chemotherapy. He is an inspiration to all.
Spirit of Community
Cambria County Foster Grandparent Program
This can be a troubled world, especially for children. Many are growing up without a complete family unit. No grandma or grandpa to build memories with, no one invested in their future. These kids need a warm hug, a smile, a safe place and a person who is really interested in them. The Cambria County Foster Grandparent Program offers just that. Friendship, love, respect, joy, health, self-esteem, self-worth, companionship, encouragement and a sense of accomplishment are just to name a few of the gifts that this program offers the children of our community. Dedicated volunteers who are 55 or older spend between 15 and 40 hours a week, 9 to 12 months out of the year working in classrooms with students across Cambria County. There are over 70 senior volunteers in the program, 30 of which are 80 years of age or older. Many of the volunteers will say they do it to help the children. However, the rewards of working with the children are great for the volunteers too- keeping them young, engaged, and offering a lot of love!
Spirit of Appreciation
Moxham Renaissance & Jean Tanaka
Non-profit organizations require a lot of volunteer help and strong leadership to thrive and today Moxham Renaissance is successful because of the efforts of many, including member and secretary Jean Tanaka. Jean became a board member of the organization in 2001 and since then has used her remarkable and unique set of talents to help maintain and enhance the Moxham community, its livability and its historic significance. Grant writing, citizen and business engagement, building improvements and special community projects are just a few of the tasks that Jean and others have tackled in Moxham. The organization maintains the historic Russell House that serves as a community center. Moxham Renaissance focuses on bringing people together and improving the neighborhood through active monitoring and open communication with the Johnstown City government. Diligent, dedicated, and dynamic are words used to describe Tanaka and her volunteer service as part of Moxham Renaissance.
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