Kuxshimi Arysingha, Barbara Hallett, Bill Konersman and Kay Linden received the Five Acres' volunteer recognition honors are joined by Pearl Kim, Volunteer-Intern Coordinator.
Five Acres honored our outstanding volunteers at our 14th Annual Volunteer Recognation and Valentine Day Tea. This yearly recognition of the vital volunteers working with abused and at-risk children live in Pasadena, Alhambra and La Cañada.
The Volunteer Recognition Award, given to those whose outstanding work has shown a consistent and loyal commitment to the children of Five Acres, was presented to Barbara Hallett of Pasadena who is currently a classroom assistant in the Therapeutic School. In addition, she has been a Special Friend to two different children during her four years of service.
The Campus Volunteer Recognition Award for those who work with children in Residential Treatment or the Group Home Program was given to Kati and Bill Konersman of Alhambra. “They have demonstrated enormous commitment to the children of Five Acres by serving as a role model to them,” said Jurado. Starting as Special Friends for a young man in Residential Treatment three years ago, they are currently the Cottage Friends for Eagle Cottage on the Five Acres campus.
The Therapeutic School Volunteer Recognition Award, given to those demonstrating a commitment to the educational and cultural growth of children at the agency’s therapeutic school, went to Luxshimi Aryasingha of La Cañada who has been a tutor in the After School Literacy Program for more than five years. She was cited for the implementation of creative and innovative program planning.
As a model of commitment to the local community as well as to Five Acres, Kay Linden’s continued service has earned the La Cañada resident the Direct Service Award. She has been a tutor in the After School Literacy program for two years and has also been a Board Member since 1997.
“Our volunteers offer unconditional human caring and personal
interaction to the children at Five Acres”, said Robin Smith Jurado,
assistant director of Human Resources, Volunteers and Recruitment.
“Their selfless contributions of kindness and dedication contribute
immensely to the growth and healing of the kids in our care.” Volunteers 18 years and older are continually sought as tutors, classroom assistants, homework helpers, special friends and cottage friends. For more information about volunteering at Five Acres, contact Robin Smith Jurado at (626) 798-6793 ext. 2210 or
Pasadena Now 2/26/07 story>
