Volunteers play a crucial role at York County Community Action Corporation. They intern in the WIC program and at Nasson Health Care, the community-based health center in Springvale. They prepare state and federal taxes free of charge through CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope), a program offered through YCCAC’s Economic Opportunity Department. Volunteers sit on the Head Start Policy Council and on the YCCAC Board of Directors. They serve as volunteer drivers in the Transportation Program. Volunteers answer phones and stuff envelopes and sometimes tend to the lawns and gardens surrounding the agency’s buildings. One group, all women and all knitters, come together each week in Sanford to knit and crochet winter hats, gloves, scarves and mittens—donations for anyone who needs them.

In 2018, there were 361 YCCAC volunteers. They donated over 42,000 hours of service.

On Tuesday afternoon, April 9th, YCCAC held its annual Volunteer Recognition at the agency’s main office complex in Sanford. Volunteers from across the agency came to enjoy refreshments, socialize, and receive a gift, a small token of appreciation for their work over the past year.

Ericka Sanborn, YCCAC Volunteer Coordinator and Development Manager, speaking from a podium in the Dupee Conference Room, said: “Those 42,000 plus volunteer hours, when given a dollar value, equate to just over a million dollars. That’s impressive—and wonderful. And it’s all because of you.”

The volunteers were joined for the event by senior program and department staff.

Barbara Crider, YCCAC Executive Director, offered gratitude and praise for the “many hours you’ve given to help our organization and our community this past year.” She said that volunteers provided help in so many areas and in so many ways that “I don’t know where to begin or end. I can only say thank you, and tell you honestly that your work, the things you do as volunteers, benefits us all, the entire community.”

New this year was selection of a volunteer for special recognition. Ms. Sanborn announced that a committee had been formed to solicit nominations for a Volunteer of the Year, and that the winning entry had been chosen by a panel of agency staff.

Beverly Meader, currently a volunteer in Children’s Services, but who over a long career has worked in a volunteer capacity for several YCCAC programs, was selected as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year. Her nomination was submitted by Cecily Silva, Children’s Services Assistant Director.

Ms. Sanborn read from Cecily’s submission: “This individual embraces the agency’s mission, always taking a client-centered approach and looking out for the best interest of the families with whom we work. In addition to members of our community, this person is extremely supportive of agency personnel, helping many of us execute our work in an efficient and effective way. This person wears a smile each day and consistently goes above and beyond. There is a carpenter’s quote that says: ‘Measure twice, cut once.’ This volunteer does just that—always taking time to clarify questions, which in turn helps to create a deep understanding of the many services that we provide as an agency.”

Ms. Meader was presented flowers and a small trophy. She said she was very thankful and appreciated the kind words.