VOICE, a program that assists students with disabilities obtain employment was recently honored by the Food Bank of Northern Nevada for its volunteer efforts with the organization.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s Volunteer Appreciation Night recognized the top 16 Food Bank volunteer groups for 2016. VOICE participants personally donated 216 collective hours packing perishable and non-perishable food for distribution through the Food Bank’s network of food pantries.
VOICE, a program within the Vocational Rehabilitation office at Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), is designed to assist students with disabilities ages 18-22 to obtain competitive, integrated employment through a partnership with area high schools, said Shelley Hendren, administrator for the Rehabilitation Division. Students job train in community businesses and receive pre-employment transition services so they can develop the skills necessary to be job ready and become successfully employed.
“I am so proud of these young people for their selflessness and commitment to giving back to the community,” Hendren said in a press release. “Participating in volunteer opportunities enhances the skills that the students gain through the VOICE program. Learning to be responsible, charitable and how to work in teams are all valuable lessons they gain through volunteering at the Food Bank. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation is designed to help people with disabilities remove barriers to employment and to help those already employed perform more successfully through training, counseling and other support services.”
Each group of honorees were treated to a reception and will be showcased on a banner at the Food Bank, said Jocelyn Lantrip, marketing director for the Food Bank.
“Volunteers are vital to the mission of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada,” Lantrip said. “We simply could not deliver the 13.3 million meals to the community each year without their help. These top 16 groups and individuals really went the extra mile and helped to feed thousands of our hungry neighbors last year. We are so grateful to them.”
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