NHA took the time to celebrate corporate partners, volunteers, and interns at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon! We are grateful for all of the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to help us accomplish our mission to help better our community. As a part of the celebration, we had the pleasure of honoring some very special corporate partners, volunteers, and interns for their exceptional work and contributions.
Corporate Partner of the Year: Barney & Barney
For almost a decade, Barney & Barney has consistently supported the mission and vision of NHA. As a major sponsor of our 100 Year Celebration and the Title Sponsor of our Golf Gathering, they have supported NHA fundraising efforts in a major way. In addition to their financial contributions, Barney & Barney has helped implement the NHA Employee Wellness Program, designing monthly challenges to encourage NHA employees to pay attention to their health.
Corporate Partner of the Year: Booz Allen Hamilton
Since 2014, Booz Allen Hamilton has been a tremendous help and support to NHA’s Homework Center, providing over 200 hours of one-on-one tutoring to Homework Center students. Booz Allen Hamilton purchased and assembled active learning pods that helped transform the Homework Center into the technologically advanced space that it is today. Booz Allen Hamilton has also facilitated two Safe & Secure Online Trainings for youth and parents, and developed a STEM program to expose students to science and engineering.
Adult Day Health Care Intern of the Year: Michael Painter
Michael Painter was awarded in the 2015 Intern of the Year Award from ADHC. Michael is a graduate student from the San Diego State University School of Social Work who has worked hard to build positive relationships and set high standards towards achieving competency in the social work practice.
Adult Day Health Care Volunteer of the Year: Susan Juncho
Susan Juncho was awarded the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award from ADHC. She is currently studying nutrition at San Diego State University. She spent last summer volunteering at ADHC to learn about nutrition, and when the summer ended, she decided to continue volunteering, successfully balancing her studies and her time at ADHC.
Senior Service Center Volunteer of the Year: Vickie Velasco
Vickie Velasco is the NHA Senior Service Center’s EXCEPTIONAL volunteer and health advocate! She has served at the Senior Center as the County of San Diego’s Feeling Fit Club Exercise Instructor for over 14 years. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. you can catch Vickie encouraging senior participants to increase their quality of life through a series of exercises with weights and stretch bands. Her endless dedication and commitment to the program has greatly improved the lives of our seniors.
Homework Center Volunteer of the Year: Marcus Stallworth
Marcus has been an avid Homework Center volunteer since last year, and even with a hectic work schedule, he impressively manages to support and tutor the students whenever he has a chance. He is the leading figure of the STEM program sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, which exposes the students to engineering and science projects. His positive attitude and encouragement have made him a favorite with students. Marcus is truly an amazing and enthusiastic volunteer, and we are lucky to have him on the Homework Center team.
Project Enable Intern of the Year: Jacqueline Hernandez
Jacquie is a Social Work Intern at Project Enable who has worked in the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) component of the program during her internship. She is a highly dependable and professional worker with a great attitude. She established clear, professional boundaries while assisting her clients with unconditional regard. Her ability to meet the clients where they are, using empathy and active listening skills, has truly made Jacquie an asset to the clinic.
Nutrition Services Volunteer of the Year: Julia Antonelli
Julia was one of the first volunteers to be recruited for the Nutrition Services program. She has consistently volunteered with the program for nearly one year, bringing a sense of leadership, commitment, and team-building that has made her a valuable member of the Central Kitchen team. She has helped us prepare well over 130,000 nutritious meals. Once an active duty Marine, she is now in the Marine Reserves while she finishes her degree in dietetics at San Diego State University. In the future, she plans to become a registered dietitian.
Head Start Volunteer of the Year: Gabriel Tovar
Gabriel Tovar is a Parent Volunteer for NHA’s Head Start Program. Gabriel is a member of the Head Start Parent Policy Council, and actively involved in making decisions that affect the program. She has spent countless hours working to ensure that Head Start children and families have the greatest experience possible. Her commitment to the program is admirable, and we appreciate all of her hard work.
All of our corporate sponsors, volunteers, and interns help NHA provide an excellent level of service to over 20,000 families each year. Together, we will move forward toward our vision of developing confident, self-sufficient, healthy families and communities.
