City of Fort Collins “Exemplifies the Spirit of Civil Service”

Dated Press Release
NOTICE: This press release was released 409 days ago!
(Release Date: Oct-09-2008)

Heidi Phelps
Grants Administrator
970-221-6757

Volunteers of America Honors City with Award for Excellence in Housing, Meals & More

Because of a partnership between the Volunteers of America (VOA) and the City of Fort Collins, 250 low-income seniors did not go hungry. Because the City offers VOA more support and guidance than any other funder in Northern Colorado, 27,000 meals were served to those in need. And because the City’s contributions to VOA "exemplify the spirit of civil service," VOA has honored the City of Fort Collins with its “Excellence in Government” Award.

Specifically naming and thanking the individual City staffers who work with VOA on its projects -- Julie Smith, Sharon Thomas, Ken Waido, and Heidi Phelps – the award announcement praised City employees for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism. VOA’s presence in Fort Collins includes the Meals on Wheels and Senior Handyman programs, and Sanctuary Apartments, a 59-unit affordable community for seniors.

VOA cited the extraordinary partnership between the City and VOA, and the City's dedication to help fund the increasing demand for these services. Joe Frank, Advance Planning Director who oversees the staff team, noted collaboration at all levels. “City staff and the citizen-appointed commission who recommend funding, plus City Council, all play vital roles in assisting agencies who are meeting critical community needs.”

Julie Smith, City staff liaison to VOA for its Meals on Wheels program, said VOA’s efforts to extend recognition didn’t surprise her. “Diane Stobnicke, Meals on Wheels Director, is a class act. She makes our job easy. This award really touched us because it came from a highly respected agency working so tirelessly in the trenches.”

Only four statewide awards are given annually to groups who demonstrate “exemplary philanthropic accomplishments." Among other recipients this year are the Anschutz Foundation and Oppenheimer Funds, who received the Outstanding Foundation and Outstanding Corporation awards respectively. The awards will be presented on Wednesday evening, October 15th, at VOA’s 112th Annual Report Reception in Denver.

For more information on the City’s efforts in addressing the community's needs for affordable housing and human services, visit http://www.fcgov.com/affordablehousing.