YouthPartners of Pine Bluff/Jefferson County and the SOS (Students with Opportunities to Soar) program will be hosting the second Outstanding Youth Service Awards, in coordination with National Volunteer Week, which is today through April 21.
A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Donald Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. An educational/cash award will be presented to the overall winner of the “Outstanding Youth Service Awards.” Recipients of the SOS “Presidential Scholarship Awards” will be announced in May.
Along with the Outstanding Youth Service Awards, which is awarded to high school students that have been nominated by someone in the community, all SOS volunteers will be recognized. Those with 100 hours or more of volunteer service will be presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
“We are extremely proud to recognize some of our most outstanding volunteers,” said Linda Bateman, executive director. “Volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent. The awards are our way of thanking these volunteers and encouraging everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.”
The public is invited. For more information call YouthPartners at 870-534-8251 or 870-718-0654 or e-mail: youthpartners@pbreynoldscenter.org,
YouthPartners is an affiliate of America’s Promise – The Alliance For Youth and has been designated as a Promise Place. A Promise Place ensures that the goals of America’s Promise are provided. The Five Fundamental Resources, also known as the Five Promises are: ongoing relationships with caring adults, parents, mentors, tutors or coaches; safe places to go during non-school hours; a healthy start and future; marketable skills and an effective education; and opportunities to give back through community service.
YouthPartners manages the SOS (Students with Opportunities to Soar) program, a teen service-learning program that matches mentors in the local community with 10th-12th grade students to learn marketable skills. The program provides opportunities for students to earn educational awards and a chance to serve the community through volunteerism. YouthPartners is a United Way of Southeast Arkansas partner agency.