The 2014-2015 Hand in Hand Award

The Hand in Hand Award

The Hand in Hand Award is given to one Active member of The Junior League of Midland, Inc. who “through the spirit of commitment to the standards, ideals, and purpose of the Junior League has contributed in an outstanding manner.” The focus of this recognition is for a member who has gone above and beyond in her League duties for the current fiscal year.

The winner of the 18^th annual Hand in Hand Award for the Junior League of Midland is Jessica Louder. Jessica chaired Volunteers in Midland, a new community project this year. With only a template to go by, Mrs. Louder created a program that will serve the Midland community for many years to come. Jessica has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this new program. She led her committee through designing an application process that would allow for area nonprofits to apply for our volunteers. The committee established guidelines on how to accept partnerships with other nonprofits using our needs as a League and our focus area. The first year of any project is difficult, but this one was especially so because the program not only impacted the members on her committee, but also every Active member of our League as we were all required to give four hours of volunteer time through the program. Jessica graciously explained the program’s intentions over and over again to anyone who needed help or reassurance. She is a self-assured leader who works to make sure everyone feels treasured and involved. She worked hard to make sure that dozens of opportunities were made available for volunteering so that every member’s needs would be met.

Jessica not only did an amazing job on Volunteers in Midland this year, but she also gave her time this past summer as a volunteer for Journey Summer Camp. When I expressed the need for extra volunteers because the committee was running low on members, Jessica volunteered to participate. She and I did a full day training session at Rays of Hope and then we volunteered along with the committee for an entire week. The commitment was an extra 30 hours above and beyond our placements. I was so proud of Jessica for agreeing to help not only the Journey Camp Committee, but also all of the children who attended the camp at Rays of Hope. What other member takes on a brand new community project and then volunteers for an additional placement? Jessica Louder is an extraordinary member that does that sort of thing!

Ashley Boren, Karmen Bryant, and Jessica Louder 2014-2015 Award Winners

-Michelle Dinger, President 2014-2015