Two AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers receive Legacy Awards
Trending
LOCK HAVEN -- Two outstanding volunteers in the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired & Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) recently received awards for their dedication and service.
Elsa Winch and Angela Black are both the recipients of the 2025 Legacy Award, thanks to their work at the Clinton County Veterans Affairs Office.
"The award is actually called the Senior Corps of PA Legacy Award which is awarded to volunteers who show outstanding dedication and commitment as AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers," said Cathy Ballat, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program Coordinator.
Todd Warner, Clinton County Director of Veterans Affairs, shared his experience with the volunteers during a Clinton County Commissioners meeting, and praised them for their dedication.
Black and Winch were both outstanding volunteers at the Veterans Affairs Office, according to Warner.
"Ang and Elsa are all about being generous and doing everything they can to provide service. When you come into our office or you answer the phone in our office, you don't know who may walk in the door, or who may be on the other end of the phone call. They've been invaluable to us," he said.
According to Warner, they have done a fantastic job organizing and drafting death letters.
"We usually get a couple a week -- whether it's a veteran or the veteran's widow has passed away. This county does a tremendous job taking care of getting the county-level benefits to the survivors. These two volunteers have done a great job of keeping that folder and file clean," he said.
Black has also taught Warner some skills in accounting, which he says have made him become a "semi-expert."
On top of this, Winch and Black screen calls to ensure issues with the highest priority get dealt with first.
"No matter what it is, (the volunteers) take care of it. They have tremendous awareness of human needs. Both have a great sense of the urgency or non-urgency of what's on the other end of the phone call. They screen dozens and dozens of calls for us. They're all about keeping everything accurate, and taking care of veterans and their families. We couldn't ask for two more compassionate people to do what they do," said Warner
Ballat also praised them for their hard work, "Elsa and Angela go above and beyond the requirements and expectations of the AmeriCorps Seniors program, especially in their dedication to the CCVA office. They are genuinely compassionate and caring individuals who contribute excellent volunteer service to our community."
To learn more about the local Diakon/AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, you may contact Cathy Ballat, Volunteer Coordinator, at 570-419-5941, or ballatc@diakon.org