Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Rick Hooks, volunteer with Faith in Action since 2016. A retired paramedic and firefighter, Rick has received the top 10 Driver Award three years in a row. With our latest need for volunteers increasing, Rick has stepped up to the plate, eager to take rides for his senior neighbors in need. In his time as a FIAG volunteer, Rick has completed almost 500 rides and continues to drive multiple times a week for us. Rick shares a few thoughts on his experiences as a volunteer driver for FIAG:
How long have you been volunteering with Faith in Action?
I've been volunteering with Faith in Action a little over four years.
What inspired you to get started with us?
I retired from the Houston Fire Department then served as a hospice volunteer. My wife and I moved to Georgetown in 2016 and I started looking for an opportunity here. After learning about Faith in Action and the services provided to so many people I knew it was the right place for me to serve.
Can you share a story about your time volunteering with Faith in Action that is special to you?
I don't really have one special story but it is special to get to know my riders and create friendships with them.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering as a driver?
I've always enjoyed driving and still do. I drove an ambulance, fire truck, and other emergency vehicles for thirty years. I also enjoy serving seniors which was a big part of my career in Fire / EMS providing patient care and transporting them to the hospital. In a way, driving for FIAG is a continuation only without lights and siren.
How has COVID changed your volunteer experience?
Since the COVID pandemic started I've been very careful and cautious. Our riders can have risk factors and can be vulnerable to illnesses. I want them to feel safe during the ride and know that all precautions are taken.
What would you say to convince someone to volunteer with FIAG?
I would encourage anyone to volunteer with FIAG. Your schedule is flexible, you drive only when you're available, and you choose the drives you're comfortable with. It's very rewarding to get people to their appointments and help them remain independent.
How long have you been volunteering with Faith in Action?
I've been volunteering with Faith in Action a little over four years.
What inspired you to get started with us?
I retired from the Houston Fire Department then served as a hospice volunteer. My wife and I moved to Georgetown in 2016 and I started looking for an opportunity here. After learning about Faith in Action and the services provided to so many people I knew it was the right place for me to serve.
Can you share a story about your time volunteering with Faith in Action that is special to you?
I don't really have one special story but it is special to get to know my riders and create friendships with them.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering as a driver?
I've always enjoyed driving and still do. I drove an ambulance, fire truck, and other emergency vehicles for thirty years. I also enjoy serving seniors which was a big part of my career in Fire / EMS providing patient care and transporting them to the hospital. In a way, driving for FIAG is a continuation only without lights and siren.
How has COVID changed your volunteer experience?
Since the COVID pandemic started I've been very careful and cautious. Our riders can have risk factors and can be vulnerable to illnesses. I want them to feel safe during the ride and know that all precautions are taken.
What would you say to convince someone to volunteer with FIAG?
I would encourage anyone to volunteer with FIAG. Your schedule is flexible, you drive only when you're available, and you choose the drives you're comfortable with. It's very rewarding to get people to their appointments and help them remain independent.
2019 4th Quarter Award Winners!
Growing ~ Most rides taken ~ Ursula P.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Sheila A.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Norman O.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Alan G.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ W.A. H.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Sheila A.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Norman O.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Alan G.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ W.A. H.
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GROWING - MOST RIDES! 80 Point to Point Rides Ursula is our winner for taking the most rides during the 4th quarter, Ursula adds, "When I moved to Sun City, I wanted to serve my community. Thus I became a volunteer driver for Faith in Action. During a little over 3 years, I completed more than 300 rides and I must say that I have enjoyed every single one. The people we drive are so appreciative and sometimes quite entertaining. What amazes me most is their positive attitude despite their loneliness or their illness. This volunteer opportunity is truly uplifting not just for the client, but for the volunteer as well." Thank you Ursula from All of Us! GIVING - Sheila is our winner this quarter for assisting Faith in Action with Community Projects. Sheila mentions, " While raising 4 children, I was a Medical Assistant for 14 yrs. then worked for Social Services in Orange County California. I also volunteered at my children’s schools, sports teams, church & hospice. I enjoy doing things for others & find by helping others they are really helping me." "I have had some great experiences meeting the wonderful people I have had the privilege to drive. I enjoy hearing their life stories & how much they love their great state of Texas. I think of the seniors I drive often as new friends." Thank you Sheila for being a friend to FIAG! GOING - MOST MILES! 596 miles! Volunteer Norman was told by a fellow Sun City Computer Club member and former Board Member, Dottie, that he NEEDED to drive for FIAG! Norman retired from Chevron which has a Philanthropic program that pays non-profit organizations based on employees Volunteer hours - Thanks Norman for all you do for the seniors of Georgetown! GOING THE DISTANCE! Congratulations to Volunteer Alan who was the random drawing winner for the long range drives into Austin, Cedar Park or Temple within the 4th Quarter! Alan stated, "I don't get to drive as often as I would like, so I try to take the drives that are a little more difficult to fill". Thanks Alan, every one helps! NEW DRIVER'S PACESETTER AWARD! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver who has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver who has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! W.A. is our Pacesetter for 4th Quarter of 2019. W.A. has been an active Volunteer with Meals on Wheels as well as a Sun City C.O.P. Thank you W.A. for all you have done for Georgetown Seniors! |
2019 Volunteer Awards
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Top 10 Driver Awards
At the Volunteer Appreciation event, the Top 10 drivers logged a total of 2,694 rides. Those drivers include: Paul Anders, Milt Martin, Rick Hooks, Melinda Eidson, Ursula Pinner, Darla Restivo, and Sharon Fowler. (Not pictured: Judy Worth, Jill Goldstein, Barry Harding)
1,500 RIDES!
In a 4-year time span, Paul Anders completed the 1500 ride milestone as our 2019 recipient. Thank you Paul for stepping up in a big way and continuing to provide rides!
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Mission Achievement Awards
Mission Achievement Awards are presented to volunteers who have provided a significant investment into Faith in Action and have since retired from their official volunteering. Lansing Prescott, Julie Fuschak, Dennis Sparks were able to accept in person while Al Endsley and Dale Shuffield received recognition in absence.
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2019 3rd Quarter Award Winners!
Growing ~ Most rides taken ~ Donna A.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Eric J.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Jim S.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Lynn O.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Jim J.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Eric J.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Jim S.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Lynn O.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Jim J.
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GROWING - MOST RIDES! 65 Point to Point Rides Donna is our winner for taking the most rides during the 3rd quarter. Donna says, "Driving for Faith in Action is a win win for me. I am helping someone out and I get to meet the nicest people". Donna, thank you. We appreciate all you do for Georgetown Seniors! GIVING - Eric is our winner this quarter for assisting Faith in Action with Community Projects. Eric is a new driver with Faith in Action and came in fully motivated to get moving! Since Eric has a past at FedEx as a high mileage safe driver as well as a former Certified First Responder, he seemed like the perfect fit to step into the BIG shoes of driving the Faith in Action van while we were between drivers! Thank you Eric for stepping in and stepping up! GOING - MOST MILES! 722 miles! Jim - " I started driving because I had a lot of extra free time after retiring as a career auditor in the oil and gas industry. I thought being a volunteer driver was ideal for me because I had the time and I enjoyed driving. Probably the best part of being a volunteer driver is visiting with the clients. Their stories, whether current or historical are always interesting. The clients are always very appreciative of the ride to be able to get to medical appointments and run errands. I also think that driving is somewhat therapeutic for me as I now live alone, since the passing of my wife and our cats, because it allows me to make new acquaintances." GOING THE DISTANCE! Congratulations to Volunteer Lynn who was the random drawing winner for the long range drives into Austin, Cedar Park or Temple within the 3rd Quarter! "As a recent retiree, I enjoy volunteering in my community. I always receive more from others than I've expected." Thank you Lynn for Going the Distance! NEW DRIVER'S PACESETTER AWARD! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver who has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! Thank you Jim for completing 21 rides in your first full 3 months! Jim says, "I retired after 30 years as a firefighter in Fairfax Virginia and was blessed to have a very rewarding career. After sitting idle for a few years I decided it was time to start giving back again. Faith in Action was the perfect fit. They make it extremely easy to become a volunteer. From the very first trip I took I knew immediately I made the right decision. The seniors you come to know are so grateful for the service we provide. Many times they have expressed that without us they would be without transportation. In spite of what they may be going through they are always so encouraging to me. I am so glad I have become part of this wonderful organization." |
2019 2nd Quarter Award Winners!
Growing ~ Most rides taken ~ Rick H.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Melinda E.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Milt M.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Gordon W.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Kevin C.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Melinda E.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Milt M.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Gordon W.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Kevin C.
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GROWING - MOST RIDES! 70 Point to Point Rides Rick is our winner for taking the most rides during the 2nd quarter and he is no stranger to our Top Ten list. As soon as he began his Volunteering service with FIAG in 2016, Rick quickly discovered he has a passion for the Mission of helping Seniors be independent. Rick is very compassionate and helps anyone he can, and as one of our long distance drivers, puts a lot of time into it! Thank You Rick! We appreciate you! GIVING - Melinda is our winner this quarter for assisting Faith in Action with Community Projects. She is no stranger to this organization and says, "After 17 years I still enjoy meeting with clients and taking drives, the people are so nice". Melinda is one of our Intake Coordinators doing prospective client interviews, as well as assisting at community events, and still finds time to take drives! Thank you Melinda for your many years of support to this organization, you are what all of us strive to be!! GOING - MOST MILES! 1370 miles! "It has been my pleasure to drive seniors for the past six years. I have met many interesting people and have made some close friendships with some of my riders and other drivers. I hope to continue driving for as long as I have good health. Faith in Action is the best." Thanks Milt - It is because of drivers like you that make this an amazing organization! GOING THE DISTANCE! Congratulations to Volunteer Gordon who was the random drawing winner for the long range drives into Austin, Cedar Park or Temple within the 2nd Quarter! "I'm very glad that I volunteer with Faith In Action, I have met so many wonderful people that have lived some very interesting lives.....it has been a blessing to listen to all their stories! I feel very fortunate to help every time I provide a ride". Thank you Gordon for Going the Distance! NEW DRIVER'S PACESETTER AWARD! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver who has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! Thank you Kevin for completing 17 rides in your first full 3 months! "As a retired fire fighter, serving others for a living was a blessing and something I wanted to continue during my retirement. Faith In Action has provided me that opportunity. The people that I've met while providing rides have been friendly, some have been inspirational and they all are extremely thankful. But it is I who thank them, for allowing me to continue to serve!" |
2019 1st Quarter Award Winners!
Growing ~ Most rides taken ~ Judy W.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Linda M.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Paul A.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Darla R.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ John F.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Linda M.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Paul A.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Darla R.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ John F.
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GROWING - MOST RIDES! 110 Point to Point Rides! Judy and her sidekick, Ozzie the Wonder Dog with Dot, one of the clients she has become friends with. Judy fully embraced the meaning of Volunteering and has found joy in discovering the hidden talents of our clients. So much so that her request of capturing the hobbies and talents of clients has become a part of our Intake Process! Judy says, "I am so glad that I found Faith In Action, I have met so many wonderful people that have lived such interesting lives.....it has been a blessing to listen to all of their stories!" GIVING - Linda is our winner this quarter for assisting Faith in Action with Community Projects. 2019 has become a year of transition and standardization. Linda took on our whole client database to add the same format to each of our client profiles - well over 700! Linda also has several clients she drives weekly and always has a smile available. Linda shares that she loves "How delightful the clients, office team and fellow volunteers are. So much fun to meet new people, and each one has an interesting life story." Thank you Linda for all you do for us, We appreciate you!! GOING - MOST MILES! 1548 miles! Paul shares with the office about how he "enjoy(s) the clients and getting to know their nuances, It is a true blessing to be able to provide help for seniors in need. It has been an extremely satisfying and rewarding experience." Paul, you are such a blessing to so many, THANK YOU for continually meeting the needs of Georgetown's elders!! GOING THE DISTANCE! Congratulations to Volunteer Darla who was the random drawing winner for the long range drives into Austin, Cedar Park or Temple within the 1st Quarter! Darla has also partnered with a client that she takes shopping each week - thank you Darla for your caring heart and your loving support of our clients! NEW DRIVER'S PACESETTER AWARD! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver who has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! Thank you John for completing 50 rides in your first full 3 months! "After a 30 year career as a Major League Baseball scout, my oldest daughter asked me 'What are you going to do, Dad?' I told her I want to help people. Faith in Action has been a Godsend to allow me to be a blessing as well as to be blessed. Since joining this organization I have met some wonderful people including the staff and the clients that we serve. I believe that the service we provide is very much needed and is greatly appreciated. To God be the glory!" |
2018 4th Quarter Award Winners!
Growing ~ Most rides taken ~ Judy W.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Eileen F.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Ursula P.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Richard L.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Pat C.
Giving ~ Volunteer who gives back for assisting FIAG ~ Eileen F.
Going ~ Most miles driven! ~ Ursula P.
Going the Distance ~ Long range drive raffle winner! ~ Richard L.
Pacesetter ~ Set the pace for new volunteers ~ Pat C.
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GROWING - MOST RIDES! Judy and her sidekick, Ozzie the Wonder Dog, quickly became our winners of providing most point to point rides. After signing up to be a brand new volunteer driver in August, then providing 83 trips in the 4th Quarter! Judy says, "I am so glad that I found Faith In Action, I have met so many wonderful people that have lived such interesting lives.....it has been a blessing to listen to all their stories! Thank you Judy for choosing Faith in Action as your preferred Volunteer Experience! GIVING - Eileen is our 4th Qtr. Winner for assisting FIAG with Community Projects. "When I retired I knew I wanted to volunteer, and not long after, that’s when I got a call from Faith in Action for a reference to our neighbor who had just signed up to volunteer. I knew this is where God was leading me. I went to the orientation and told Michelle that if she needed any help in the office, I would love to help. She asked if I had office experience that their client services coordinator just submitted her resignation that day going into the Holiday's! Do you know the saying “Here’s your sign”. Once again God lead me and I couldn’t have asked for a volunteer program that does more for their community." Eileen, Thank you for being a part of this family and single-handed completing the 2018 Annual Client Survey. We appreciate you!! GOING - MOST MILES Ursula shared with Faith in Action about her experience volunteering with us. "Driving for Faith In Action is truly a life enriching experience. As a former high school teacher and devoted lifelong learner, I enjoy meeting so many wonderful and courageous seniors; each with his/her own fascinating background, which they are quite eager to share." Ursula, without Volunteers like you, who are willing to go the extra mile, we couldn't be the awesome service we are, THANK YOU for all you do! GOING THE DISTANCE! Congratulations to Volunteer Richard who was the random drawing winner for the long range drives into Austin, Cedar Park or Temple for 4th Quarter! Richard consistently is available in a pinch and is always willing to help when needed. Thank you Richard for all you do for us! NEW DRIVER'S PACESETTER AWARD! This award goes to a NEW Volunteer driver that has set a pace that makes our heads spin and our hearts beat! Thank you Pat for completing 25 rides in your first 3 months! Pat prefers a set schedule and has signed up to a consistent ride for 2 of our clients! YOU ROCK Pat, Thank you for joining the Faith in Action Driving Force! |
2018 Volunteer Awards
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5 Year Awards
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Mission Achievement Awards
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Frances Desselle, Kent Ballentine, Billie Dalrymple, Thomas Bausch, Gary Runhaar, Dennis Dalrymple, Nancy Runhaar, Milt Martin, Georgeann Smith, John Stratman
1,500 RIDES! 
In honor of crossing 1,500 rides, Milt was awarded the Milestone Award!
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Lou Gibson, Wil Mehaffey, and Fred Youngs accepted Mission Achievement Awards. This award is in grateful appreciation for the many years of service and dedication these gentlemen provided to the mission of Faith in Action Georgetown.
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2017 Volunteer Awards
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5 Year Awards
Barbara Elder, Dale Shuffield, Dottie Mitchell, Linda Meehan, Shirley Woodson, Paul HerrNeckar, Patsy Blackburn and Carolyn Patterson
15 Year Awards |
10 Year Awards
Wayne Blair, Sue Elliott, Don Lockley, Jan Stanford, Barbara Sappington, Delores Baldwin and Arley Brenneman
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B.J. Ackerman, Joan Lawrence, Lansing Prescott, Tom Backus, Linda Prescott, Melinda Eidson and Pam HerrNeckar
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2016 Volunteer Awards
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5 Year Awards
Front Left: Rex Cloud, Dennis Sparks, Delores Baldwin, Arley Brenneman, Janet Peirce
Back Left: Dale Shuffield, Bill Morse, Julie Fuschak, Marie Blom, Carolyn Patterson, Jack Goldhammer 15 Year Awards
Front Left: Judy Schneider, Tom Backus, Joan Lawrence, Melinda Eidson
Back Left: Pam HerrNeckar, Lansing Prescott, Linda Prescott |
10 Year Awards
Front Left: Al Endsley, Dolline Burton, Jan Stanford, Barbara Sappington, Wayne Blair
Back Left: Larry Black, Roger Groh, Bob Burton, Don Lockley |
