AARP Texas is proud to announce that Ruth McVea of San Antonio has been selected to receive the 2004 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious volunteer award.
This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others. This year, Texas received 28 nominations for the Andrus Award for Community Service.
The purpose of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is to recognize outstanding AARP volunteers and members in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that support AARP's vision of community service and that inspire others to volunteer.
McVea's philosophy is that life is good and she wants to give something back by reaching out to others and making them aware of the good things available to them. On a daily basis, McVea adds a little sunshine to people's lives.
McVea's outstanding volunteer work in the San Antonio community has impacted the lives of individuals of all ages, especially older adults, low-income seniors and children. As an AARP chapter member for over 20 years, she has served in every official role, from President to Board Member, and continues to lead Chapter Leadership Orientations as new officers are appointed.
At the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, McVea has served as a member of the Church Council and Secretary to the Council; taught Sunday school; and has done volunteer work in the church office over the years. She was instrumental in opening the church's senior nutrition center for low-income older adults in the community, which she currently manages in a volunteer capacity.
McVea was recently appointed Chair of the Church Day Care Board, a position that opened her eyes to the needs of the children in the community.
As the chair, McVea learned that the day care facility was in danger of being closed due to financial and non-compliance issues. Against the wishes of her family, who wanted to her to "take it easy" during her retirement years, she took on the task of correcting all problems with the day care facility, which is today on its way to being financially stable and accepting more children than ever.
During her revitalization of the day care facility, she also saw the need for increased awareness for child safety in day care facilities across the city, so she assisted in forming a cooperative group of other church and day care boards to share information on providing safe environments for child enrollees.
While not busy with the nutrition center and the day care facility, she also continues to serve as a board member of the Bexar County SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together), providing education and outreach to seniors on issues involving frauds and scams against older adults.
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