2007 Andrus Award for Community Service Winner
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-10-12 12:38:59.777780-04:00
AARP was founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Today, the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, established in her name, recognizes outstanding AARP volunteers and members who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that support AARP's mission, vision and strategic direction and that inspire others to volunteer. The award was created in 2002 and each year honors one individual from each state as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
AARP Missouri selected Carlene Davis for her remarkable service and for the impact she's had on the lives of others and on her community. Davis is currently a member of the AARP Missouri Executive Council and is active in AARP St. Louis Chapter #321, serving as a member of the Health Committee. She is also on the AARP St. Louis Information Center Advisory Council and has been involved with the organization's "A Celebration of Life" annual event held at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
For the past eight years, Davis has been a Peer-to-Peer Counselor for OASIS and is a long time mentor for the St. Louis Public School System. She is currently mentoring children at the Cote Brilliante Elementary School. Realizing there is a real need for children to develop reading skills and learn to enjoy reading, Davis says she joined the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) group in 1999.
"I assist with the selection of books that are given to the children after listening to stories read by the volunteers," she explains.
Davis is a long time member of the Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church and was recently installed as an Elder. She is involved in a myriad of activities for the church, including service as vice president of the Esther Circle and corresponding secretary of the Boosters Club.
A member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Davis serves on the Social Action Committee that plans and executes forums for the public that provide information on critical and important issues, and meets with elected officials to give voice to citizens' concerns.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals 50 and over. The award will be formally presented to Davis at a dinner ceremony Nov. 10, at the Hilton Airport Hotel in St. Louis County.
"This award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change," says Rosetta Robins, AARP Missouri volunteer state president. "AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make in their communities and the programs they serve."
Recipients from across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.
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