FUTURES FOR CHILDREN: Receives NM Governor's Helping Hands Nonprofit Volunteer Program of the Year Award
Futures for Children has been awarded the NM Governor's Award - Helping Hands Nonprofit Volunteer Program of the Year Award. This award from the Governor and the NM Commission for Community Volunteerism recognizes a not for profit organization that exemplifies exceptional volunteer practices.
Futures for Children (FFC) is being recognized for the depth of volunteerism employed by the program. Since 1968, FUTURES FOR CHILDREN, Albuquerque, NM based non-profit has ensured the right of American Indian children to an education through a unique program designed around the principle of self-help. Based on three Circles of Support, Futures for Children provides vitally needed one-to-one encouragement by matching American Indian K-12 students with mentors throughout the United States and Europe.
This pivotal mentoring relationship designed to encourage educational achievement is augmented by a Youth Leadership curriculum focused on skill building through learning and community service, and Parent and Family Training which enhances community resources.
1700 mentors, along with over 300 tribal Community Volunteers, Youth Leadership Project Coaches, Parent & Family Trainers, Board Members and multiple Special Events Committees all provide voluntary support to keep this successful program running effectively.
Futures for Children President Jim West and Vice President Operations Michele Centrella will attend a luncheon Friday April 16, 2004 to accept this award from NM Lt. Governor Diane Denish.
Dinanda Laconsello, Futures for Children Zuni Community Volunteer will also be recognized with the Governor�s Lifetime Achievement Award honoring an individual who has made significant contributions over time to NM through volunteer efforts.
Ms. Laconsello, Zuni Intermediate School 5th grade bilingual Teacher, has served as a Futures Community Volunteer at Zuni Pueblo for more than six (6) years. Over that time, Ms. Laconsello has interacted with and encouraged hundreds of Futures students to keep up the relationship with their mentors, stay in school, maintain regular attendance, strive for good grades and become role models to their classmates. She also is the lead FFC Community Volunteer at Zuni, coordinating volunteer activities, disseminating program information and supporting FFC communications.
