News Release
For Immediate Release

Texoma Senior Corps celebrates volunteers

SHERMAN, April 27, 2018 –Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on April 26, 2018.

RSVP volunteers attended the Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Municipal Ballroom in Sherman, Texas. The theme for this year’s event was “Texoma RSVP Volunteers Have a Heart as Big as Texas.” While enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by Rib Crib and listening to great music by Larry Massey, volunteers were recognized for their volunteer service this past year. Stephanie Chandler, Director of Community Investments with United Way of Grayson County, was the keynote speaker who provided encouraging words for all in attendance regarding the importance of volunteerism.

Bernice Sicking receives the Volunteer of the Year for Cooke County

Spirit of Service awards were presented by each county’s RSVP Advisory Council president to Bernice Sicking (Cooke), Grace Tucker (Fannin), Ken Powers (Grayson) who were nominated for their dedication and spirit of service. Dr. Thomas presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Helen Dale who reached 4,000 hours of service. RSVP Advisory Council members assisted with milestone service awards presentations in addition to other acknowledgments.

Thomas stated, “Our community is very privileged to have seniors who consistently donate their time and energy to help support our various community programs. Their commitment to service is priceless.”

JD Moore receives recognition for 25 years of volunteerism

The RSVP was established nationally in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma RSVP currently consists of approximately 622 volunteers and 58 volunteer host stations which include crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries, and other community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma RSVP volunteers apply their skills and wisdom they’ve acquired throughout their lives to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short or long term projects for as long as they are able to serve. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved. In 2017, Texoma RSVP volunteers contributed 87,195 hours of service within our tri-county area.

Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of one hour per month are invited to join the program.

Additional service awards were given to many other RSVP volunteers

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.