Haskell Fine Volunteer Award Luncheon

Description

Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital Announces New Volunteer Award
The Volunteer Services Council (VSC) for Kerrville State Hospital has re-launched their formerly active annual award for volunteerism under a new name: the Haskell Fine Volunteer Services Award (HFVA). The HFVA was re-established by the VSC for Kerrville State Hospital (KSH) with the purpose of honoring individuals, organizations and/or families who have demonstrated a selfless commitment to enhancing the lives of KSH patients and/or working to “Shatter the Stigma” associated with mental health challenges in Kerrville and surrounding communities via frequent and meaningful volunteer contributions.
The HFVA is named in honor of the late Haskell Fine, a successful Kerrville business owner, family man, longtime friend of the Kerrville State Hospital and founding member of the Volunteer Service! ces Council. 
A potential candidate for the HFVA may be nominated by another person or group, or may self-nominate. The individual making the nomination must complete the application along with the candidate. Primary application components include: name and contact information, a verifiable record of philanthropy related to mental health awareness/support, one letter of reference, and one applicant essay discussing the importance of working to “Shatter the Stigma”. The HFVA application is located for download online at http://www.kerrvillevolunteerservicescouncil.org/home.html. Applications need to be submitted by Sept. 10, 2016. The chosen nominee will be recognized at the Volunteer Awards luncheon on October 11, 2016
Denise LeMeilleur, President of the Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital, said “Our fellow humans who suffer from mental health challenges are more often than not misunderstood. A negative stigma is many times attached to anything related to mental health and recovery. This social issue is one that the VSC and others throughout our community have chosen to positively address. Therefore, it is with great pride that we seek to honor those individuals, groups and organizations in the Kerrville and surrounding areas who go above and beyond in their efforts to help “Shatter the Stigma” associated with mental health challenges.”
The Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital has been supporting the non-state funded volunteer program and patient activities since 1969. Projects supported and/or funded by the VSC for Kerrville State Hospital include computers for patient use, patient personal grooming items and clothing accessories, cash assistance for canteen spending money for patients without financial resources, special meals and holiday activities for patient units, entertainment, unit and campus beautification and local mental health related non-profit financial support. 
Volunteer Services Council members work closely with Kerrville State Hospital Community Relations personnel and hospital executives to continually explore meaningful ways in which the council might optimally serve patients. More information about the VSC and their efforts to “Shatter the Stigma” can be found at http://www.kerrvillevolunteerservicescouncil.org/home.html