GVSAProgram2026

2026

Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness Gallery Theater May 6, 2025 Presenting Sponsors

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS Thank you to this year’s sponsors for their generous support of the Governor’s Awards.

Premier Sponsor

Lead Sponsors

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS Community Table Sponsors Bookmarks Community Care Center Crossnore Communities for Children Fidelity Bank Goodwill Industries of NWNC Long Insurance Services The Parenting PATH Pivot Ministry Salemtowne Second Harvest Food Bank of NWNC SECU Family House of Winston-Salem Senior Services The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem Sunnyside Ministry Wake Forest University’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement The Winston-Salem Foundation

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST WELCOME

Amy Lytle, Executive Director, HandsOn Northwest North Carolina

OPENING REMARKS

From the Governor’s Office Christy Venable, External Affairs Officer,Volunteer NC, Office of Governor Josh Stein From our Premier Sponsor Lori Timm, Director, Community Impact, Allegacy Financial

AWARDS PRESENTATION

Jason Lagesse, Director of Education, Mixxer Community Makerspace

CLOSING COMMENTS/ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Antonia Monk Richburg, President and CEO, United Way of Forsyth County

EMCEE BIO Jason Lagesse, a Virginia Tech graduate, has spent nearly two decades strengthening communities, improving nonprofit operations, and supporting large-scale events. He began his career with the Boy Scouts of America as a District Executive and Camp Director while also serving in leadership roles with Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival, including Board President and Operations Director. He later spent seven years with the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, where he served as Grant Writer, Program Evaluator, and Senior Director of Advancement Operations, writing more than 500 grants and securing over $16 million in funding to support community initiatives.

Jason’s work is grounded in a strong belief in the power of volunteer engagement, further developed through HandsOn Northwest North Carolina’s Service Enterprise program. Since January 2024, he has served as Director of Education at Mixxer Community Makerspace, where he combines his passion for community, learning, and creativity. In addition, he works as an audio engineer for several local arts organizations, including The RamKat, The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. He lives in Winston-Salem with his wife, Lea, their son Daniel, and their two dogs.

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS NOMINEES

Aldersgate Cottage Sponsors

Dr. Joel Morgan

Andy Levinson

Kim Douglas

Bank of America HOLA

Rev. Lester Smith

Chris Locke

Meg Gibson

Cynthia Becker

Nicole Foster

Dynamic Duo:

Patty Weisz

Vivian Pérez Chandler and Andrea Gómez Cervantes, PhD Ed Strait Fran Kavanaugh Frederick Atwater Jes Smith

Pivot Ministry Fundraising Committee Sally Willard Spencer “P.S. Edekot” Aubrey Thomas McCaully Triad Love on a Leash

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS WINNERS (In alphabetical order by category)

Spencer “P.S. Edekot” Aubrey – Cultural

Spencer has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing cultural diversity in Winston-Salem through a wide range of community-centered initiatives. Through arts-based programming, church-based volunteerism, and ongoing efforts to elevate underrepresented artists, Spencer has created meaningful opportunities for connection, expression, and visibility within the local arts community. Their work consistently focuses on increasing accessibility, ensuring that individuals across the community can engage with and participate in creative spaces. By connecting local artists to broader networks across the country, Spencer has expanded opportunities for growth and recognition while strengthening the cultural fabric of the community. Their selfless leadership and commitment continue to inspire others and make a lasting impact on Winston-Salem’s creative landscape.

Pivot Ministry Fundraising Committee – Faith-Based

Pivot Ministry’s Fundraising Committee plays a key role in supporting the organization’s work to transform the lives of women in Winston-Salem. Through a model that provides education, mentoring, spiritual support, and practical resources, Pivot helps women build stability for themselves, their families, and the broader community. Behind that work is a dedicated 12-person committee made up of board and community members who contributed more than 650 volunteer hours in 2025 to ensure all programming remains free and accessible.

Led by Board Secretary Sallye Liner, the committee developed and carried out a focused fundraising strategy that engaged churches, civic and business groups, foundations, and individual donors. Their efforts resulted in strong community support, including a record-setting Annual Appeal. In addition to fundraising, committee members actively represent Pivot in the community, helping expand awareness and build partnerships that strengthen the organization’s reach. Their work supports a larger network of more than 120 volunteers contributing over 2,300 service hours each year. Through their consistency and commitment, the Fundraising Committee continues to play a vital role in helping women overcome barriers, build confidence, and move toward sustainable employment.

Triad Love on a Leash – Group

Triad Love on a Leash therapy dog volunteers provide consistent and meaningful support to patients and caregivers staying at the SECU Family House during medical treatment away from home. Through twice-weekly visits throughout the year, these volunteers and their therapy dogs offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support during what is often a stressful and uncertain time. Their presence brings moments of relief and connection, helping families feel supported in a way that extends beyond clinical care.

Volunteers take the time to build relationships with guests, listen to their stories, and create opportunities for lightness and normalcy. Their visits are often something families look forward to, offering a welcome break after long days at the hospital. Through their consistency and care, Triad Love on a Leash volunteers continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the families they serve.

Sally Willard – Health and Human Services

Sally has demonstrated exceptional dedication to The Parenting PATH through her ongoing commitment to supporting children and families impacted by child abuse. A former Board Secretary and Chair of the Nominating Committee, she remains actively involved as a trusted advisor and reliable volunteer, bringing both leadership and care to everything she takes on. Sally plays an important role in key initiatives, including the annual holiday celebration, where she helps organize and distribute gifts to ensure each child is thoughtfully supported. She also volunteers regularly at Pinwheels, assisting with sorting, organizing, and supporting day-to-day operations.

Beyond her consistent service, Sally is quick to recognize needs and take action. She has led efforts to collect formalwear for youth so they can participate in important milestones with confidence, and she continues to support the organization through careful review of materials and processes. Her advocacy has helped expand community engagement, bringing in new donors and strengthening fundraising efforts. Sally’s attention to detail, reliability, and generosity continue to make a meaningful impact on The Parenting PATH and the families it serves.

Dynamic Duo:Vivian Pérez Chandler and Andrea Gómez Cervantes, PhD – Historically Underserved Populations

Vivian and Andrea have shown strong commitment to volunteerism through their leadership and focus on supporting immigrant families in Forsyth County. While balancing demanding professional and personal responsibilities, they have dedicated their time to addressing gaps in services for families facing the threat of deportation or detention. Beginning in 2025, they brought together nonprofits, legal professionals, and community volunteers to build a coordinated effort providing free power of attorney services to families who would not otherwise have access.

Through this work, they have supported dozens of families and connected them to additional resources, including food and community support. Their shared experiences have helped them build trust and strengthen engagement within the community. They have also expanded access by partnering with churches and organizations across the county, meeting families where they are. What began as a focused initiative continues to grow, strengthening collaboration and building a more connected network of support. Their leadership and consistency continue to make a meaningful impact on families throughout Forsyth County.

Thomas McCaully – National Service Member

Thomas has demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism through his consistent leadership, professionalism, and steady impact on the community. He approaches each opportunity to serve with integrity and purpose, often stepping beyond assigned responsibilities to strengthen both operations and outcomes. Through his support of program coordination, mentorship of fellow volunteers, and attention to delivering services with care and respect, Tom plays an important role in advancing the organization’s mission.

He has also contributed to improving volunteer processes, supporting outreach efforts, and serving as a dependable presence during high-demand service periods. Tom’s calm demeanor and clear communication help create an environment that encourages teamwork and accountability. By leading through example, he continues to motivate others to deepen their commitment to service. His reliability, compassion, and thoughtful leadership make a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

Cynthia Becker – Paid Volunteer Manager

Cynthia Becker began volunteering with the Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center in 2015 as a student and has been a steady and essential part of the team ever since. Now serving as Program Coordinator, she brings energy, creativity, and genuine care to her work, enhancing the daily experience for participants while building strong, engaged volunteer relationships. Cynthia manages a large and active volunteer program, overseeing recruitment, training, scheduling, and support for a wide range of individuals, from students and community members to corporate groups and performers, always taking the time to match each person’s strengths with the needs of the Center.

Over the past year, she has coordinated thousands of volunteer hours and planned hundreds of activities, all while maintaining an organized and welcoming environment. She is known for her thoughtful, hands-on approach, making sure volunteers feel prepared, supported, and connected to the mission from the start. Cynthia also prioritizes appreciation and continuous improvement, finding meaningful ways to recognize volunteers and using feedback to strengthen the program. Her leadership and consistency continue to elevate the Williams Center and create a supportive, engaging environment for everyone involved.

Ed Strait – Seniors

Ed Strait has been a dedicated volunteer at Sunnyside Ministry since 2015 and is known for being both thoughtful and thorough in his work as a financial assistance interviewer. He was drawn to Sunnyside after his wife found peace in the Labyrinth Garden, and after her passing and his retirement, he chose to give his time to a place that held personal meaning. Ed brings a calm, compassionate presence to every interaction. In addition to conducting interviews, he offers practical guidance to clients, helping them think through next steps, prepare for the future, and connect with resources like the Gaining Control financial literacy program, where he also occasionally volunteers.

Even as his schedule has shifted over time, Ed remains a steady and reliable presence each week. His commitment to service extends beyond Sunnyside through his involvement with his church, community events, and support of local schools, along with time spent with his family. Ed’s approach to volunteering is rooted in consistency, care, and a genuine desire to help others, and his impact continues to be felt throughout the community.

Frederick Atwater – Service to Seniors

Rick Atwater has dedicated his time and expertise to serving others, bringing both experience and a strong sense of purpose to his volunteer work. After a career as a physicist and IT systems analyst, he chose to give back in retirement by becoming a SHIIP Counselor, helping older adults navigate the often confusing Medicare system. Rick has a clear, practical approach and takes the time to walk people through their options so they can make informed decisions about their care.

He is often trusted with more complex cases, supporting individuals through issues like coverage denials, formulary challenges, and Medicare appeals, while also helping them identify ways to save money and access needed services.

Over the past year, he has worked with dozens of individuals during Open Enrollment and beyond, providing steady and reliable support. In addition to his counseling work, Rick volunteers as a driver for both the Winston-Salem and Kernersville Shepherd’s Centers. His consistency, knowledge, and willingness to help continue to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Aldersgate Cottage Sponsors – Service to Youth

The Aldersgate Cottage Sponsors, Lara Wilson, Deena Dreyfuss, Jennifer Grosswald, and Paul Grosswald, have shown consistent and meaningful dedication to supporting children in campus-based foster care at Crossnore Communities for Children. Through their regular presence each week, they build strong, trusting relationships with the children, offering encouragement, tutoring, and genuine connection, while also supporting cottage staff. They have helped create a warm and welcoming environment by providing toys, games, art supplies, and other essentials that make each child’s space feel personal and comfortable, while also improving shared areas to support emotional regulation and self-care.

Their support extends to the entire household, as they regularly check in with cottage parents and look for ways to be helpful. Through weekly visits, outings, and traditions like celebrating each child’s birthday, they create moments that help children feel seen and valued. Their consistency and care bring a sense of stability and belonging, and their impact continues to be felt across the Aldersgate community.

Chris Locke – Service to Youth

As the first president of Westlawn School’s Community Council, Chris Locke has played a central role in building a strong and connected school community. He helped shape the council from the ground up, creating meaningful ways for families to stay involved and support both students and faculty. Chris is especially active in Community Nights and Celebration Days, where he helps organize meals and ensures events feel welcoming, organized, and inclusive for everyone involved.

Westlawn serves twice-exceptional students, who are academically gifted while also navigating disabilities, and Chris approaches his volunteer work with a clear understanding of how to support their unique needs. One of his most impactful contributions this year was leading a cartography class as the school’s first guest lecturer. By connecting his professional experience to the classroom, he created an engaging, hands-on learning experience that continues to resonate with students. Chris’s steady leadership and genuine commitment continue to strengthen the Westlawn community and expand opportunities for its students.

2026 FORSYTH COUNTY

GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS WINNERS SELECTION COMMITTEE

Special thanks goes to our volunteer committee members for their attentive and thoughtful consideration of the nominations to determine each of our winners.

Lillian Allen*

Naijla Faizl

Vanessa Miller

Avalon Autumn*

Jessica Flynn*

Carrie Reagler*

Nikki Burris

Sharee Fowler

Daisy Rodriguez

Anna Donze

Beth Hinesley

Paloma

April Durr

Katherine Hofmann*

Charmiya Elliott

Latasha Lane Tanethia Mack*

Pantoja-Rodriguez* Audrey Smith* Lori Timm

Thank you to Steve Bird for his donation of graphic design expertise. A special thanks to Sharee Fowler, Associate Professor at Salem College, and her NFPM 180 students* for their help on the selection committee, social media promotion, and centerpieces. And lastly a big thanks to Alan Shelton, Mixxer Community Makerspace Founder, who created an original design and then handcrafted the physical awards.

HandsOn Northwest North Carolina presents these awards each year as part of our mission to mobilize people and organizations that inspire community change. To learn more about HandsOn NWNC and our other programs and services, please scan the QR code below or visit www.HandsOnNWNC.org.