NEW ORLEANS – This week, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined more than 2,600 mayors across the country for the third annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide bipartisan effort to highlight the impact of national service in tackling city problems.
Mayor Landrieu specifically recognized three national service participants for the time, energy and generous contributions they have provided to the community as dedicated members of the local AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs. Mayor Landrieu presented each recipient with the Joseph Massenburg Memorial Award for Excellence in National Service on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The award is for participants of AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), AmeriCorps VISTA, and Senior Corps who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to service in the New Orleans community. The memorial award is a tribute to Joseph Massenburg, the 18-year old AmeriCorps NCCC member who was slain while serving in New Orleans in 2013.
“As we near the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we remember the thousands of AmeriCorps members that have supported our recovery,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “We specifically honor the legacy of Joseph Massenburg and his impact on New Orleans by recognizing Dalton, Doretha and Tom for their contributions to our community. Joseph’s legacy and the work of these three recipients continue to inspire thousands of AmeriCorps members who commit themselves to our community. Together, they have all shown the world what is possible through service.”
Mayor Landrieu invited award winners and their respective organizations to City Hall to recognize their contributions on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The Mayor also presented a proclamation that declared April 7, 2015, Service Recognition Day to Vickie Schenk, Louisiana State Program Director for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
The 2015 Joseph Massenburg Memorial Award for Excellence in National Service recipients are:
Dalton Lasnier is an AmeriCorps member serving with the American Red Cross of Louisiana after previously serving as a member of the AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps in communities impacted by Hurricanes Issac and Sandy. He currently leads the Pillowcase Project initiative which educates youth on fire and hurricane safety and he recently managed a shelter for 19 people displaced from an apartment fire.
Doretha Jones is a Senior Corps member with Catholic Charities. She has been a Foster Grandparent for 22 years and served as the President of the Foster Grandparent Club as well. She is turning 91 later this month.
Tom Zolot is an AmeriCorps VISTA member currently serving at the Center for Restorative Approaches. Tom works in schools to build problem solving skills that result in healthier communities. He is serving his second term with AmeriCorps.
On Saturday, April 11, AmeriCorps Alums NOLA will also host a service project in conjunction with the Mayors Day of Recognition in the Freret neighborhood. In addition, they will install a plaque in the area to honor of Joseph Massenberg.
The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, and Cities of Service.
“I am proud to be working with Mayor Landrieu as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Mayors are leaders who get things done. They know first-hand the value of national service in tackling city problems. I commend Mayor Landrieu for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”
As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages more than five million citizens in service at more than 60,000 locations in 8,500 cities across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. National service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our cities and nation, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters.
