IFC Congratulates Three Nominees Recognized with State-wide Awards

Raleigh, NC. Today, at the fourth annual North Carolina Conference on Homelessness, the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs (ICCHP) presented awards of excellence recognizing outstanding contributions to the homeless population of North Carolina by civic organizations, foundations, congregations, corporations, volunteers and a formerly homeless individual who has successfully transitioned to stability.

The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) congratulates three of their nominees for their accomplishments:

• Granville Towers received the Outstanding Corporate Award for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to community through financial and/or volunteer support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward community involvement on behalf of homeless people.

Granville Towers, a privately owned dormitory and cafeteria for undergraduate students, has faithfully supported IFC's Community Kitchen for ten years. Their donations amount to 40% of IFC's food supply for both the lunch and evening meals. The Community Kitchen depends on food donations to serve 75,000 meals or more each year. "Granville Towers plays a major part in the success of Community Kitchen…While they have never sought recognition, they are an example to other food service providers and should be recognized as such, " stated Ann Harris, Kitchen Coordinator, IFC Community Kitchen.

• Otty Snyder received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her proven record of exceptional generosity on giving her time and talent towards the homeless; who through direct volunteer support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility; and whose generosity encourages others to take leadership roles toward community involvement on behalf of homeless people.

Otty Snyder has been a volunteer at Inter-Faith Council since 1992. However, her work in feeding the homeless dates back to 1985 before there was an established community kitchen. As an IFC volunteer she has contributed countless hours and skills to homeless individuals and families. At Community House she has held a variety of positions and responsibilities including: organizing and coordinating meal groups, preparing and monitoring weekly meals, regularly picking-up donated perishable items from local businesses, serving as a working member of the Kitchen Committee, chairing the IFC Community House Operations Committee and volunteering weekly as a Community House receptionist. "By her leadership, faithfulness and compassion Otty Snyder is a role model to other volunteers," commented Ann Harris , Kitchen Coordinator, IFC Community House.

• Renita Harris received an Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award presented to a formerly homeless individual who has successfully transitioned to stability and has made a exemplary effort to give back to homeless people who are in need.

Renita Harris has been a full time shelter manager at IFC Community House, a 24-hour emergency shelter/kitchen, since December 1998. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and has been a role model and mentor for other homeless women. She is recognized for her many skills, concerns and good works by co-workers, volunteers and the Orange County community. When asked about her success, Renita responded, "having been in that situation myself gives me an understanding that I value and use everyday to help others."

For additional information, please contact Chris Moran at (919) 968-8053 or pager 1-877-833-0355.