CAC Celebrates Volunteers at our Appreciation Luncheon – April 8th, 2022

Congratulations to Judy Lagerbloom, recipient of the Mitzi O’Connell Care & Compassion Award

Judy exemplifies the values of CAC to make a difference in the lives of the those she serves, as well as the volunteers she works beside. She makes clients feel good about themselves and they feel comfortable asking for help.  Judy has taken on countless roles as a CAC volunteer including: managing the reception desk, interviewing countless clients, answering the phones, and other vital services that made our clients feel valued and welcome. She has trained dozens of interviewers and even has cashiered at the Thrift Store and Judy also leads her congregation at CAC on Saturdays.  Doing all these things with grace and love and is well-deserving of this prestigious award.

The Care & Compassion Award was renamed this year in memory of Mitzi O’Connell, the first recipient of the award created in 2014, which goes to a volunteer who exemplifies everything that CAC stands for:   

Dignity, Respect, Honesty, Diversity, Ownership and Compassion. Mitzi volunteered for CAC for more than 25 years.  She quietly led the thrift shop operations during the early days when it was just a clothing closet in a Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church space; and she helped guide its transformation to the beautiful 3,500 square foot store we now have on Roswell Road.  CAC’s thrift store growth and success was in large part, due to the contributions Mitzi made through volunteering.  She truly showed us the impact one person can make in the life of others.  Sadly, we lost our dear Mitzi earlier this year and while we don’t get to see her smiling face, her spirit of giving will forever live on at CAC.  In honor of Mitzi and her dedication to CAC, we think it was fitting to rename the award in her memory.  Mitzi’s husband, Mark was in attendance to present the award.

Every year, CAC recognizes Years of Service for Volunteers who have served for five years or more. In addition, special awards are given for those who contribute in their own special way.

CAC Special Volunteer Award Winners 2022

CAC Volunteer Service Award Winners 2022