Vienna — Julius Hankin, with the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna was chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award. The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes top volunteers with the Shepherd’s Centers of America network for their service in helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes.

This is the only national volunteer award recognizing the service of seniors for seniors. The award is given biannually by the Shepherd’s Centers of America and recognizes excellence in volunteerism and commitment to the mission of Shepherd’s Centers: To empower older adults to live healthy and happy lives.

“Julius is an exceptional volunteer leader with a remarkable 19 years sustained commitment to the mission,” says one reviewer on the national committee. As a founding member of the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, Julius is a true champion for a new image of aging in America. “Julius is one of the hardest working volunteers for our Shepherd’s Center,” says Michelle Scott, executive director of Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna. “He is an ambassador not only in our community, but also in surrounding communities that would benefit from a Shepherd’s Center.”

“Julius is an outstanding example of the joy and fulfillment that comes from volunteering with Shepherd’s Centers,” says Sarah Cheney, director of SCA. “His efforts are changing lives.”

Founded in 1997, the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50+) to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. The unique approach employed by the agency also allows for mature adults to volunteer their time providing vital services to the more vulnerable seniors needing assistance. Each year more than 250 volunteers at SCOV serve as medical drivers, companion drivers, friendly callers and visitors, health and wellness educators, office assistants, fundraisers, and grant writers. Volunteers also run programs such as SCOV’s Lunch n’ Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events, and the caregivers’ support group. Please ‘Like’ them on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scov.org

To volunteer, donate or learn more about how you can help, visit www.scov.org or contact the office at 703-281-0538, office@scov.org.