Diane Young of Benton Harbor is the recipient of a Michigan Community Service Commission award for her work in Berrien County.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office this week announced the 42 winners who will be honored at the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards this month in Detroit. Young is to receive a Volunteer of the Year award along with four others from around the state.
She tells us she works at Michigan Works with people to remove barriers to employment they might be facing. Things like transportation and childcare present challenges.
“Over the last couple of years with the cost of living increases and just so much going on, even those parents that have two parent households, it’s a struggle,” Young said.
Young was nominated for the award by a friend at the United Way of Southwest Michigan. She says her “stomach flipped” when she found out she won.
“Whenever I can help somebody get to the next level in their life or make a change, make a difference in the life of somebody else, that in itself is rewarding to me.”
Young volunteers with a variety of organizations in Berrien County, including the United Way, the Berrien Community Foundation, and Benton Harbor High School. She will head to the Fox Theater in Detroit on November 28 to receive the award.
Also being honored with an Older Adult Volunteer of the Year Award is E.T. Buck of South Haven.
