"Charlene is nominated for a 2004 Jefferson Award because she models citizenship by working to improve the education, health, and economic stability of dozens of refugees and immigrants in Portland," said Senator Collins. "Her work with children and families who struggle with English as a second language is nurtured by her warm and generous nature. Charlene Turgeon is a perfect example of selfless dedication."
The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. They are based on the concept that every individual has the power to make a difference and that the spirit of volunteerism is one of our country''s greatest strengths. Award winners are first selected at the local level, then, the national Jefferson Awards Board selects one local winner to attend the National Ceremonies in Washington, DC. Of these winners, five are selected to receive the national Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for "Outstanding Community Service Benefiting Local Communities."
Over the past ten years, Turgeon has helped more than 40 people study to become US citizens. She volunteers with these students up to 20 hours a week, in spite of her own health challenges with Multiple Sclerosis. She advocates for her students with Social Services and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration and serves as an interpreter for French-speaking refugees. Turgeon has also assisted families through the process of buying everything from school clothes to a new house, provided transportation to appointments, helped with childcare, and even helped to deliver two babies.
ABC 8 WMTW, the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, and MaineToday.com are the local sponsors of the Jefferson Awards in Maine.
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