Montgomery County: Ray Van Raalte, community volunteers honored

Department of Health and Human Services Director Uma Ahluwalia recognized the winners of the Henry L. Dixon Memorial Awards for efforts to "change people's lives, embody the spirit of hope, improve communities, and make America a better place to live." The awards, distributed during National Community Action Agency Month, are named in honor of the late Henry L. Dixon, a former board member and friend to low-income residents.Ray Van Raalte, was recognized for his many years of service as a volunteer mentor with the Montgomery County Self-Sufficiency Program, part of the Housing Opportunities Commission. The program assists families in public housing in their goal to become self-sufficient. Van Raalte's hands-on help, patience and multilingual skills helped many residents facing significant challenges to receive their GED (high school equivalency), gain certified nursing, occupational and physical therapy skills; and pass their driver's license test.

Project Reboot, a Rockville-based organization, was recognized for refurbishing more than 2,000 computers annually for the community's low-income, disabled and displaced children, youth and adults who receive services through schools, county agencies and local non-profit organizations.

Honored finalists were Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter; Sara R. Harris; Gretchen Hilburger; First AME Church of Gaithersburg; First Book, Montgomery County and the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Several community volunteers were also honored for assisting nearly 500 low-income county residents in completing their 2007 income tax returns through the Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Outgoing Community Action Board Chair Tricia Young-Williams was recognized for her service to the Board.

The mission of the Community Action Agency, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is to reduce, and ultimately to end, poverty in the community.