El Paso County declares National Volunteer Week; officials, interns and volunteers recognized

The El Paso County Commissioner's Court on April 28 adopted a resolution declaring the week of April 20–26, 2025 as National Volunteer Week and recognized volunteers, interns and department partners for their service to county programs.

Monique Hassell, the county volunteer coordinator, told the court that El Paso County has an established volunteer program including interns and one‑time volunteers; volunteers contributed more than 50,000 service hours in the period referenced, which Hassell said equals a monetary value of slightly more than $500,000. The court honored several individual awardees, including the 2025 intern of the year, Giovanna Fuentes (shared her pathway from intern to hire), and Deacon Roberto Guerra, who described faith‑based prison ministry work and presented a participant’s testimony about how volunteer ministry gave hope to an incarcerated young man.

County officials, department staff and commissioners highlighted the role of volunteers across public services — from beautification and tree planting to courtroom navigation support and veterans assistance — and noted that interns often convert to county employees. Commissioner Lydia Butler and others praised the program and encouraged continued investment in volunteer recruitment and supervision.

The court moved to approve the resolution (mover: Judge Samaniego; second: Commissioner Coronado) and the motion carried. County staff said the volunteer program supports many departments and that the county will continue to promote internships and volunteer recruitment and recognition.