Greene County proclaims April Volunteer Month and spotlights youth volunteers and meal-delivery partners

Sherry Drew read a proclamation from the Greene County Legislature declaring April as Greene County Department of Human Services Volunteer Month and praised volunteers’ contributions to local programs.

"Volunteers are the heartbeat and strengthening of communities," the proclamation states, which notes National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) and thanks volunteers for "their time, talent, and voice to meet the critical needs of our communities." The proclamation is dated March 9, 2026, and will be signed by Chairman Blinger.

Franchesca Cernia, introduced by Drew as the interim volunteer coordinator, described youth programming and the county's partnership with the Ark meal-delivery sites. "We have six [youth volunteers] currently," Cernia said, describing activities that include intergenerational visits to senior centers, helping at community events and assisting with meal delivery. She said volunteers receive letters verifying community-service hours for schools that require them.

Representatives and youth volunteers from the Ark and partner programs attended the meeting to illustrate the county's volunteer efforts; members thanked the Ark for operating meal-delivery sites and serving residents without charging recipients. Committee members asked staff to publicize volunteer opportunities and to follow up on outreach to local schools and internship arrangements.

Drew thanked volunteers and emphasized the county's intention to use Volunteer Month to promote and expand participation across programs.