BY CINDY KRANZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When Karen White won a Lighthouse Vision Award last year, it heightened her resolve to improve the quality of life for mentally retarded adults.
The 14-year-old Seton High School freshman, her parents and two other families organize a monthly dance at Cheviot Eagles Hall for more than 100 mentally retarded adults. Because of her community service, Karen became one of five Lighthouse award winners and received $500 to be spent toward her cause.
"It was a great honor for me, because I've been volunteering for years," the Delhi Township teen said. "The money really helped with the dances. We got a new sound system. We had a special dance, like a prom. The dancers loved it.
"We have a lot more volunteers now, because people read about it. It's boosted awareness that there are certain things people can go out and do."
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IF YOU GO
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What: Lighthouse Vision Awards.
When: 1 p.m. Jan. 23.
Where: Food court area,Kenwood Towne Centre,7875 Montgomery Road, Kenwood.
Information: Lighthouse Youth Services, 221-3350, or e-mail lisadesatnik@fuse.net
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Lighthouse Youth Services is again searching for youths like Karen who make a difference in this community. The social service agency's second annual Lighthouse Vision Awards will honor Tristate youths who help others through volunteerism.
Youths, ages 13-18, will be honored in five categories:
- Service to adults or seniors.
- Service to children or youth.
- Service to the environment.
- Service to the community.
- Youth groups in service.
"To see such commitment, motivation and most important, caring for others, among our youth is an example to us all," said Bob Mecum, executive director of Lighthouse Youth Services.
The agency will honor four finalists and a Vision Award winner in each category. Winners will be asked to develop a "wish list" for their chosen cause or organization as a way to encourage a continued spirit of giving. The $500 prizes will be used for items on their wish lists. Five winners and 20 finalists were honored last year.
Descriptions of all award recipients and finalists will be featured in a traveling exhibit that will first be displayed Jan. 22-24 at Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road, Kenwood. The Lighthouse Vision Awards ceremony will be Jan. 23.
Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 6. Nomination brochures are available at any branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County or any public library in Boone, Kenton or Campbell counties. Completed nominations may be sent to Lighthouse Youth Services, 1527 Madison Road, Cincinnati 45206.
Lighthouse Youth Services offers home-based family counseling, emergency residential housing for youth, respite services for families in crisis, emergency intervention - stabilization services for youths and their families, independent living services for older teens, foster care for the abandoned or abused, and housing for teens.
