Members of the Red Cross Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team stand with Janice Winston to celebrate her national award. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross
The Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Region recently honored longtime volunteer Janice Winston, who was nationally recognized as a Service to the Armed Forces–International Services (SAF-IS) Exceptional Volunteer.
A Red Cross volunteer for more than 20 years, Janice began serving as the VAVS representative for the Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Philadelphia in 2009. Today, she leads a dedicated team of 19 volunteers.
“Janice runs her team like a well-oiled machine,” said Jaime Boris, SAF-IS Program Manager for SEPA. “We never have to worry if our VAVS volunteers are being engaged or supported because Janice treats them like family. One need only look at her long history with the organization to see her commitment to her community and passion for impacting the lives of those in need.”
Janice spearheaded several new initiatives over the past year, including signing and presenting birthday cards to in-patient and Community Living Centers (CLC) veterans signing ‘thank you for your service’ notecards to be distributed to clients in the VA’s food pantry and organizing and delivering 93 cases of food donations for the food pantry.
During an annual joint review with VA staff, Janice noticed discrepancies in volunteer hour reporting. She proactively collaborated with VA personnel to reconcile records, ensuring Red Cross volunteers received proper credit for their service.
Following that review, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) chief shared high praise.
“Janice is one of the best VAVS representatives I have worked with, ever. She is so responsive and diligent. Our medical center would definitely have a few gaps without the Red Cross’ and Janice’s support.”
Janice’s leadership and dedication exemplify the spirit of Red Cross volunteerism. Her national recognition is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on veterans, volunteers and the broader community.
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- Written by Jaime Boris and Alana Mauger
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