Monica Martinez-Animas is a volunteer with Multnomah County's Department of Community Justice and winner of a 2015 Volunteer Recognition Award.
“It is an honor to be able to nominate Monica for the Volunteer Recognition Award.
Although Monica signed on to be a tutor, she proved to be extremely adaptable to whatever task was set in front of her. Monica helped tutor a nervous teen for her GED, she walked youth through writing resumes and applying for their first jobs, she assisted with hosting a career fair for youth at juvenile court, and even helped a youth with educational challenges study for his driver’s test. Whenever Monica was asked ‘Do you think you could do this?’ Her answer was always ‘YES!’
Monica’s quiet demeanor appeared to calm even the most anxious youth. I have come to appreciate how skilled she is at meeting youth at their level. This has earned her the respect of the youth she has served and the gratitude of the Juvenile Service Division Staff. Thank you Monica!”
— Deidra Gibson-Cairns of the Department of Community Justice’s Juvenile Services Division