Last month, Cliff Smith and Carol Laliberte were each presented with the Jo Adcock Service Award for 2019. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service, dedication to serving individuals with visual impairments and a commitment to the field of blindness. We are thrilled to recognize these two very special people and present them both with this well-deserved honor.
About this award
Jo Adcock served as an active member of the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind from 1996 to 2007. She demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership in assisting the association in developing state of the art services and programs for individuals who are blind. Prior to moving to New Hampshire in 1995, she was appointed by the governor of Idaho to serve as chair of the Idaho State Commission for the Blind.
In 2007, the Jo Adcock Service Award was established in recognition of her dedication and contributions to the field of blindness. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service on behalf of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Nominees to receive the award must meet the following criteria:
- Proven leadership skills
- Outstanding service and commitment to the field of blindness
- Is or has been a professional or volunteer in the field of blindness
- Provided at least 5 years of service in the state of New Hampshire
Both of the 2019 recipients are volunteer drivers for Future In Sight and have been providing clients with transportation to important destinations such as doctor appointments, grocery shopping or group meetings and events organized by Future In Sight.
About Cliff Smith
Cliff has been a dedicated volunteer with our organization since 2014, while also providing volunteer services to other local organizations including the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Friends Caregiver Program. When asked, “Why do you want to volunteer?”, Cliff would reply, “To give back to the community; I have the time and I enjoy helping others”.
His impressive record of service to our organization speaks volumes. As of December 5, 2019, the day he was presented the award, Cliff had provided 291 rides for our clients, had driven 6,673 miles and has given 401 hours of his time.
Cliff is very flexible with his time and can be called upon for rides any day of the week, except for Tuesday afternoons as he is a member of a local running club who he runs with every week.
Cliff’s abundance of energy and dedication is complimented by the fact that he is a great listener and an inspiration to others.
About Carol Laliberte
Carol has been a volunteer with Future In Sight since 2012. Carol provides transportation to clients as well as assisting with special projects, such as delivering and hanging posters for our annual Walk for Sight fundraiser.
Carol is known for her enthusiasm and upbeat nature, often referred to as the Energizer Bunny. When asked why she volunteers, Carol replied, “Because I like doing things for people, especially if it makes them happy!”. Carol loves giving back and helping those in need. Her special treat is bringing homemade brownies to the local homeless shelter. She also often brings batches of brownies for everyone when she drives clients to group activities such as Mitsy Kits Adaptive Sewing, Peer Support Groups or Tech User Group meetings.
Carol always ensures that she knows her way to every destination by doing a test run for new locations prior to bringing the client.
As of the award date, Carol had provided 566 rides for our clients, had driven 8,837 miles, and had given 690 hours of her time.
Carol is very active, loves hiking and camping and takes walks daily, whether on her own or accompanying clients.
We are so grateful to Carol and Cliff. Please join us in celebrating their generous spirits.