Stephen Frisbee, the Director of College Library Services at Mohawk Valley Community College and winner of MVCC's inaugural "Aeries Award," presented the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley with a check for $1,000 on Monday, July 12. The funds will be used to support Willow Commons, a YWCA initiative to help women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.
The $1,000 grant was given to Frisbee to present to the local non-profit of his choice. Frisbee earned this privilege as the winner of MVCC's Aeries Award, which recognizes a faculty or staff member for dedication in giving back to the community through volunteer service activities. The award was presented to Frisbee at the conclusion of MVCC's 2009-2010 academic year during the "Hawks Who Soar" employee recognition program. Funding for the grant is provided by the MVCC Foundation, Inc.
The criteria for the Aeries Award call for nominees who are actively involved in the betterment of MVCC's campuses as well as the community at large. For his part, Frisbee has led several initiatives by MVCC Libraries and the College as a whole and advised the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in several donation drives and community service projects. He attends nearly every Team MVCC community service event organized by the College and is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and other local organizations.
Frisbee, a New Hartford resident, chose to direct the $1,000 grant to the YWCA to support efforts to end racism and empower women and children.
"I wanted the donation to go to an organization which provides valuable local resources and services to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence," said Frisbee. "The YWCA's Willow Commons program is wonderful for providing essential resources, including transitional housing and counseling, to people in need here in the Mohawk Valley."
Willow Commons is one of many programs offered through the YWCA. Others include direct service for people in sexual crisis, housing services, childcare centers, emergency shelters and violence prevention education.