Dorothy Blake, CYC mentor and community volunteer, received the 2012 Leadership Council of Human Service Executives

Dorothy Blake, CYC mentor and community volunteer, received the 2012 Leadership Council of Human Service Executives (LCHSE) award for Volunteer Excellence. The award is presented to an individual who exhibits a strong commitment to the community, promotes collaboration and partnerships that better the community and contributes to the strength of the human service environment.  The award was presented by Tracy Collins, President of the LCHSE. 

Dorothy’s nomination highlighted the following:  Dorothy is committed to making Cincinnati its BEST.  Dorothy showcases that by her volunteer efforts that include the Toastmaster Youth Leadership Program, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Parachute Court- Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) the Greater Cincinnati Council World Affairs, The Children’s Theater and the Procter and Gamble International transferees program.

Dorothy’s passion and affection for young people is tireless.  Since her return to the states in 2002 from an overseas assignment with her husband, Dorothy has raised her hand to lead, participate and organize youth activities and events.  Most recently Dorothy connected with Cincinnati Public High School, Dater High School, to bring a Toastmaster Youth Leadership Program to the school.  The eight-week condensed program for teenagers, focused on prepared and impromptu speaking, listening, evaluating, chairman skills and self-assessment.   It culminated in a special speaking celebration where 10 students earned the YLP certificates in the presence of their School Principal, family and friends.  

Dorothy believes that a volunteer is the light for someone else.  As a mentor for the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Dorothy is involved with the After School Girls club at Evanston Academy, one of 5 clubs that mentor young ladies with other women.  Their activities include homework help, art projects, music, community outreach projects, self-improvement sessions, crafts, and healthy living activities.  And if this is not enough, Dorothy has a 1-1 mentee Maurier, who she has been mentoring for 6 years to help Maurier accomplish her dreams.  Dorothy also serves as a CASA volunteer she advocates in court on the behalf of young children who have been abused and neglected. 

Dorothy’s work also includes the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs which hosts international guests for their US visits providing home stays, hospitality events and professional visits with schools and non profits.  Her international efforts are also seen in the Procter and Gamble International transferees program.