L-R: Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg with Jim and Karen North. Photo courtesy of Rev. Julie Poulsen
A Jefferson couple recently received a state award for their volunteerism efforts.
Jim and Karen North were recognized with the Governor’s Volunteer Award. First United Methodist Church Pastor Julie Poulsen says church members nominated the couple for their dedication to supporting Greene County area youth through the Webb House for the past 22 years. The Webb House is an ecumenical and community youth center owned by the Methodist Church. Jim North describes what the awards means to him and his wife.
“It makes us feel very humbled and really appreciate all the people that have helped so much in support of the Webb House. And without all these people there would be no Webb House. (We) appreciate all the kids that come and all the parents that send their kids to a safe place that is well chaperoned.”
Jim thanks everyone for their support, including all the churches, chaperones, businesses and organizations, as well as donations and memorial gifts for repairs and improvements to the facility and volunteers to help with repairs, create games and the kids for using the building. He points out that Wednesday afternoons are mostly run by Gabe Fincel and a couple other middle schoolers, along with the adult chaperones. Currently there are over 100 kids that come to the Webb House on Wednesdays, and between 30-100 that use it on Friday evenings.
The Governor’s Volunteer Award is given to groups or individuals that help an agency or organization deliver on its mission. More than 540 awards were presented at several locations around the state, with more than 27,000 hours of service that equals about $693,000 of economic impact. The ceremony for the Norths took place at Southeast Polk High School on September 27th.