Making a difference in her community
Crescentia True Recognized for Volunteer Service
 
By Carie Schelfhaudt, Media Relations Writing Intern

Twelve years ago Crescentia True looked at the back of a tea bag and saw the words that would inspire a lifetime of growth through volunteerism and social responsibility: We all have our lot in life, it’s what we build on it that makes a difference.

For True, building upon a foundation of service originally constructed by her family, volunteering is not simply something she does in her free time, but something that is incorporated in her daily activities. In recognition of her inspirational community service, True has won the Spirit of New Hampshire, Volunteer Service award in the adult category.

True is one of 11 recipients of the Spirit of New Hampshire awards, which represent individuals, groups and organizations honored for exemplary volunteer contributions.

“I don’t think of myself as a volunteer, but doing something that’s important to me,” said True.

Over the last few years, True created and developed On-Belay, a day-long event featuring a ropes course in adventure learning for those aged 10-18 who are affected by a family member or close friend with cancer. Participants learn how to develop compassion and awareness through a series of “challenges by choice” allowing each belayer to choose just how and to what extent they want to challenge themselves.

“On-Belay helps to complete me and the gap that needs to be filled in my life. The fact that I can fill the gap for others is the icing on the cake,” True said.

True also has participated in Relay for Life, Concert for Cure and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, but has extended her focus to teaching social responsibility in local business and providing service and teaching at church. At UNH, True is currently the associate director of the Office of Sustainability.

Volunteer service recipients include individuals who strengthen their communities through exemplary volunteer service and reflect the ethics of volunteerism in New Hampshire. Volunteer champion recipients provide the infrastructure, funding, support and management for volunteers that are successful in their service.

Volunteer Service Recipients include:

Youth - Kaitlyn Howland (Dover)
Adult - Crescentia True (Durham)
Senior - Brenda Boudreau (Littleton)
Senior -Josephine Tansey (Lebanon)
Adult Group - The Conway Dinner Bell (Conway)
National Service - Emma Paquette (Chichester)
Volunteer Champion Recipients include:
Small Non-Profit - NH Assn. of RSVP
Small Business - North Country Ford (Lancaster)
Large Business - Citizens Bank (Manchester)
Local Service Club - Nashua Evening Exchange Club
Municipality - Town of Colebrook, NH

“I can only accept the award as a spokesperson for the huge group of people who love me and have helped me along the way,” said True, who attributes her success to The Browne Center, Danny’s Team and the young adult service partners in Mills Hall.
One of the award recipients will be additionally honored with the Spirit of New Hampshire Award, given to the recipient considered by the review teams as an outstanding example of New Hampshire’s spirit of service.

The third annual Spirit of New Hampshire Awards will be held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord Nov. 2, 2005. A reception will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. with dinner and presentation of awards by John Lynch to follow. Lisa Peakes of NHPR will be the MC of the event.

For more information about volunteering, contact Volunteer NH! at 1-800-780-8050 or 271-7200 or visit the website at http://www.volunteernh.org.