Community Award of Distinction 2009 Winners

Washington State University presented two Community Awards of Distinction Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at its 20th anniversary celebration. The award for Community Partnership was presented to June Vining, executive director of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Portland/Vancouver, Inc. The award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be presented to Kids on the Block.

The award for Community Partnership: June Vining

Vining was selected for the Community Partnership award for her contributions to the well-being of our community. Vining’s 160 local TIP volunteers provide “emotional first aid” at emergency scenes. TIP volunteers assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders who the emergency system often must leave behind. TIP volunteers are available on a 24-hour, 365-day basis to support family members after a death, crime victims, survivors of suicide, children left alone after a death or injury to their parents, senior citizens and anyone else referred by emergency responders. TIP of Portland/Vancouver, Inc. responded to 2,007 calls last year and served 12,214 citizens in our area.

The award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Kids on the Block

Kids on the Block was selected for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award for its broad impact to these areas in our community. Kids on the Block uses puppetry to inspire children to appreciate differences; say no to all forms of prejudice; respect persons of different abilities, skills, ethnicity and religions; and honor diversity. More than 70,000 children in Clark Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties saw a Kids on the Block performance last year.