Latest news with #41stAnnualGovernor'sVolunteerAwards
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vandegrift student recognized by the governor for her volunteer work
The Brief Vandegrift High School junior recognized by Governor Greg Abbott for volunteer work Shreya Poladia turned her passion for art into an opportunity to help support people with special needs LEANDER, Texas - A Leander ISD student is being recognized by Governor Greg Abbott for her many years of volunteer work. The backstory Vandegrift High School junior Shreya Poladia decided to turn her passion for art into an opportunity to raise funds that will support people with special needs. "Each painting takes around two to three hours. So, I make around 80 to 90 paintings for each art show," says Poladia. The Poladia siblings share a special bond through art. While many siblings tend to have a bickering type of relationship, the Poladia's enjoy painting together. At a young age, Shreya knew she wanted to make a difference and make a social impact. She started an art for a cause non-profit called Shreya's Atelier Art for a Cause where she raises funds to donate back to organizations that support people with special needs "My brother has down syndrome and autism. He's had this since he was like a little kid," says Poladia. "It's inspired by my brother, Raj. I started it back in 2020 because he was having some medical issues along with the pandemic. He was struggling with that a little bit. And as a way to help deal with the stress, I started painting and doing art," says Poladia. Shreya hosts art shows in the spring inviting people to buy her artwork. In the past year she was able to raise over $5,000 towards the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. "I think it opened a dialog more for like there's like a lot of ignorance about disability and so I think it really helped people understand what Down Syndrome is or what is Autism. And I think she tried her best way to talk to people about it," says Deepali Poladia, Shreya's mother. For Shreya, autism awareness isn't just something she focuses on for one month. It's year round. "The fight for autism goes far beyond legislation. It calls for social acceptance, compassion, and proactive responsibility in removing variables to create spaces where people feel safe and comfortable to talk, in general," says Poladia. Her work hasn't gone unnoticed. Shreya was recognized as a recipient of the 41st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards. The awards celebrate the service and dedication of exceptional individuals, groups and organizations that have significantly impacted Texas communities through volunteering over the past year. "I'm really happy and I'm really proud of myself for getting the award. And I'd love to continue raising awareness for people with disabilities," says Poladia. What you can do To learn more about Shreya's non-profit you can click here. The Source Information from interview with Shreya Poladia.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ServiceMaster recognized by Governor's Volunteer Awards
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A Wichita Falls business is among the 17 recipients of the 41st Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards that were announced on Friday, March 20 by Texas' First Lady Cecilia Abbott. ServiceMaster of Wichita Falls was honored with the Corporate Champion Award. A release from the Office of the Texas Governor said that under the leadership of Michael Deane Albert, ServiceMaster has delivered meals weekly since September 2023, often sending extra drivers on both delivery and non-delivery days. In the past year, their team has served over 100 volunteer hours and provided 1,200 meals, exceeding the standard commitment. They have braved inclement weather, stepped in on short notice, and covered additional routes, all while providing consistent and compassionate service. 'Their dedication ensures vulnerable community members receive their meals, often sacrificing personal time to fill gaps when needed most,' the release said. There will be a reception to celebrate the award recipients during National Volunteer Month in April at the Texas Governor's Mansion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
