Volunteer of the Year!

Some of our team spent yesterday morning at the 14th annual Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Social Services Recognition Breakfast, to support our very own, Melissa Yuchniuk, who was honored as Volunteer of the Year!

If you live or work in the greater Waterford/Oakdale area and dabble in the social services at all, there is a good chance you have met or heard about the efforts of Melissa! The creator of our agency’s charitable division — The Bouvier Brigade — Melissa dedicates any available time she has, both in and out of the office to help her community. She is a tour de force when it comes to charitable works and a philanthropic way of life. As a longtime member of the Waterford Lions, you may have met her at a plant sale, or it may be that you’ve seen her stocking the back to school supplies or pantry at Waterford Youth and Family Services. Perhaps you’ve met her in passing on the way to deliver goods on behalf of the Brigade. Maybe your organization has benefitted from funds or contributions based off of her passionate advocacy. Most recently, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation, where she will undoubtedly impact even more people in profound ways.

During her acceptance speech Melissa expressed “I am appreciative of this recognition, though it is embarrassing for me to be acknowledged for what, in my heart, has always been the right thing to do!”

She is a shining example for us and we are so proud to see her being recognized for her hard work!