United Way of Mat-Su

Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year 2009

Helen Munoz

The Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 1993 by the United Way of Mat-Su to honor the memory of Dorothy A. Jones, a foremost community leader whose dedicated service helped to improve the quality of life for Mat-Su residents. To the end of her life, she served on the United Way Board of Directors in addition to her many other areas of service. The award is presented annually.

The 2009 recipient, Helen Munoz, received her award at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on March 16, 2010 at the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce meeting sponsored by The United Way of Mat-Su.

Helen Munoz, is a longtime Valley resident and volunteer. Her main causes are related to education, income and health. In the area of education and income, Helen is an active advocate for financial literacy in schools including a recent petition to the school board and Mat-Su Borough to make this a required class. In addition, she volunteers in the classroom to help children with reading even though most of her grandchildren are graduated. Helen taught Junior Achievement classes and assisted with swim meets. In the area of health, Helen's passion is wastewater. She continues to fight for a system in the Valley that is clean and will protect the environment for future generations. Of major concern are the toxins being dumped into our bodies of water both in the Valley and Anchorage. Furthermore, Helen is one of the founders of the Hospice Foundation in the Valley. Each year she coordinates the Hospice Angel Tree and Day of Remembrance in Palmer. Helen organized the "Night Out for Hospice" dinners, and actively advocates for a Hospice House in the Valley at every opportunity. She also helps with bereavement classes at the senior center. Helen's continued efforts improve the Mat-Su Valley for young and old alike and will for generations to come.

Helen is an active member of multiple boards, organizations and committees including: Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Mat-Su Bed & Breakfast, Matanuska Susitna Convention & Visitors Bureau, Palmer Senior Center and Eastern Terminus Project. All of her volunteer work makes the Mat-Su Valley a better place to live.

The Dorothy A Jones Volunteer of the Year Award is intended to honor individuals for exceptional volunteer service in health and human service non-profit activities. Nominees must live and volunteer in the Mat-Su Borough. A distinguished panel of community leaders judges the nominees based on length and breadth of service, as well as, the positive impact to the community.

Congratulations, Helen Munoz, and thank you for your dedication to our community.

To nominate an outstanding volunteer please download a Nomination Form (PDF) or call (907) 373-5802