San Jose’s Ola Franklin Named Finalist for Catholic Charities USA’s 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Award

Ola Franklin of San Jose, CA, who volunteers as a long-term care ombudsman for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, is one of 14 finalists for Catholic Charities USA’s 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Award. This annual award recognizes the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the Catholic Charities network.

Franklin was chosen for exemplifying the spirit and mission of Catholic Charities in reducing poverty, supporting families, and empowering communities. “When I look at the lives that Ola has touched and the difference that she has made in her community, I am grateful that she is part of the Catholic Charities family,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

As an ombudsman, Franklin began advocating for the rights of those in long-term care facilities two years ago. The tireless hours Franklin has contributed has truly set her apart from other volunteers.

For example, when a local nursing home, unable to adhere to the earthquake code, was forced to close, Franklin supported not only the residents of the home, but also their families. Planning to spend the remainder of their lives at the facility, residents were left shocked, confused, and in search of a place to live. Franklin proved instrumental in empowering this community to fight for its rights. In the facility on almost a daily basis, Franklin ensured that all of the residents’ questions were answered. Pushing for a just resolution for the residents, she attended to every detail necessary to enable a smooth transition.

“Ola not only embodies the values of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, but also personifies the core values of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County,” said Cindy Safe, Catholic Charities’ director of long term care support services. “The service that she provided to the residents of her assigned facility unquestionably made an enormous impact on their lives and the lives of their families.”

The 2007 award recipient will be announced during National Volunteer Week, April 15–21, and will be honored at Catholic Charities USA’s Annual Gathering on Sept. 15 in Cincinnati.

To learn about the other finalists, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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About Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County:
Catholic Charities works to strengthen families and build economic self-sufficiency for the poor and vulnerable in Santa Clara County. Now in our 51st year, we serve 27,000 individuals of all cultures and beliefs annually through a broad base of programs including housing services, job skills training and placement, older adult services, mental health counseling, financial education, immigration, refugee resettlement, and children and youth services and education. Catholic Charities is a member of Catholic Charities USA, the nation’s largest social services network. Administration is located at 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, California. For more information, visit us at http://www.ccsj.org.