The Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon at Porterville Developmental Center on Thursday was a lovely celebration thanking people who selflessly volunteer their time and efforts to benefit the people at Porterville Developmental Center.
State, County, and local dignitaries were at the luncheon, as well as PDC Directors and Coordinators.
Master of Ceremony James King welcomed everyone, then the PDC Office of Protective Services and Honor Guard Team presented the Colors, and everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Chaplain Jose Ureño gave an invocation thanking everyone for their selfless service, and he read from the gospel of Matthew. He blessed the volunteers who work at PDC and their mission as volunteers.
Veterans were then acknowledged for their service, and honored guests were recognized. Eric Coyne from State Senator Melissa Hurtado's office, representatives from Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo's office, a representative from Tulare County Supervisor Dennis Townsend's office, and Porterville City Mayor Greg Meister.
Board President Lillian Durbin from Porterville Unified School District was recognized, as well as PUSD Pathways Director Cynthia Brown. Sergio Aparicio and others from PUSD Pathways were there as well.
Executive Director Gabriela Maleszewski welcomed guests to the luncheon, but especially the Monache High School students from the Academy of Hospitality who catered a terrific lunch.
She said since the beginning of PDC, in 1953, volunteers have enriched the lives of the individuals at PDC and through their unwavering dedication they have truly transformed the world around them and for everyone connected with PDC. “Your kindness reminds us that when we come together every act of service has a lasting impact. Thank you for your unwavering support.” Volunteers have created ripples of positivity that uplift not only PDC, but also everyone whose lives they touch, she said.
“We are deeply grateful for the joy, hope, and stability the volunteers bring to those we support. Your contributions are truly invaluable.”
Nearly 100 deserving volunteers, donors, and vendors received certificates of recognition and many thanks from PDC staff and directors.
Certificates were given to a Psychology intern and multiple Practicum students, Central Program Services, Compter Services, Plant Operations, PDC Accounting, Dietetic Services, Coordinator of Nursing Services, PDC Medical Director’s Office, Staff Development. 18 students from the MHS Academy of Hospitality received certificates, as well as significant donors from the Constance L. Hartwell Trust Fund, Tony and Cheryl Cline, and vendors who donate services.
Many students were recognized from both Burton and PUSD Elementary, Middle, and High Schools for their work on the PDC mural project.
“Senator Hurtado was happy to help Porterville Development Center recognize the meaningful volunteer work of people who generously committed many, many hours to help care for patients being served at the PDC, ” Eric Coyne said.
“In particular, the Senator wanted to let the dozens of students from Porterville Unified’ s Pathway’s program know how much she values their commitment to provide services to others - while learning important career tech skills in the culinary arts, accounting, dietary and other health fields.
“You can bet a PDC leader will probably have an eye out to recruit some of these student volunteers as future employees some day.”
“It’s a privilege to join today’s luncheon celebrating the incredible volunteers at the Porterville Developmental Center. Your selfless service is a shining example of what makes our community so special. The Center not only provides vital care — it also creates meaningful jobs and opportunities right here in Porterville. To all the volunteers: thank you for giving your time, your heart, and your energy. You make this a stronger, more compassionate place to live and work,” said Porterville Mayor Greg Meister.
Monache High School Academy of Hospitality student Molly Withrow said it was their first time catering and it was a great experience in a “real” work environment. “We’ve been planning this since March and we created the recipes and tested them. Mr. (James) King got to test our recipes and presentation. I'm glad you enjoyed the lunch. We hope to continue catering.”
Culinary Instructor and MHS AH! Lead Becky Silvas said the luncheon menu was all created by the students as well as the recipes, after PDC Administrator King told them what he wanted at the luncheon. “These kids are all seniors, and they are all great. They are all very capable in the kitchen, but they’ve also gained life skills,” Silvas said.
“They have skills for jobs, but the Pathway Academy has also provided them with a smaller community on campus that I feel is as important as the learning.”
PDC and Department of Developmental Services staff stated: The volunteers at the developmental center have a transformative impact on both PDC and the community, bringing joy, support and empowerment to the individuals with developmental disabilities while also fostering a sense of social responsibility and inclusivity in the community.”