Truckee group honors 3 for community service

The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee is recognizing three residents for their community service.

The Partner of the Year Award is given in recognition of regional collaboration and vision for our community. River Coyote has demonstrated initiative and leadership in the health education field regionally for over a decade, most recently through her role at Placer County. River developed and was the principle author of a grant application submitted on behalf of the Tahoe Truckee Future Without Drug Dependency Drug Free Communities Coalition, which she co-founded and now directs. Through River’s guidance, the Tahoe Truckee Future Without Drug Dependency coalition was one of 87 grantees selected from 452 applicants and was awarded $125,000 for 2011-12 and will receive $125,000 for four consecutive years for a total of $625,000.

The Chris Ballin Award is given in recognition of people who advocate for cultural competency, equality and social justice. John Pillsbury, with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, is a steward for social justice in our community through his work with disabled and rehabilitating populations to help integrate them into the workforce. He’s formed alliances with local business owners and community leaders to ensure the success of the populations he serves.

A new addition to the CCTT awards is the Public Service Award of Excellence, awarded to Stephanie Castleman Blume of Project MANA. Blume dives into her work with such a personal drive to help Tahoe Truckee make positive change in the region, consistently going above and beyond for individuals who come to her attention. Blume is charting new waters in Truckee through her work in finding solutions for local homeless populations. This year, she succeeded in supporting the opening a of the Food and Resource Center, a day welcoming center offering food, showers and a warm space. She has been successful in building a network of local community leaders from the nonprofit and faith based communities to support individuals experiencing homelessness.