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Dec 6, 2007
MOBILE – Governor Bob Riley commended community volunteers for their service to Alabama during a conference held in Mobile on Wednesday. The conference is co-hosted by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The conference’s theme was “Strengthening Communities Through Citizen Service and Preparedness.”
“I am personally grateful to the countless volunteers who give so much of themselves and expect nothing in return,” Governor Riley said. “When good people reach out to those in need, they are literally transforming Alabama one person, one family and one community at a time.”
What began three years ago as a conference focusing strictly on Citizen Corps and other disaster preparedness and response programs has now expanded to include National Service groups, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, state agencies, Volunteer Centers, and faith and community-based organizations. Over 400 people were scheduled to attend various training and educational seminars during the conference.
Sydney Hoffman, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, said, “It’s so encouraging to have hundreds of people demonstrate their commitment to serving others by participating in this conference. The training they receive will allow them to return to their hometowns and tailor solutions to address the unique needs of their communities.”
Director of Alabama Homeland Security Jim Walker added, “Alabama is fortunate to have so many people who want to serve our great State. The information communicated at this conference will provide immeasurable help and support to these citizen volunteers.”
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