Ombudsman Program honors Lloyd Schneck with national volunteer award

Missouri State Representative Barney Fisher, President's Volunteer Service Award winner Lloyd Schneck, Sylvia Ackley of the Vernon County Senior Center and Representative David Pearce gather together after the presentation of the award to Schneck. --submitted photo

On Friday, Sept. 5, Lloyd Schneck was honored at the Vernon County Senior Center with the President's Volunteer Service Award, the highest national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.

State Representatives David Pearce and Barney Fisher presented Schneck with his certificate, letters of congratulation from the White House and a Presidential Pin.

Scneck has been the long-term care ombudsman at Christian Health Care since 2001. Kathy Ray-Smith, regional ombudsman of Care Connection for Aging Services said, "Ombudsman volunteers are special people who visit nursing home residents every week to speak on their behalf, help them solve problems and inform them of their rights.

"Many residents can't speak for themselves because they are too frail. Our volunteers like Lloyd provide a vital link to their quality of life and care."

For information on becoming a volunteer ombudsman, contact the Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman office at (800) 309-3282, or visit www.dhss.mo.gov/om

budsman.