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DC LOTTERY CELEBRATES FIRST GOLD COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER
August 10, 2011
On August 2, 1011, the D.C. Lottery awarded Brenda Jones of Washington, D.C., its first Gold Community Service Award. Executive Director of the Parklands Community Center, Jones has dedicated over 30 years to serving children and families in Southeast, D.C. The D.C. Lottery’s Gold Community Service Award was created to provide people who are active in the D.C. community an opportunity to recognize and honor their fellow neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family.
A native Washingtonian, Ms. Jones experienced the uniqueness and joy of growing up in the Nation’s Capital, but the deaths of two of her brothers to street violence would bring a devastating pain, striking a chord that committed her to work with families affected by substance abuse, child abuse, and community neglect.
“Living on the property, [Parkland] I contacted the owner and asked if there was a space that I could use to help people who needed it. I’d leave my job and open up the space and just be here. We grew from there.”
Now, the Parklands Community Center is a viable multiservice organization with office space at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, S.E., dedicated support staff, and an impressive record of 31 years of service.
“I nominated Brenda because I believe in giving people their praise when they can appreciate it. She works tirelessly, giving so much of herself. I wanted her to know how much her work means to all of us,” said Rebecca Bryant, a former service recipient and longtime associate with the organization.
“I know a winner when I see one. And, Brenda Jones is a winner by any measure,” says Buddy Roogow, executive director of the D.C. Lottery. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate good people who do great things. They help make us all winners,” says Roogow.
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