Joanne Searcy, Outstanding Volunteer, Recognized with the Heart & Hands Award

Joanne Searcy was awarded the Heart & Hands Award by the Utah Nonprofit Association at the annual awards ceremony, Utah Philanthropy Day, in fall of 2023. At this event, humanitarians and organizations are celebrated for their extraordinary contributions. In particular, Heart & Hands honorees are volunteers who have significantly helped their nonprofit's mission.

Photo: Joanne stands with Jim Mayfield and Tim Evans, co-founders of CHOICE Humanitarian, at the awards ceremony held November 2023.

Joanne has done that a thousand times over. For more than 15 years, she has been an exemplary volunteer for CHOICE Humanitarian, donating over 20 hours per week to help us disrupt global poverty. Joanne came to CHOICE from one of the founding members of our nonprofit, Lew Swain. Joanne was his dutiful personal assistant, and after retiring, she shifted her time and focus to CHOICE. From day one as a volunteer, Joanne has poured her heart and soul into our organization.    

A Difference Maker for the Team

Joanne exemplifies exceptional dedication to volunteer service through her commitment to the CHOICE mission. She is a true team player who has provided support across all departments. For example, she coordinates CHOICE's projects database, ensuring that data on our field work is thorough and up-to-date. This includes collaborating and communicating with each Country Director as well as various members of our country teams. With the database, CHOICE ensures projects are effective in making progress and impact in the communities, and we also utilize the information to help us write reports back to our generous donors and supporters.

Riley Greenwood, CHOICE's Director of Social Innovation, works closely with Joanne when it comes to data input for field projects. Riley shared, "Joanne's volunteer contributions are invaluable. She is careful and thorough, and she helps to ensure the effectiveness of the projects database so that we can leverage the information in the best way possible. In nonprofits, it's common for lack of bandwidth to be a constraint on operations. Joanne graciously and passionately alleviates that as a volunteer, and we're incredibly grateful to her for that."

Joanne also volunteers time towards supporting board operations. The CHOICE Board of Directors meets regularly to discuss oversight and strategy for the organization, and Joanne assists by taking minutes, tracking assignments, and updating roster information. Joanne's attention to detail allows meetings to run smoothly and efficiently.  

Over the last few years, Joanne has played a vital role in the success of CHOICE Humanitarian's annual report, particularly regarding the Projects Dashboard section. This section details the impressive breadth of work overseen by CHOICE, with 5 columns of data about each project that was worked on in that year (typically around 120 projects). Joanne meticulously gathers and compares data, follows up with deadlines, and much more.

Said Sara Nelson, who oversees the annual report as CHOICE's Director of Marketing, "Joanne volunteers countless hours to help make things happen. I know I can rely on her to get something done. I'm grateful not only for Joanne's generosity as a volunteer and her passion for our mission, but also for her capability and reliability that brings useful, needed skills to our team."  

Her "Why" for Volunteering for CHOICE

Passionate volunteers are a vital part of a thriving nonprofit organization. The gifts of time, talents, and skills go a long way in helping CHOICE reach our goals, and Joanne is a daily contributor to that. When asked why she is a part of CHOICE, Joanne said this: 

”Because I have been blessed with an abundant, good life, my heart feels for those who have so much less. When I discovered CHOICE and learned about its approach to helping the poor bring themselves out of poverty, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I stay because I’ve seen the results. Also, I love to be with like-minded people.”

Thank you to Joanne for all she does for our mission to disrupt global poverty, and a big congratulations for her well-deserved recognition as a Heart & Hands Award honoree.