Seven individuals, organizations and businesses that contributed leadership or services to improve the quality of life for Phoenix residents recently were honored at the city of Phoenix 35^th annual Community Recognition Awards Breakfast.

The award categories included youth services, Oscar Douglass, education, community services, senior services, Carl Lightcap and golden heart.

The event was hosted by the city of Phoenix Human Services Department in cooperation with the Phoenix Human Services Commission.

The award recipients include:

Here is information on the winners.

Shaina Weatherspoon -The Youth Services Award goes to Weatherspoon for her perseverance through difficult times. As a teen mother, Weatherspoon decided to participate in the Young Families CAN Program where she has overcome barriers and provided for her family.

She graduated from North High School despite the challenge of being pregnant with her now one-and-a-half-year-old son. Weatherspoon was recognized as the lead editor of the school’s yearbook and president of the campus’ Black Student Union.

As a single mother, she works part time at her son’s child care center as a teacher’s assistant, while taking classes at Apollo College to become a medical assistant.

Weatherspoon is an inspiration to teen moms through her winning attitude. She is recognized for her dedication to caring for her son while maintaining her school and family responsibilities.

Francisco Carrasco - The Oscar Douglass Award goes to Carrasco for his involvement with the city’s Student Work Study Program, which provides employment opportunities in city government for junior- and senior-level high school students. The program is designed to encourage students to stay in, and complete, school by assisting them in acquiring additional school credits and providing financial assistance, along with a valuable work experience.

Carrasco participated in the 2005-06 program as a senior at Camelback High School. After being accepted through a competitive application process, he was placed in the city’s Engineering and Architectural Services Department for a nine-month internship. In his department, Carrasco demonstrated an excellent record of job performance and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

When his internship was completed after graduating from high school, Carrasco applied for an entry-level position in the department and received a position as an engineer aide. Shortly thereafter, he was reassigned to a full-time position as an engineer technician.

Carrasco is a full-time city employee for the Engineering and Architectural Services Department and a part-time student at Gateway Community College.

Frank Neville – The Education Division Award was presented to Neville of the Milwaukee Brewers for providing a large player support to the city’s ongoing baseball spring training event with Head Start children and their families.

Each year, between 30 and 40 Milwaukee Brewers players volunteer to “coach” Head Start children in a series of fun, adaptive baseball-related activities. More children and families have participated in the program in the past two years due to Neville’s dedication to supporting the program.

Many players are bilingual, making the experience special for all mono and bilingual families. The players also spent time at St. Joseph’s Hospital with children. Through Neville’s dedication and affiliation with major league baseball, he is helping brighten the lives of children with disabilities.

Rev. Arlene Atkin and North Hills Church of God - The Community Services Division Award was presented to Rev. Arlene Atkin and the North Hills Church of God for their efforts to provide for the homeless community during the hot summer months. As part of the Faith-Based Summit on Homelessness, the church signed up 80 volunteers and received donations of food, water and clothing.

With the support of Rev. Atkins, the church served 276 guests and provided them with free haircuts, showers and personal hygiene products. Job placement services also were offered.

North Hills Church volunteers were trained to provide effective support and maintain respect for every individual. The church already is planning for next summer and hopes to expand its services.

Dr. Doris Williams - Senior Services Division Award was awarded to Williams for her volunteer work at the Paradise Valley Senior Center, where she has served since December 2005. She is the secretary and librarian for the Advisory Site Council and founder of the Low-Vision Book Discussion group at the center.

A medical doctor with a degree in psychiatry, Williams speaks seven languages and spent more than 35 years as a missionary. She serves six clients as a Senior Companion Program volunteer and has donated many items for the center’s Holiday Bazaar arts and crafts fundraiser.

Job Salinas Hernandez - The Carl Lightcap Award was presented to Hernandez for his dedication to sharing his talents with the community and as a volunteer at the Marcos de Niza Senior Center. He has a passion for gardening and, as community garden coordinator, works with the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation and other projects at various city locations.

A volunteer at the senior center for five years, he is a key figure in delivering surplus food to the center and holding arts and crafts projects to raise money. Hernandez became a certified Bone Builders instructor and now leads Bone Builders exercise classes.

Arthur Othon - The Golden Heart Award was presented to Othon for his commitment to the community. As director of community and economic development for Arizona Public Service, he leads a team of employees that work to partner with communities throughout Arizona to develop programs that focus on economic growth and development. He also manages the APS Foundation.

Othon also worked in the Arizona Governor’s Office and the Phoenix Mayor’s Office as an executive assistant. He is the past president and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa.

He has participated on the city’s Workforce Investment Board and the Phoenix Workforce Connection. Othon’s efforts have led to partnerships that eliminate the duplication of services at the local level and made for a more effective and efficient system of providing services to customers.

One of Othon's first efforts in community involvement was the founding of the Mountain Park Community Health Center 25 years ago. He started the organization to bring health care to impoverished residents in South Phoenix.

NOTE: The awardees are available for interviews upon request, as are their photos receiving the awards at the dinner.