William Penn Life, 2000 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-12-01 / 12. szám
Tk Pomr off Ow Colorado man leaves successful v career to devote life to families and youth CHICAGO, IL - Steve Nelson of Longmont, Colo., was recently named Fraternalist of the Year by the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). The award, given annually by the NFCA, honors the nation's top volunteer among the more than 10.5 million members affiliated with NFCA fraternal benefit societies. Mr. Nelson is the director of business administration and social ministries for First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont. He left a successful career as a commodities broker to pursue his passion for helping others. A psychotherapist, Mr. Nelson uses lessons from his business experience to rally community resources to address community needs. He was nominated for the award by Lutheran Brotherhood, an NFCA- member society based in Minneapolis. In addition to the national recognition, he received a $1,000 check for his favorite charity during the NFCA's annual meeting in Chicago in September. Mr. Nelson contributed the cash award to St. Vrain Valley Parenting Center, which promotes healthy parenting through collaborative community involvement through nurturing, education and support of diverse families. "Steve Nelson embodies fratemalism at its very best," said David Tetzlaff, NFCA executive vice president. "We are proud to honor him as our outstanding volunteer in 2000." Described as visionary, devoted and inspirational, Mr. Nelson ranks among Longmont7s most faithful community servants. As president of “ Lutheran Brotherhood's St. Vrain Branch 8833, he plays an active role in recruiting volunteers and marketing the branch's service efforts. He also launched a new educational radio program—available to more than 3 million people in Colorado—called "Purposeful Parenting." The program is designed to build developmental assets in children. Mr. Nelson also teaches parenting workshops, facilitates support groups for people recovering from divorce, and volunteers at his son's school as a member of the Loma Linda Elementary School Improvement Team. In keeping with his devotion to family and community, he also serves on the boards of nonprofit organizations like Longmont—A Community of Promise, Longmont Community Justice Partnership and Alternatives for Youth. "Without the support and patience of my family and the dedication of numerous selfless volunteers with whom I work, I would not be receiving this award," Mr. Nelson said during the award ceremony. "Families and youth are our future," he said. "We need to educate, support and strengthen families and youth, and I'm proud to be part of that process." A total of 36 fraternal societies submitted one nominee each for consideration for the award. First runner up was Carla Schriver of Aid Association for Lutherans. Second runner up was Woody Peterson of Woodmen of the World and / or Assured Life Association. Third runner up was Albert Sodolak of the Catholic Union of Texas. Fourth runner up was Raymond Gardner of the Knights of Columbus. |\'|»| | ‘We need to educate, support and strengthen families and youth, and I’m proud to be part ofthat process' Steve Nelson Fraternalist of the Year William Pun Lile, December 2000 7
