Brandon Colvin Honored with 2014 Distinguished Service Award

We are so pleased to announce that our very own Food Pantry Coordinator, Brandon Covin was selected by Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities to receive this year’s Distinguished Service Award.  The award was presented at The 35th Disability and Employment Awards Program on October 28, 2014.

Four years ago Brandon began working as a volunteer in our Food Pantry.  As a quick learner he soon took the role of Food Pantry Coordinator.  Each Monday Brandon unloads donated food, breaks down and recycles all packaging, stocks donations in designated locations, provides quality control oversight, and conducts weekly inventory.  On Tuesday every person entering the Food Pantry receives his friendly greeting and smile and assistance selecting their food preferences.

The services that Brandon provides as a volunteer have a positive influence on each person served and typically improves the persons overall quality of life. He treats everyone served in a caring and respectful manner and always goes the extra mile to help others whenever he can.  Brandon experienced a significant disability several years ago and has expressed that he can easily relate to the needs of those he serves.

In conjunction with the Mary Lee Foundation Rehabilitation Center, Brandon helps coordinates Vocational Situational Assessments for individuals desiring to return to the workforce.   A variety of vocational skills are evaluated at the Food Pantry during the assessment including completing a task in a timely manner, following directions, ability to work in a team environment, ability to work independently, proper social skills, and quality control oversight.  During each assessment Brandon provides pertinent feedback both during and after the assessment in order to help each person improve their overall level of performance.