At 84 years of age, Jo Rita Stevens is active in a way that would exhaust others. Not only does she spend significant time with Goodwill Manasota, she also volunteers with Community Haven, Healthy Families and Kiwanis Club, serves as an advisor to the Sarasota High School Key Club, and serves as the Secretary of both the Board of Trustees at her church and for the Historical Society in Sarasota. Stevens was recently honored by the Office of Volunteer & Community Service (OVCS) division of the Department of Elder Affairs for her volunteer work throughout the region. The OVCS has included an intergenerational component of volunteer recognition to highlight the important connection of seniors and youth working together through community service. “I was surprised and honored after learning about this award. I never became involved to be recognized. I believe that every day there are new challenges and new people that you can do something for,” said Stevens. “My service with Goodwill made me passionate about giving back to the community – the work they do is so incredible. When people think of me, they’re going to think of Goodwill; we go hand in hand. Goodwill changes lives, and the organization has always had a huge impact on my life.” 

Goodwill Manasota