BY KATHI STEARNS

Staff Writer

ATLANTA--Archbishop John F. Donoghue presented plaques to seven people for their devotion and volunteer service to Catholic Social Services at a reception March 21.

The reception, which was held at the archbishop's residence, was intended to thank 400 volunteers who regularly donate their expertise and time to CSS, and to recognize several individuals for outstanding leadership.

The Daphne Madol Award was presented to Sharon McKee for outstanding service to the Crisis Pregnancy and Adoption Service programs of CSS. McKee, a member of St. Pius X Church in Conyers, began her volunteer work as a counselor on the Crisis Pregnancy hotline in 1995. Her volunteer work has expanded to include administrative help in the office, public speaking and transporting infants awaiting adoption to foster care.

"She's an enthusiastic and committed volunteer who shows genuine care and concern for our clients," said Ellen Hill, administrator of volunteers. The award is named in memory of a founding volunteer in the program who inspired others with her courage and dedication.

Other CSS units presented Heart of Gold Awards to their outstanding volunteers.

Jo Ann Sadowski, a parishioner at Transfiguration Church, Marietta, received the award from Counseling Services/Project Aware for outstanding dedication to the goal of preventing child abuse and aiding survivors in their healing. Sadowski has volunteered for the past two years and currently is the volunteer coordinator for Project Aware.

"She uses her own initiative to compose forms and write to organizations which may be good resources to Project Aware," said Merrine McDonald, program director. "She tries to anticipate what we will need. She sends articles to me and others that she thinks may be helpful to Project Aware. She orders handouts without expecting reimbursements. She has done everything from stuffing envelopes and making blue ribbons to giving presentations to youth groups. She seems to always be tuned into publications, videos or events which help to educate and heighten awareness of child abuse."

Community Connections presented its award to Sister Mary Joel, 77, who has lived a life of service to others as an Episcopal nun and later as an Orthodox nun. She was among the unit's first volunteers to assist people who because of age or illness are homebound. Over the years she has extended herself to residents of Park Trace in Decatur in need of companionship. She has also helped others prepare meals and been a comfort to many by phone.

Patty McDonald, a volunteer for Immigration Services since 1988 and an occasional employee, received the Heart of Gold Award for her dedicated efforts.

Director Sue Colussy said McDonald does filing, fingerprinting and works with naturalization and family unity cases. "She is unfailingly pleasant and helpful and cheers us up always," Colussy said.

Mary Primel, a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cumming, has volunteered since 1983 at Rural Social Services center, The Place, helping clients fill out their income tax returns. After taking a course offered by the IRS on taxes, she was asked to help a particular family struggling to survive on produce grown in their garden. With her help on their taxes they were able to get enough money back to buy some meat for their table and Primel was "hooked" from then on.

Director Dolores Mitchell said Primel, who received Rural Social Services award, volunteers every Saturday from February to April and at other times throughout the year, helping those with language barriers or other difficulties fill out their tax forms. She continues to take IRS courses to be up-to-date and has brought other trained income tax assistants to help.

Yolanda Berrios, a parishioner of St. Ann's Church, Marietta, received the award from Multicultural Services for outstanding work at the Cobb Multicultural Center. Berrios, who has a strong educational background, assists the coordinator of the center with parents and children regarding education issues. She also helps with bilingual communication between clients and mainstream services as well as playing a key role in the solicitation of community donations.

Director Tam Van Bui said over the past three years Berrios has provided CSS clients with interpretation and translation at local hospitals, doctors' offices, courthouses, police departments and schools.

CSS-Athens presented its award to Rolando Figueroa who has served as a volunteer and a member of the advisory board since 1991. He provides one-on-one interaction with Hispanic clients as well as transportation and interpretation for clients with medical appointments, legal services, social services and education-related services. He has been instrumental in fundraising efforts and translating the newsletter to Spanish.

The names of the winners have been engraved on a plaque which is displayed in the Volunteer Hall of Fame located outside the executive offices of CSS.