Mattoon Resident Carlos Ortega Honored for His Volunteer Work for “Mattoon in Motion”

April 5, 2019

Congratulations to Carlos Ortega for being selected foe the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for 2019! Mr. Ortega is a resident of Mattoon. I was proud to present Mr. Ortega with a certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives in recognition of this honor for his volunteer work.

After serving in the Peace Corps for four years, one year in Kenya and three years in Namibia, Carlos Ortega is currently a Peace Corps Fellow at Western Illinois University, pursuing a Masters in Public Administration/Public Policy. He is serving as a full-time AmeriCorps member in the city of Mattoon, Illinois, working on community and economic development with the organization Mattoon in Motion.

Mr. Ortega is presently helping with the development of a Business Innovation Center that will serve as a hub in the region to provide vital resources for startups and new businesses. He continues to serve people wherever he is while striving to do the most with the resources available in the area.

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presents the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. These awards recognize in​dividual volunteers through a statewide award program to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois.

The following awards categories are offered:

  • Adult (19-54 years old)
  • AmeriCorps Member (member of an Illinois AmeriCorps national service program)
  • Business (a for-profit company)
  • Senior (55 years old plus)
  • Senior Corps Members (55 years old plus that are members of the national service programs Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Senior Companion Program (SCP))
  • Youth (18 years old or younger)

Each of the project categories has a winner selected in each of the Commission’s five service regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central and Southern Illinois). Thus, there are a total of 30 awards possible throughout the state!

A panel of judges from across the state, comprised of Governor-appointed Commissioners, select the award recipients. For more information abut the next award process in 2020, you may call 800-592-9896.