ServeNebraska

Celebrating the past Step Forward Award winner for Senior Volunteer, Bonnie McPhillips of Columbus.

Bonnie’s dedication to the Columbus community is reflected through her service on numerous boards and organizations, where she leads with compassion, humility, and action. Beyond attending meetings, she consistently carries out the work required to advance projects and missions — always with thoughtfulness, empathy, and the spirit of a true servant leader.

Her commitment continues to make a lasting impact across her community.

Nominate someone making a difference today at serve.nebraska.gov

Celebrating the past Step Forward Award winner for Lifetime Achievement, Bill Garvey of South Sioux City.

For more than 35 years, Bill has dedicated himself to serving his community through countless volunteer efforts — from Christmas Holiday Meal Baskets and Optimist International youth projects to booster fundraising events, Tyson food distribution, and the refurbishing and reopening of the South Sioux City Senior Center.

His decades of leadership, generosity, and commitment to helping others have made a lasting impact across the entire community.

Nominate someone making a difference today at serve.nebraska.gov

Celebrating the past Step Forward Award winner for Mentorship, Albert Sparks of Lincoln.

After retiring from his career as a bookbinder, Albert began his mentoring journey at age 64 and has now dedicated 13 years to supporting young people through the TeamMates Mentoring Program. Through weekly meetings, patience, and unwavering commitment, he has mentored five young men while also sharing his lifelong experience using American Sign Language.

Albert’s leadership and compassion continue to build confidence, connection, and opportunity for the next generation.

Nominate someone making a difference today at serve.nebraska.gov

SAVE THE DATE:
Aging Safely in Nebraska
Resource Fair | June 12, 2026

Celebrating the past Step Forward Award winner for Adult Volunteer of the Year, Julie Lagemann of Omaha.

As a dedicated volunteer with Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy for 13 years, Julie has helped lead therapeutic horse activities and specialty programming supporting Life Skills groups, Veterans & First Responders, and Caregiver Connection events.

Her leadership, compassion, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on participants, fellow volunteers, and the community.

Nominate someone making a difference today at serve.nebraska.gov

Celebrating past Step Forward Award winners for Volunteer Group of the Year, the Stamford Newsletter & Community Engagement Volunteers. For nearly six decades, this dedicated team has kept the community informed, connected, and engaged through the power of local storytelling and service. Their commitment continues to strengthen community pride, preserve shared heritage, and bring neighbors together across generations.

Nominate someone making a difference today at serve.nebraska.gov

The Step Forward Awards celebrate Nebraskans who are making a lasting impact through volunteerism, service, and community leadership. Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight different award categories and recognize individuals and groups whose dedication strengthens communities across the state. Nominations are open through June 1.

National Service: Bob and Helen Arnold — Crawford, NE
AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

In 2023, Bob and Helen Arnold were recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts through the RSVP program. From collecting food donations and stocking shelves at the Crawford Food Pantry to supporting blood drives, diaper distributions, literacy campaigns, disaster preparedness efforts, United Way events, and more, their service touched countless lives.

Bob and Helen turned retirement into a true commitment to serving others, enriching and strengthening their community every step of the way.

Nominate someone making a difference at Serve.Nebraska.gov.

Learning, serving, and growing together 🌱💙

Partnership 4 Kids students explored ways to create positive change in their community through hands-on service and teamwork. From poster-making to plant science and animal care, these projects gave students the chance to learn by doing while discovering the power of working together.

Their biggest takeaway? Community service not only helps get things done — it brings people together through shared purpose, teamwork, and the feeling that every member is valued. 🌟

Hard work, fresh paint, and community pride in action 💚

Bruning-Davenport 8th-grade students rolled up their sleeves for a city park revitalization project through their Youth Service Grant, repairing and repainting picnic tables and benches in Davenport’s park right next to their school. Their efforts are helping create a cleaner, more welcoming public space that encourages community connection and pride.

Along the way, these students discovered something powerful: giving back can be both meaningful and fun. 🌳🛠️