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Roberta Franco named 2012 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
Roberta Franco, director of The Salvation Army’s Mesquite, Nev., social services office, was named 2012 Mesquite Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a city council meeting in February.
“I couldn’t be happier with this choice,” said Mayor Mark Wier, as he made the announcement.
Franco has directed the office there for two years and is well known around town for her work with people from all walks of life.
“Since taking over the leadership of The Salvation Army in Mesquite, Roberta Franco has turned the charitable organization into the preeminent provider of services and assistance to those less fortunate in the Virgin Valley,” Wier said. With the support of the Board of Directors, she implemented the unit’s move to a vacant storefront in the Brickyard, significantly reducing operating expenses.
“She efficiently utilizes every available resource to extend a hand up, rather than a hand out, to those in need, empowering and educating parents and the community,” he said. “She supplements meager grants with donation programs such as the annual kettle drive, assistance from groups such as Living Waters Fellowship and the Exchange Club, and discounts from local merchants like Walmart. All local donations are kept within the community for the community.”
In an interview with the Mesquite Citizen Journal, Franco said that she is proud of the individuals and families that she has helped. Many of them have gone on to pay it forward, helping others in need of assistance.
Keeping in mind the motto of “a hand up, not a hand out,” Franco said she teaches clients how to become more self-sufficient: “We are helping these families find different solutions to their problems and to improve their lives.”
From Mesquite Citizen Journal
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