2010 AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Winner an Example to All

Written by: Elyse Walter, Michigan Community Service Commission

*Please Note* Postings this week are brand new to celebrate the 2010 Disability/Inclusion Week.

Dwight Owens has always been a happy person. And despite a life-altering accident that threatened to take his life – Dwight is still a happy person today.

Five years ago, Dwight was hit by a drunk driver in Collins, Mississippi. As a result, he is permanently paralyzed. Through diligent hard work and months of rehabilitation, he gained back basic functions and independence – and began serving others.

It started with extensive outreach campaign (Before You Drink, Think Like Owens) to express to individuals the dangers of drinking and driving, which catapulted into assisting others with disabilities. Dwight even developed a “Men with Disabilities” support group that encourages independence and leadership. Through his various volunteer efforts he was introduced to AmeriCorps, and instantly wanted to serve!

Dwight just finished a term of service with the LIFE of Mississippi Project LINC (Linking Individuals to Neighborhoods and Communities) in August. Project LINC aims to assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to relocate from an institutional setting back into the community or to insure independence in the community is maintained – something Dwight has had first-hand experience with.

As part of his AmeriCorps service, Dwight provided peer support to more than 1,200 individuals with disabilities, completed 48 ADA site surveys to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and provided more than 300 life skills training sessions to increase independence for Mississippians with disabilities.

Dwight’s efforts made quite an impact – throughout the state of Mississippi and the country. In June he was honored with the 2010 National AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Award, an annual recognition that highlights those who have performed exemplary service in their communities. Dwight was chosen from 325 nominees and received his award at the Corporation for National and Community Service’s 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service.

“The thing [service] that I do…I don’t do it for the publicity,” explained Dwight. “But getting that award in front of thousands of people, it kindof validates what you’re doing. That you’re doing the right thing.”

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Dwight’s efforts allowed many Mississippians with disabilities the chance to be active, productive members of their communities. He believes the same can be said by serving with AmeriCorps.

“AmeriCorps is a great program for people with disabilities,” he said. “It connects you to the different resources that are out there, makes you feel good about yourself, and builds your character. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t contribute!”

Dwight is an illustration of how an individual with a disability who joins national service can impact others and himself. Consider becoming an inclusive national service program. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc.