Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is celebrating 10 years of VISIONS on December 1, 2020, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The Visions Awards honors those who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve. These men and women are thoughtful, passionate, tenacious and creative in seeking out solutions to problems that affect change. They inspire others with their conviction and drive, give a voice to those without, and act with the highest integrity to provide Oklahomans with resources otherwise not available. Visions recognizes these great men and women as passionate champions of service to Oklahoma.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the event, we will spotlight each of the honorees.

Lori Blumenthal, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), is being honored with the Shirley Shanker Volunteer Award. Volunteers are the life-blood of nonprofits, rolling up their sleeves day after day to provide that important set of helping hands. Named after an Oklahoma legend of volunteering, the late Shirley Shanker, this award honors the ongoing work of a champion volunteer in the nonprofit sector. This year is the first year an honoree will receive the Shirley Shanker Volunteer Award.

Lori has been a CASA Advocate since 2003. During this time, she has served on the board and as board president. She has also been named National CASA Association Board Member of the Year. Even during her time on the board, Lori has maintained at least two cases.

CASA for Children of Oklahoma City trains adults to “advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect,” according to their website. “CASA volunteers get to know their children and communicate with all parties in the case and people in the child’s life in order to provide complete information and sound recommendations to the court.”

In addition to her service at CASA, Lori has served as President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, Council Member for Family and Children Council, President for Citizens for Children and Families, and Treasure for Junior League of Oklahoma City.

For more information about Visions 2020, visit: https://oklahomacenterfornonprofits.site-ym.com/page/Visions