Local volunteers honored for service

North Las Vegas resident Laramie Roberts knows how her clients in HELP of Southern Nevada's displaced homemaker program feel. When Roberts' first husband left, she was a single mother with three children and few options to support herself.

Now she spends her days teaching participants in the program how to get back on their feet and provide for themselves. Giving time at work isn't enough for Roberts, so she also volunteers free time to organizations throughout the valley.

"I just firmly believe that if everyone pitched in and did a little, no one would have to do a lot," she said. "Our community doesn't have to have so many needs if everyone just reached out in some little way."

Roberts never seeks recognition, but she is still thrilled to have been named a winner in the "100 Who Serve" national contest sponsored by Bridgestone/Firestone. The contest, held in honor of Firestone's 100th anniversary, identified 100 unsung heros across the country. A $2,000 donation was given to the organization each award winner works or volunteers for.

Robert's award went to HELP of Southern Nevada. The second Nevada award was given to Opportunity Village on behalf of longtime volunteer Winnie Winters.

Roberts knows she doesn't have to be a superwoman to make a difference.

"It doesn't take a lot to help people who are facing barriers. It mostly just takes your time and your attention. It doesn't take a lot of money or items. Volunteer time with people means the most to them."

Co-worker E. Dee Grace, a job developer for the displaced homemaker program, wrote the essay to nominate Roberts for the "100 Who Serve" award.

"I've never worked with anyone who is so consistently caring and giving. I'm so happy she won." Grace said.

HELP director Deni Conrad was also excited to hear Roberts won the award from Firestone.

"It's fabulous. All of my staff, specifically Laramie, works for very little money and very little recognition. For a corporation to recognize the difference they make in the world is gratifying and gives me pride in the work they do."

Inside her displaced homemaker's classes, Roberts explores serious issues using humor and silly props like stuffed animals and a huge stone-age club to keep the audience's attention.

"If you don't have enough guts to say I'm worth it, you won't get the job," she councils her listeners. She tries to remind them that jobs aren't always given to the most qualified applicant.

"A job interview is just like an audition. Whoever auditions best gets the part."

Roberts said so far this year, the program has placed 373 people in jobs.

"Our goal was only 175 and we still have four more months to go."

Women aren't the only ones to benefit from the displaced homemaker program. Roberts still gets calls from a recovering alcoholic man who was living in a tree in Sunset park. Now he's been sober for six months and has a steady banking job and his own apartment.

Roberts knows she isn't alone serving Southern Nevada.

"There are a lot of good people in this community. Sometimes you just have to get involved to find them. Some of them are unsung heros you just don't hear about."