Horizon Award recipient serves homeless, mentors young people

Feb. 26, 2007 (Columbus) - Community activist and OCSEA member Lavernia "Mae" Romine received the union's Horizon Award presented annually for outstanding community service.

Photo Caption: Mae Romine accepts the Horizon Award presented by OCSEA President Ronald Alexander (left) and Annie Persons, OCSEA Board of Directors.

Although retired from state service, Mae has remained active in both her local union, Reynoldsburg Chapter 4550, and in her community. She has been a long time volunteer with Columbus Inner City Ministries, a program located on the west side of Columbus that focuses on aid and support for the homeless.

Rev. Mela Bowman, executive director of the ministry had this to say:

"Mae is an encourager— to the elderly, the homeless, the down-and-outers, and to society's unlovable. I've watched as she has counseled singe moms struggling to hold a baby while tow or three toddlers pulled at their skirts for attention. She remains an example of love to the alcoholic, the drug addict and the prostitute—even when her patience is tried. She is a mentor to young parents, teenagers and children. Her tender heart reaches out to each of them as they come to get a pair of jeans or a warm coat. When they don't have a ride home, she bundles them into her car and makes sure they get home safely."

As part of the award, OCSEA gave a $500 donation to the Columbus Inner City Ministries program.

Mae was nominated by Georgia M. Amison, another active retiree and member of her chapter's executive board and was accompanied at the award ceremony by Amison and Bill Thompson, another member of her union chapter.

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OCSEA Horizon Award