Audie Weatherford, who has contributed more than 200 volunteer hours to Youth Bridge since October was named a co-winner of Volunteer of the Year for 2007 by the United Way Foundation of Northwest Arkansas. Donna Hamilton, Director for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas said, “we are proud to announce this year’s winners for 2007 award for Volunteer of the Year; Audie Weatherford of Youth Bridge and Linda Morgan of the Red Cross. This year was one of the most difficult years to choose a winner because of double the amount of nominations. The winners show exemplary service and interest in community and volunteerism and put their efforts where their words are. They contributed huge numbers of hours based on the huge need of volunteers in the community. The United Way is proud of all the nominees and without them we could not exist.”

“Out of all the awards I’ve won this one means the most because it recognizes all the hard work I’ve done for Youth Bridge. My kids in the program are some of the ones who nominated me and that really touches my heart. I do volunteer work because it’s important to me, not to get awards…but the recognition is nice”, Weatherford said.

In the past five months, Weatherford has secured many donations, including personal hygiene products for more than 40 clients, jackets for teenagers, baby wipes and supplies for clients with children and two new tires for a young woman in Youth Bridge’s Transitional Living Program. She has played an integral part in allowing Youth Bridge to participate in the United Way’s “Day of Caring” through the organization of volunteer projects and supplies.

Not only has she secured donations from businesses all over Northwest Arkansas, but has also helped seven Youth Bridge clients enroll at Northwest Arkansas Community College. This was a huge accomplishment for Weatherford, who pulled records, diplomas and credits together for seven teens from across the country. She also secured a donation of eight Dell computers for the students to help with schoolwork and arranged for free tutoring at the college. Weatherford has helped with donations, in-kind contributions, taxes and FASFA acquisition (Federal financial aid).

Weatherford’s direct work with Youth Bridge clients has become indispensable. Scott Linebaugh, Executive Director of Youth Bridge said, “needless to say, Audie is a wonderful person, student and volunteer. We are proud and very privileged to have her at Youth Bridge.”

Weatherford, of Sulphur Springs, donates her time to Youth Bridge while a full-time student at the University of Arkansas majoring in social work. She is married to Gerry Weatherford and is the mother of three boys; Joshua, 23, a Marine stationed in Japan, Nick 21, and Alex, 15, a sophomore at Gravette High School.

Weatherford graduated from NWACC in May 2007 with two Associates Degrees in Arts and Science. She was the Distinguished Graduate of her class and spoke at graduation. She earned a scholarship as one of the Top 20 All-USA Academic Team chosen by USA Today and Phi Beta Kappa out of 1,600 applications from across the country. She was also named the New Century Scholar among all two-year college students in Arkansas.

The mission of Youth Bridge, Inc. is to help at-risk youth and their families build brighter futures by providing supportive and empowering services. Youth Bridge has been providing services for the youth and their families of Northwest Arkansas for more than 44 years.

For more information about Youth Bridge, Inc. or to speak with Audie Weatherford, please call Holland Hayden Jensen at (479) 575-9471.