From Shelter to Stability
Charles Fitzgerald receives Robert E. Wone Award
October 7 ,2010
He energetically walks around sporting a smile and is constantly about the business of caring for others. That is Charles Fitzgerald, who recently won the distinguished Robert E. Wone Award through AmeriCorps. One of the criteria to receive the award is that the candidate must exemplify dedication and leadership within their AmeriCorps program. Apparently Fitzgerald showed just that and more.
The 54 year old, who has been an AmeriCorps member for three years, said he was not sure why he received the award, other than the fact someone noticed all the work he was doing to help people. Fitzgerald runs a transitional rental home in Richmond’s Highland Park area. He said he came to be affiliated with CARITAS through working for Embrace Richmond, a faith based nonprofit organization. Fitzgerald said he is an emergency contact for people in crisis. “Wendy McCaig, founder of Embrace, gave me the resources I needed to help me overcome barriers in the community and now I help others do the same.” Fitzgerald added, “What this award means to me is that I am actually doing something right. I always thought of myself as a failure. It tells me I have a vision and I am on the right path,”