Volunteers recognized at Stephen’s Awards Banquet

It has been scientifically proven that music heals. It relieves the body from pain and suffering, stimulates the mind to alleviate depression and releases emotions to cleanse the soul. Music integrates and encourages social inclusion. Add a hot bowl of soup and fresh made sandwich and thanks to two of Stephenville’s Outstanding Volunteers you have a successful monthly Community Café.

Lloyd Swyers and Francie Downey, collectively known as Flashpoint, define the true meaning of volunteerism. Giving freely of their time and talent, these two gentlemen continuously uplift the spirits of the Southwestern Housing Stability Initiative’s monthly Community Cafés.

Lending their musical talents month after month, since 2012, Flashpoint has earned a place in the close-knit community group entertaining the patrons through their love of music and song without ever requesting anything in return. In addition to taking musical requests, Lloyd and Francie love to engage the crowd with toe-tapping oldies, guitar strumming sessions with small children and providing musical and lyrical backup to young, upcoming singers and musicians.

In 2015, Francie was challenged with a cancer diagnosis but, without fail, through chemo treatments and physical exhaustion, both Francie and Lloyd continued to provide and receive strength and love from their Community Café family on the second Thursday of each month.  It was with great joy and relief when Francie shared the news; today he is cancer-free.

On Sunday, April 25, 2016 both Lloyd and Francie were honored with a Stephen Award and recognized for their outstanding volunteer work with HSI’s Community Cafe.

Lloyd and Francie were joined by 23 others in this humbling recognition. Among them was Faith Young, nominated by the Community Youth Network for her overwhelming positive attitude and dedication to her school and community. In addition to the Outstanding Volunteer nominees, several others were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Congratulations to Christine O’Brien-Citizen of the Year; Radhika Verma-Youth of the Year; Olivia Henley-Junior Female Athlete of the Year; Ryan McNeil Lamswood-Junior Male Athlete of the Year and Josh Harper-Senior Athlete of the Year.