2016 Spirit of America nominee: Kay Azuma

Editor's note: Kay Azuma was nominated twice, once by Family Transition Team and another by Love Inc. Below are both nominations:

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Family Transition Team/Jim Watkins

NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Cape County System of Care, Domestic Violence Community Response Task Force, ECHO Community Liaison Council, EPIC Coalition, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce/Non-Profit Alliance, Missouri's Children Division-Family Support Teams & Continuous Quality Improvement, Teen Pregnancy Responsibility Network, United Way's Collective Impact Committee and Community Impact Committee and St. Vincent Church.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?

Mrs. Kay Azuma exemplifies the Spirit of America through the way she lives -- putting the needs of the communities and individuals before her own. Kay is always working to better the lives of others through the 12 community agencies, organizations and committees she sits on. Kay participates in the activities of these committees beyond her job responsibilities and time commitments. For the Family Transition Team, Kay is a leader in the "Donate -- Don't Dump" fundraising activity with Southeast Missouri State University students, staff and faculty. These funds provide another avenue to assist community members who are referred to the Team. Kay demonstrates professionalism with a caring attitude to and for her clients, associates and community members. Kay also volunteers at her church, St. Vincent. In the past she also has been a den leader for the Boy Scouts. Mrs. Azuma is a person everyone wants to associate with because she is dependable, trustworthy, organized, thorough and considerate, all traits needed by Spirit of America winners.

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Love In the Name of Christ/Breita Church

NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Community Caring Council

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?

Kay Azuma has been employed by Community Caring Council since 2002. Her title of community coordinator covers a great deal of responsibility. There are several committees she oversees. From housing needs in the county to the homeless and the re-entry needs of those that have been incarcerated, Kay is a wealth of knowledge on local resources for anyone in need. She recently coordinated the 27th annual Community Caring Council Conference, "A Home for Everyone," bringing the keynote speaker from Washington, D.C. She was working on the final touches of the conference the afternoon after having cataract surgery that morning. Nothing slows her down. Oh, one more thing, she always has a smile.