May 8, 2007

Junior League salutes volunteers

Campbell’s Louisa Perez honored for work with mentally ill

Maribeth Portz, left, the president of the Junior League and NBC11 anchor Allen Denton congratulate Campbell volunteer Louisa Perez on her work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara County.

The Junior League of San Jose hosted its 38th annual Volunteer Recognition luncheon saluting more than 80 volunteers that “actually take Action in our community on behalf of thousands of local residents.”

Of those 80-plus volunteers, the Junior League used a panel of community leaders to single out 16 people who have used their time to volunteer their talents and energy to their community. They join more than 6,000 people honored since 1972.

This year, Campbell’s Louisa Perez was honored as one of the 16 volunteers. Under her leadership, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara County developed a program offering Spanish language support groups and family classes to educate people about the latest medical care and how to advocate on behalf of family members.

Perez also coordinated a special Spanish day at the past two NAMI CA conferences with well-known speakers along with coordinating scholarships so all interested clients could attend. She also has taken 12 bus trips to Santa Cruz, and gotten rides to Watsonville from other volunteers in order to teach a multi-session course to families in that area.

—Photos by Carol Rosen