Phelps County resident Joanne Dill was awarded the 2026 AmeriCorps Seniors Award during the Phelps County Senior Companions’ participation in the AmeriCorps Seniors Nationwide Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The nationwide celebration highlighted AmeriCorps Volunteers who support children, older adults, families and local organizations through service.

The award that Dill received recognizes an AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer whose service has made a meaningful difference in the community. Honorees are selected for the award for their dedication, leadership and commitment to strengthening the community.

AmeriCorps is a federal network of volunteer programs for Americans aged 55 and older. Volunteers lend a hand in a variety of areas, including academic tutoring and mentoring, elder care, disaster relief, and even foster grandparenting. Across the country, the organization serves approximately 80,000 individuals.

“It is an honor to have Joanne from our program selected for this award; she is a wonderful example that age has no limit,” said Peter Cook, an AmeriCorps Seniors coordinator, adding that “at 83, Joanne Dill exemplifies volunteerism, compassion and civic engagement.”

Dill is one of more than 185,000 volunteers serving their community through AmeriCorps in intensive service roles. Dill has served with the Senior Companion Program for 28 years, working with homebound seniors and vulnerable community members in Phelps County. She has contributed more than 30,000 hours of community service with the program.

Dill has helped provide transportation for seniors who need to access medical appointments, daily necessities and social connections, a service that Cook said helps preserve the independence and dignity for older adults. Dill’s compassion, respect care, companionship and emotional support helped improve the lives of homebound seniors and vulnerable community members.