SIMI VALLEY : Free Clinic Honors Chamber Official
A Simi Valley nonprofit group has honored Chamber of Commerce head Nancy Bender for helping link civic leaders with social service agencies.
The Simi Valley Free Clinic, which provides medical, legal and counseling aid to needy residents, presented Bender with its second annual Spirit Award in a ceremony last weekend.
Bender, a former city councilwoman who has served as executive director of the chamber for 12 years, was chosen for the award because of a leadership training program she runs at the chamber, said Fred Bauermeister, executive director of the clinic.
The leadership program, which is open to the public, introduces trainees to various aspects of community life, including city government, the media and health services. The group meets once a month.
Bauermeister said one of last year’s trainees, a local physician, was so impressed by the clinic that he joined the board.
“Nancy has really put together a great program,” Bauermeister said. “It’s been invaluable in giving the clinic the positive exposure it needs.”
At the awards ceremony, Bender received a plaque and a $500 contribution to the leadership program.
“To be honored in this way is an absolute delight,” Bender said. “It is something I will treasure all my life.”
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