Lemont's SuperVolunteer Honored with Citizen of the Year Award

With the passing of her father in December of 2005, Terri O’Neill-Borders felt a void in her life—holidays, family and her mom would never be the same. While driving through Lemont during the holiday season, she wondered if anyone else was experiencing these same feelings and how they were affected during the holidays. These heartfelt thoughts and concerns consequently led to the commencement of the Hope & Friendship Foundation, a non-for-profit organization in Lemont, Illinois.

“I wanted my dad’s legacy to live on through love, community togetherness and generosity; this is why Hope & Friendship was founded. Through community generosity we are able to provide assistance to families that are financially struggling, or in need of clothing, food and other basic needs,” said Terri O’Neill-Borders. “Working with local religious organizations helps us to reach out to families within Lemont and surrounding areas. It’s an organization that gives year round.”

Terri O’Neill-Borders’ generosity has not gone unnoticed. Federal Signal, Safety and Security Division, University Park Illinois, proudly recognizes’ O’Neill-Border as a recipient of the Federal Signal Citizen Award.

“With the holiday season coming up, Terri reminders us how a person can make a difference in their community and bring them together as a family,” said Matthew Brady, Vice President of the Integrated Systems Division of Federal Signal. “It is with great pleasure to award her with the Federal Signal Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding community service and dedication; and the difference she has made in so many lives.”

Since 1901, Federal Signal has innovatively led the evolution of safety and security systems and has worked with thousands of communities and their public safety officials to ensure the importance of keeping a community safeguarded. The Citizen Award is a recognition program Federal Signal has developed in order to acknowledge outstanding individuals like Terri that make a significant contribution and positive impact on their community.

“I am honored to have been selected for the Federal Signal Citizen Award,” stated O’Neill-Borders. “There is such a small degree of separation between each of us. Reach out and bridge the gap, don’t be separated from those you love and make a difference within your community.”

Matthew Brady, Vice President of the Integrated Systems Division of Federal Signal, Safety and Security Division, presented Terri O’Neill-Borders with the Federal Signal Citizen Award at the Lemont Village Board Meeting, Monday, November 23.

For more information or to be a part of the Hope & Friendship Foundation, visit http://www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com.