Mary Hopkins began counseling at-risk boys and girls in 1982. Now, twenty-five years later, she's being recognized as a local hero as part of Bank of America's "Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Awards."

"Hopkins, a New Jersey native, became a local volunteer in 1982 at the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento, an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. After three or four years there, she joined the Foster Grandparent Program sponsored by Sacramento County's Department of Human Assistance. In this capacity, she began counseling boys and girls at juvenile hall."

Hopkins is now volunteering at the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, a juvenile center for boys and girls who have committed crimes. Though she's a bit embarrassed to be recognized for her work, her boss believes it's deserved. "She has withstood the test of time," he said.

Labels: abuse, counseling, support