Governor recognizes Filer volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]

A volunteer from Filer was honored for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, April 30.

Serve Idaho, the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Drew Olsen with the Idaho's Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.

Olsen was nominated by the Filer Senior Haven for his dedicated work supporting their mission to create a warm and welcoming community where older adults can gather, connect and thrive.

Olsen has served one year on the center's board of directors and provides 10-15 hours a week ensuring the center is operating efficiently to meet the needs of the seniors who gather there.

"Drew has helped so many of our seniors with issues they may have - computer upgrades, lawn problems, anything that needs done. He never charges anyone, and he does house calls," said Cheryl Carr, site director of Filer Senior Haven. "Drew is always ready to help - to set up tables for a party, to decorate a float for a parade, to clean up after an event. We are so blessed to have him as part of our senior center."

In addition to the senior center, Olsen also serves at the American Legion of Filer and the Filer Public Library.

Idaho's Brightest Star Award recognizes outstanding volunteers from across the state. It is a partnership between Gov. Little's office, Serve Idaho and the Idaho Community Foundation.

More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is available at serve.idaho.gov.

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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho's AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor. In 2024, AmeriCorps committed more than $7.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $2.1 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.

Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded through local support.