Few volunteers exemplify such an extraordinary spirit of service as Senior Companion Jose Hernandez. He is a true leader in the program, as well as an indispensable bridge to our local Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui communities. Hernandez started with host agency, Our Family Services, in 2009 as a VISTA volunteer with the Senior Companion program. He helped establish our first Senior Companions station in Sells on the Tohono O'odham Nation and was also tasked with making the necessary contacts to build a new Pascua Yaqui station. Persistence in recruiting paid off, as he established a roster of 10 volunteers and opened a station there in 2009. This vibrant station now has 12 volunteers. When his VISTA project came to an end, Hernandez decided to stay on as a Senior Companion, and has since risen as a leader in the group. He helps train new Senior Companions and continues to open doors between the greater Tucson area and the surrounding Native American Nations. Mr. Hernandez even brought in a $20,000 grant to the Senior Companion program from the Pascua Yaqui tribe! Jose also continues to serve as a Senior Companion 30 hours a week. At Pascua Yaqui he was assigned to a man who had become bored with life. Together they decided to build a garden at the Senior Center. While they constructed the garden area, other men looked on with interest. A few days later, there was a large group of men helping build the garden, and the project was completed quickly. This garden keeps on giving -- as it provides free produce for the elders at the Senior Center, and remains a source of pride for his client. Jose also serves at an apartment complex for seniors and particularly assists clients with physical therapy. One of his clients, who was wheelchair bound, is now walking several steps on her own. She is delighted with her accomplishment, and owes her gain to the dedicated and patient assistance from Jose. Mr. Hernandez's efforts have made the Tucson Senior Companion program inclusive and representative of area. Mr. Hernandez received the Volunteer of the Year award from Our Family Services in 2011 for his ability to bridge Native American Nations with greater Tucson, and for his leadership in the Senior Companion program. Given that half the land mass of Tucson are tribal areas, Jose's ability to bridge the cultures is unique and invaluable. Mr. Hernandez deserves to win the Service Impact award for his success in establishing stations on the Native American Nations in Tucson, for bridging communities, and for his patient assistance in helping his Senior Companion clients remain independent and in their own homes.