Shirley Sisk: Newark's Local Hero

For decades, Shirley Sisk has brought love and service to Newark.

Since 1989, Sisk has been the executive director of the Tri-Cities League of Volunteers (LOV) – a non-profit organization based out of Newark that serves Tri-City residents through a variety of programs.

And her 22 years of service has not gone unwarranted. Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski will be honoring her at his 20th Assembly District and Awards Ceremony that will be held Thursday.

Sisk will be recognized as this year’s Newark Local Hero.

The award is something that is humbling for the 78-year-old.

“It was a surprise and it’s an honor,” Sisk said. “And it’s good for LOV – to be recognized for it.”

Sisk has not always been a woman dedicated to non-profits. She once was the purchasing manager for Alpha Photo Products before she took on the executive director position.

Her success and the success of LOV, she says, is a credit to the entire community.

“It’s been great. Running a non-profit is like running a business. It’s just that there’s not a product you can sell,” Sisk said. “We’re highly dependent on the community. We’ve never received any government money. We’ve been supported by the community.”

And the community is the reason why she has stayed on with LOV.

“It’s the people who live here and Fremont and the surrounding community. People are just so supportive of us. We wouldn’t exist without them,” Sisk said.

Under her direction, LOV has expanded its offerings to the community. They host recreation programs for children in the summer, charity dinners and drives during the holidays and even offer free musical concerts to residents throughout the year.

Sisk said the dedication of the volunteers with LOV has impressed her throughout the years.

“[They’re] very giving, not only of money but with their time,” Sisk said.

In 2010, community members volunteered 25,748 hours of their time with LOV.

The  20th Assembly District and Awards Ceremony will be held at James Logan High School in Union City from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for more information.

For more information about LOV, visit www.lov.org.