Members of a nonprofit organization cherish an award they received to recognize their service.
Project Unity aims to strengthen families by providing family counseling, parenting support and crisis intervention in Bryan and College Station. It also helps provide housing and medical care to people with HIV.
In 2001, the group received a Daily Point of Light Award in 2001.
President H.W. Bush created the award in 1990 to honor those who make a difference in the community. Points of Light reinstated the award in 1998 to honor those who are creating change in their community.
"He was humble. He was engaging. He seemed to be interested in the work we were doing. It was one of the highlights of my life, of my career," Project Unity Director of Programs Ella McGruder said.
To date, more than 6,000 awards have been given to people, including Project Unity, which has been serving Brazos County for 18 years.
"Once you have been given an honor of that kind of magnitude, you make sure you exemplify that in your work. It was a one-time event. For us it was a lifetime event," Project Unity President Jeannie McGuire said.
She added the recognition is a reminder of their commitment to the community.
"The work we do in the front lines and how we strengthen families. How we continue to wrap around them to make them strong, it’s his legacy," McGuire said.
She said it's also important to model Bush's legacy because of the organization's proximity to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
The library will be closed for three days. It will reopen on Friday with extended hours. Fees will be waived through Saturday.
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