The City of Pendleton has recognized Julie Taylor during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, for the work she does in the local community.
Taylor is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and the director of CTUIR’s Department of Children and Family Services.
The City noted in a letter that Taylor served 27 hours coaching youth basketball in 2019.
“You played a vital role in serving the City of Pendleton and its citizens by working together with our staff to enhance, expand and deliver quality programs and services,” the letter states.
Team parents Rieanna Lyda says she is grateful that Taylor coached her daughter Kaitlyn.
“Coach Taylor is a great coach and has so many great skills to teach the kids. She has great patience and makes practice and games fun,” she said in an email.
Taylor has volunteered as a Pendleton Youth Basketball (PYB) coach for several years. She also coaches during the Basketball Against Alcohol and Drugs (BAAD) tournament on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and during various other events.
“I’ve coached since my children were in PYB. I took a break and am now coaching my grandchildren,” she said.
The letter goes on to state: “The City of Pendleton has 500+ citizens signed up to serve in our various departments.
“Volunteers do everything from shelving books at the library, keeping our parks clean, providing recreation activities…We are overwhelmed with gratitude to see the impact volunteers like you make in our city. In 2019, 120 City of Pendleton volunteers and 19 volunteer groups logged over 4,345 hours of service. What an incredible, generous and selfless group of people. We are proud to call you our volunteers.”
