2024 Winners

International and Region 2 Recognition

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

"My First Library" Campaign

In March 2023, a transformative collaboration unfolded as the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) partnered with the “Original Six Foundation,” a non-profit 501(c)3 organization focused on improving literacy in young children in rural and underserved regions of the state. This unique partnership focused on SCDMV’s support of the organization’s "My First Library" campaign. This initiative sought to ignite curiosity by placing grade-level summer reading books into the hands of elementary students. These young scholars were invited to partake in an end-of-year bookfair where the power of choice became a celebration of learning. They were given the opportunity to choose 10 exceptional, grade-level summer reading books to keep for free and read. SCDMV branch offices in every county provided donation boxes where customers could donate books for young readers. Staff members personally decorated branch offices by transforming them into whimsical realms of imagination inspired by their favorite childhood books. This creative endeavor not only added charm but piqued the curiosity of every customer who walked through the doors and more importantly, motivated them to become involved. SCDMV’s book drive campaign unfolded throughout the month of March in all 66 branch offices and resulted in a record-breaking achievement. The "My First Library" program distributed a staggering 30,000 books to nearly 3,000 students in 38 South Carolina elementary schools, most of which were in underserved communities.

Region 1 Recognitions

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

Kids Always Ride Safe (KARS) Program

One of the major causes of death in children are results of a motor vehicle crash. Using a child seat correctly, reduces the risk of injury by approximately 80%. According to SafeKids Connecticut, 1 out of 5 car seats in Connecticut are installed or used incorrectly. In keeping with their mission of safety, security, and service, the Connecticut DMV administers the violator class to impose sanctions on operators who are cited for incorrect/misuse of a child seat. The class was created to educate parents and caregivers on child passenger safety laws and emphasizes the importance of using car seats and using them correctly. The DMV’s Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Team of the Driver Services Unit created the phrase KARS (Kids Always Ride Safe) to convey the purpose and mission of this program. They perform outreach services and raise awareness through partners such as other state agencies, non-profits, and corporate entities and they provide instruction to DMV staff regarding administrative responsibilities to passenger safety. In 2023, a bilingual instructor was added to the Child Passenger Safety in-person class to bridge the language gap for attendees that are not proficient in English.

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

Delaware DMV Supports H.E.L.P. Event

In August 2023, Master Corporal David Schulz with the Wilmington Police Department approached the general manager of the Wilmington DMV with the idea to invite the DMV to participate in an upcoming event called H.E.L.P. (help eliminate those living in poverty). The goal of the H.E.L.P. program was to connect the homeless community in the City of Wilmington with services they need: food, shelter, laundry facilities, showers, and more, including an opportunity to get a State of Delaware identification card or driver license if they were already credentialed. Life without a photo ID is difficult. Some homeless shelters will not even accept those who don’t have an ID. Getting a job can be almost impossible because you need an ID; but in order to get one you need a copy of personal documents. The catch 22 is that you need a photo ID to obtain them. It’s a vicious circle and MCpl Schulz was determined to make a difference. From the day he walked into our Wilmington location the DMV staff were on board. The staff was so excited to help and many of the participants couldn’t stop thanking them for their assistance. They were able to change the stars for 14 people on August 23, 2023. It was a good day Team DMV.

District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles

Senior Symposium 2023

On Wednesday, June 28, representatives from DC DMV’s Correspondence team, with assistance from the Support Services team, participated in the 2023 Senior Symposium, hosted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, at Ballou Senior High School in the District’s Ward 8. Over 2,600 active senior citizens were in attendance and listened to remarks from Mayor Bowser, participated in line dancing, and enjoyed interactions with various government agencies. DC DMV was on hand to answer questions and assist with information on the agency’s services, while handing out awesome giveaways, which are always a hit with senior audiences.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

The Food Project

In late 2022, The Food Project – an outreach center located in West Baltimore reached out to MVA with a simple request: help us help the youth in our community. MVA partnered with the Food Project to provide one of the most important items to connect the youth of West Baltimore to better opportunities: a state-issued driver’s license. The Food Project addresses two key challenges in Baltimore’s Carroll Ridge community: food insecurity and youth unemployment to help stop the cycle of poverty. The Food Project hires at-risk youth to produce and distribute meals each week and run a popup market to distribute food and resources to the community. Upon hearing about the needs of the Food Project students, our MVA Outreach team sprang into action. In just a few weeks, all 12 students were able to provide the documents needed to begin the licensing process and take the learner’s permit test. When word got out among the community about the opportunity MVA was providing to local youth, the Food Project asked MVA for a standing date to provide learner’s permit outreach services. Since December 2022 our MVA Outreach team has visited each month to advise on documents and test those that are ready for their learner’s permit. They have tested more than 500 youths and those in the community that need a driver’s license to open doors to new opportunities.

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles

Decking the Halls of Hope: RI DMV's 29-Year Legacy of Giving

For nearly three decades, every year, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles has been a beacon of compassion and community spirit through its unwavering participation in the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen's Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program. This community service project, deeply rooted in the spirit of giving, not only embodies the true essence of the holiday season but also serves as a testament to the RI DMV's commitment to fostering positive change within the community. The primary objective of this cherished program is to bring holiday joy and relief to families facing economic challenges, ensuring that no one feels alone or forgotten during the festive season. The target audience comprises families in need, specifically those who may be struggling to provide gifts and a festive atmosphere for their children. The approach to implementing this heartwarming initiative involves a collaborative effort between among agencies and with over 30 colleagues working together to make a difference. The outcomes of this program are nothing short of magical. The week leading up to Christmas sees the transformation of the Soup Kitchen into a festive haven, hosting a joyous Christmas party where the gifts are distributed to families in need. The level of engagement from both DMV employees and the broader community has been exceptional. This annual tradition continues to exceed its objectives, making a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of those it touches.

Region 2 Recognitions

Georgia Department of Driver Services

GA DDS Grants Pre-Teen's Dying Wish

If someone asked you to grant their last wish, wouldn’t you do everything possible to make it happen? That’s exactly what Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) did when they learned that Kaleb, a pre-teen struggling with health issues, asked for a driver’s license to put in his wallet. DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore learned of Kaleb’s wish from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. The Commissioner assured the Governor that a ceremonial driver’s license would be presented to him. Team DDS engaged their license issuance vendor to produce a “sample” license with Kaleb’s name and address. Madison County Sheriff Mike Moore was instrumental in obtaining information and getting Kaleb transported to meet DDS Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications Shevondah Leslie for the license presentation. Kaleb received his license on Halloween, October 31, 2022; he was 16 years old. He passed away exactly three months later on January 31, 2023.

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Day of Thanksgiving Community Event

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles’ motto is “Turning Public Service into Personal Service.” Our staff, along with Louisiana State Police and the entire Department of Public Safety, put those words into action each year at the “Day of Thanksgiving Community Event.” This annual event provided over 150 turkeys and hams with trimmings to families in need in 2022. The purpose of this event is to give back to the community on behalf of the DPS employees. Staff donated cornbread, cranberry sauce, peas, macaroni and cheese, yams, and turkey gravy. The giveaway event took place on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The “Day of Thanksgiving Community event has become a cornerstone of community service by our public servants. It exemplifies the spirit of compassion and generosity that truly makes a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate.

Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security

Tennessee Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is a proud sponsor of the Special Olympics. Their mission is to support and uplift the athletes as they strive to achieve their goals and dreams. THP funds their training efforts and competitions and supports "Law Enforcement Torch Run" (LETR). Two members serve on the LETR Council and attended the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference for Special Olympics, where over 1,100 law enforcement officers met in Chicago to learn more about this international movement. It was announced that LETR raised over $1 billion for Special Olympics worldwide. During 2023, the THP has continued to actively support the LETR for the Special Olympics program by holding Tip-A-Cop events, Polar Plunges, thROWdown events, and Torch Runs across the state. THP shows up in force with troopers participating in the events across the state throughout the year. The Special Olympics has acknowledged the THP as one of its top fundraising agencies in Tennessee. As a result of their giving, the Tennessee chapter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run won the Sapphire Award for fundraising at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Chicago.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Roanoke Customer Service Center Employees Care for Their Community

The dedicated employees at Virginia DMV’s Roanoke Customer Service Center are committed to making a positive impact in their community. Despite being one of the busiest customer service centers in Virginia, the Roanoke team has made community service an integral part of their culture. Each month, they select a different charity and embark on creative, engaging fundraising activities to support it. These employees understand that small contributions can create significant change, and their passion and energy are inspiring. By organizing luncheons, silent auctions, candy exchanges, and more, these individuals set the bar high in their fundraising endeavors. Between January and September 2023, the team donated more than $2,400 to various charities that shelter survivors of domestic abuse, provide companion pets for veterans, and support healthcare causes. This group of employees consistently show that when people join forces for noble causes, they have the power to bring about meaningful change and create a brighter, more compassionate world.

Region 4 Recognitions

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Homeless Connect

The California DMV made a difference in the lives of homeless individuals by providing them with free identification cards during several outreach events held throughout Los Angeles County in April and May 2023. What is unique about this outreach effort is that California DMV team members do not provide this service at a field office, but rather they go into areas where the homeless camp to provide this vital service. In total, 108 IDs were issued. These in-person events can be life-changing for this underserved community because ID cards allow those who are down and out to acquire government benefits and housing, as well as a chance to get their lives back on track. The events were conducted as part of a greater effort to help the homeless in which the California DMV partnered with several other agencies.

Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles

Camera Donations to Charter School 

As part of the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles' county office refresh, the DMV is replacing all cameras used to take driver’s license and ID card pictures. Initially, the old cameras were going to be scrapped, but the DMV found a local public STEM K-6 charter school to donate the cameras to. The donation process is a bit labor-intensive. Each camera must be taken out of its casing and cleaned before it can be donated. So far the DMV has donated 20 cameras, with over 100 more awaiting disassembly and donation to this worthy cause.

Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

Waiver of Replacement DL/ID Card Fees for Wildfire and Flood Victims

On May 6, 2023, Alberta declared a provincial state of emergency, in response to the threat of multiple wildfires burning throughout the province to help ensure the safety, health and welfare of Albertans. More than 25,000 individuals were evacuated from their homes with approximately 49 communities that received evacuation orders. As they were required to leave on minimal notice, they had forgotten or lost their identification documents. In order to assist evacuation impacted Albertans, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction waived all fees to obtain replacement driver’s licenses, identification cards, and birth certificates until the end of the declared State of Emergency. This supported evacuees to ensure they have access to services that require proving identity and to legally drive a motor vehicle. More than 200 replacement driver’s licenses, ID cards, and birth certificates were issued during this period. At the same time, several west-central Alberta communities were also evacuated due to flooding after the heavy rainfall. This service was also extended to those impacted by the floods.