SAN FRANSCISCO, CALIF. -- The Corporation for National and Community Service has honored seven members of the Senior Corps and AmeriCorps.

Included was Zenaida Solano, of Pahrump, who serves with the Nye County School District's Even Start Family Literacy Program.

She provides interpretation and translation services to members of the Hispanic community using the agency's services.

The agency believes that to help the Hispanic community, it must bridge existing communication and cultural gaps.

Solano grew up in a Hispanic community and wanted to use her own bilingual skills to make a difference. Hundreds of people in Pahrump have benefited from her skills and commitment, reported the AmeriCorps Office of Public Affairs in the wake of her recognition.

The awards were presented at the National Service Town Hall meeting in front of 1,000 service leaders and more watching online.

The annual conference is the world's largest gathering of volunteers and service leaders. It brought together more than 5,000 attendees from across the U.S. for training and networking with the aim of expanding the ranks and effectiveness of America's volunteers.

"These honorees represent America at its best and are living proof that service is a solution to some of our toughest problems," said Acting CEO Nicola Goren. "They have gone above and beyond the call to serve and are a shining example of the power of individuals to make a difference."

Where Solano's efforts are concerned, at least five of those helped by her have completed the process of becoming U.S. citizens because of her aid with the paperwork.

Several children were able to begin kindergarten after Solano helped their parents get immunizations for their children.

"Having Zenaida as an AmeriCorps member has allowed the program's family advocates to focus more time on meeting the educational and literacy needs of participants," the Office of Public Affairs reported.