"Mrs. Ramirez has been on the board with us for a long time," said Glendale Chapter Program Coordinator Juan Rodriguez. "She has supported what we do and has been an advocate for our cause."
Ramirez has spoken at city meetings and events on behalf of the organization and helped spread the word of the services it provides, he said.
"Because of that and her other community activities, we are honoring her tonight," Rodriguez said.
At the organization's event, dozens gathered for an evening of dinner and socializing and to honor this year's awards recipients. Along with Ramirez, Macy's received the organization's corporate award.
Ramirez praised the organization for its mission of service.
"I've worked with Catholic Charities for a long time," she said. "It's one of the organizations I support as much as I can."
One of her goals has been to let more people know about the center.
"I will do anything I can to get more awareness to our centers," she said. "There are some really great programs."
Along with her work for the organization, Ramirez has also been a powerful force for residents' rights in the city as a member of the Glendale Homeowners Coordinating Council, her peers said.
"She's been active in the community for years," Coordinating Council President Margaret Hammond said. "Especially in dealing with homeless and seniors through the [Catholic Charities].
Fellow Glendale activist and coordinating council past president Al Hofmann has worked regularly with Ramirez. He said she has improved the quality of life for residents.
"She's done a whole lot," he said. "She's been involved with our zoning issues for as long as I've known her, and she volunteered to take on view protection, which has been really great."
Burbank Councilwoman Marsha Ramos, who is Ramirez's daughter, was excited about her mother's award.
"It's nice that an organization like Catholic Charities, that does so much work, has chosen her to be a recipient this year," she said.
Ramirez also received commendations from local government officials.
