AARP honors O’Dea with Andrus Award for Community Service

Longtime volunteer Michelle O'Dea, who was founder and executive director of Domesti-PUPS in Lincoln for 22 years, has been selected to receive the 2024 AARP Nebraska Andrus Award for Community Service.

Named after AARP's founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award honors outstanding volunteers from each state who dedicate their time and talent to enrich their communities.

AARP Nebraska selected O'Dea for her decades of service, which has greatly benefited communities across the state, inspired other volunteers, and supported AARP's mission and vision. From training service and therapy dogs to advocating for affordable housing, supporting our veteran and military families, and providing AARP tax-aide services, O'Dea's contributions have made a significant difference in people's lives.

"Michelle's dedication toward making community improvements statewide through diverse and impactful efforts is inspiring," said Suzan DeCamp, AARP Nebraska volunteer state president.

O'Dea attributes her heart for service to her upbringing. As a child, she accompanied her mother to volunteer at the local nursing home, participated in 4-H and paid tribute to our nation's service members and military families alongside her father, who served in the U.S. Air Force.

She founded Domesti-PUPS in 2000 while living in Lincoln and served as the organization's volunteer executive director for 22 years. The nonprofit works with over 125 volunteers, including incarcerated individuals in four prisons, to train service and therapy dogs – at one point having 40 dogs in schools across five states.

Now a resident of Hershey, Nebraska, O'Dea also volunteers with the Hershey Planning and Zoning Commission and AARP Tax Aide, among others.

"We're thrilled to highlight Nebraskans age 50 and above who are leveraging their life experiences to positively impact those around them. Michelle O'Dea truly exemplifies this spirit and is highly deserving of this recognition," said Todd Stubbendieck, AARP Nebraska's state director.

O'Dea will be awarded the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service, along with a $2,500 check presentation to her selected nonprofit, North Platte's American Legion PR Halligan Post #163, in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion.