Recognized by the White House, Mayra López (Mayra Nazario) is honored with one of the highest volunteer honors in the United States, highlighting REMAR USA’s transformative work on behalf of the most vulnerable
Mayra López (Mayra Nazario), a missionary and volunteer with REMAR USA, has been nominated and awarded the Gold Medal of the prestigious PVSA Awards – Presidential Volunteer Service Awards of the White House, Hispanic Honor Edition 2024-2025, under the motto “Serving is Our Identity.”
This recognition honors volunteers from various organizations who have distinguished themselves through their community service. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold categories represent different levels of dedication, commitment, and leadership. Mayra López (Mayra Nazario), a REMAR USA volunteer in that city, has been selected based on criteria established by the White House to receive one of the highest volunteer honors in the United States.
The medal presentation letter, signed by U.S. Senator Rick Scott, states the following:
“ Dear Mrs. López:
On behalf of all Floridians, it is an honor to congratulate you on receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the International Academy of Chaplaincy. Thank you for your service to the community and your commitment to Florida families. Your work in stepping up when other Floridians are in need is part of what makes our state so great.
During my time as Governor of Florida, and now as your U.S. Senator, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact our volunteers have on families, whether helping out in the aftermath of a storm or extending a helping hand to put food on the table. My wife, Ann, and I are proud to support their great work and that of the organizations that serve Floridians and make a difference in our communities. Volunteering not only helps those in need, but it also strengthens the fabric of our communities and makes our state thrive.
Congratulations again, and thank you for all you do for your fellow citizens. Florida is truly the best state to live the American dream, and that’s due, in part, to wonderful people like you. Sincerely,
Rick Scott, United States Senator
A Life of Volunteer Service at REMAR USA
Pastor Ángel Jiménez, director of REMAR USA, and his wife, Elena Castro, passionately and dedicatedly lead REMAR’s missionary work in the United States, guiding a team committed to serving God and their neighbors in the state of Florida.
Among the members of this team of volunteer missionaries are Mayra López—also known as Mayra Nazario by her married name—and her husband, Antonio Nazario, who have dedicated their lives to supporting this work. Mayra has been a REMAR volunteer since December 1993 and has been part of REMAR USA since July 1996, faithfully serving alongside her husband in Miami.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40
Special Thanks
From REMAR NGO and REMAR USA, we express our deepest gratitude to The President’s Volunteer Service Award and the International Academy of Chaplaincy for this recognition. We are honored that the work REMAR does in the United States, supporting the most vulnerable, has been considered for such a distinguished award.
REMAR USA: 30 Years of Service in Florida
Since 1995, REMAR USA has worked tirelessly to transform lives through God’s love and compassionate action. Over these three decades, its work has expanded into several key areas of action:
- Addiction rehabilitation in Montura, Clewiston, Florida:
At this farm, REMAR USA provides spiritual, emotional, and physical support to men struggling with addiction. Through a comprehensive program of faith, work, behavioral change, and community, a real opportunity for personal, family, and social restoration is offered.
- Attention to the homeless in Fort Lauderdale:
REMAR brings hope to those living on the streets through a meeting every Sunday, where words of faith and hope are shared, a hot meal is distributed, and people are offered the opportunity to enter foster homes, where they can begin a process of change and leave their lives on the streets behind.
- Sending containers of humanitarian aid to countries where REMAR is present:
REMAR USA coordinates and ships containers filled with clothing, furniture, and other items to strengthen REMAR’s work in several countries. This aid primarily reaches children and youth homes in countries such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
- Weekly food distribution to vulnerable families in Miami:
Every week, REMAR USA’s team of volunteers organizes the distribution of non-perishable food and fresh produce, benefiting dozens of low-income families. This work not only meets a basic need but also opens doors to spiritual and social support for these individuals.
Learn about and support this transformative work!
We invite you to learn more about the work of REMAR USA and join this mission of love, restoration, and hope.
