Three women who have worked tirelessly for the South DeKalb Family YMCA were honored for their volunteerism last week.

Jennifer B. Dossman, Betty Pope and Polly Meriwether Lewis were singled out for their service to the YMCA which serves thousands of children and youths annually.

Dossman was named the Y's 2007 Volunteer of the Year at the Metropolitan YMCA's annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Cobb Galleria Centre on Nov. 5.

Dossman, a Lithonia resident, serves on the Y's board of directors. She is chairwoman of the 2007 Partner With Youth annual campaign which raises money to subsidize families who are unable to pay for programs.

She said volunteering at the YMCA gives her the opportunity to give back to her community.

"It is a Christian-based organization that touches the entire family," she said.

Pope, who lives in Decatur, was honored for her efforts with the YMCA Academies of South DeKalb which has earned the highest possible accreditation from the National Association for Education of Young Children.

Lewis, who has volunteered with the South DeKalb Y since 1979, got the 2007 Kellogg Branch Champion Award for long-standing dedication and commitment. She lives in Stone Mountain.

The Decatur-DeKalb Family YMCA chose Bobby King and Lisa Venable as its 2007 Volunteers of the Year for their work coaching the Refugee Outreach Program, a soccer program. King and Venable, who both live in Decatur, serve as van drivers and help internationally displaced children forge friendships and have fun.

Clarence Mitchell was chosen as the East Lake Family YMCA's Volunteer of the Year. The Decatur resident serves as the East Lake Family YMCA's board chairman.