By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
The City of San Benito honored longtime community volunteer and municipal judge Jessica Alvarado Gonzales with the Heart of Service Award, recognizing her years of civic involvement and commitment to helping others.
The award, presented in partnership with JustServe, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service. According to organizers, the recognition was created to celebrate those who consistently give their time and energy to improve others’ lives.
During the presentation, speakers highlighted Gonzales’ hands-on approach to service and her ability to mobilize support for those in need.
“Whenever we need something, Jessica is probably the first to arrive,” one speaker said. “She’ll never say no. She cares about people and this community.”
JustServe representatives also used the event to highlight the organization’s mission as a free platform that connects volunteers with service opportunities. The platform enables nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups to post projects and recruit volunteers to strengthen community connections and increase civic engagement.
Gonzales, a San Benito native, has a long record of public service across multiple roles. She served for 15 years as an associate and presiding municipal judge for the City of Rio Hondo and spent eight years as a Rio Hondo ISD school board member.
Her volunteer work spans more than a dozen organizations, including the San Benito Housing Authority, Su Clinica Familiar, the Salvation Army, Rotary, and the Friends of the San Benito Public Library.
In addition to her local involvement, Gonzales has engaged in legislative advocacy in Washington, D.C., supporting access to healthcare and community health centers.
Speakers at the event highlighted her ability to bring people together, often coordinating support for families in need via social media and personal outreach.
Gonzales said her commitment to service stems from her connection to the community.
“Service has always been at the heart of who I am,” she said. “I remain committed to giving back to the community that raised me and to making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.”
Organizers said the recognition reflects not only Gonzales’ leadership roles but also her consistent willingness to serve behind the scenes and support others without seeking attention.