The Points of Light Foundation is committed to recognizing the volunteer service efforts of individuals, families, companies, and groups. Through one-on-one interviews, The Winner's Circle shines a spotlight on volunteers who are recipients of one or more distinguished awards for volunteer service sponsored or administered by the Points of Light Foundation.

This issue, we feature an organization based in the Washington Metropolitan area called The Grandfather's Group. The Grandfathers Group recruits and trains African American men, 50 years or older, to serve as volunteer "grandfather" mentors for African American boys, ages 6 - 12, whose fathers are not available to them for support and guidance. Since its inception in 1998, 21 "grandfather" mentors have worked in creative ways with their "grandsons" to provide a supportive framework of empowerment, encouragement and esteem-building activities focused on character, education and life skills.

Evelyn Oladokun, Customer Service Coordinator, Recognition, spoke candidly with Ms. Joan C. Dale, Coordinator of The Grandfather's Group, the Nation's Volunteers of the Day for August 6, 2003:

How has receiving the Daily Point of Light Award changed, benefited or impacted the organization?
It has benefited the organization by the way the community was made aware of the volunteers and the organization. The outpouring of attention from the community gave us a level of appreciation and creditability from the community.

What changes have occurred in your organization since the time you won this Award?
One of the changes is the increased participation from volunteers and organizations that wanted to learn more about the way we ran our program. Organizations not only locally but national were interested as to how to implement a similar program.

How many mentors are currently involved?
There are currently 15 active mentors.

What are some measures of your success?
The greatest measure thus far is the changes in the boys that have been mentored. Through the communication channels with the parents of the boys, we have been told that the boys have changed within their behavioral patterns, building character and a sense of pride in all they do. In addition, when The Grandfathers Group received the Daily Point of Light Award, there was one boy who graduated from the program; seven boys have graduated from the program since that time.

What new directions or avenues do you see this group taking in coming months/years?
Since receiving the Daily Point of Light award, we have expanded our service area. We have expanded the outreach services by introducing a new project named "Grandmas and Company." The project encompasses a team of senior African-American women who work closely with girls, ages 8-11, to strengthen self-awareness and character education, and to prepare them to become more self-confident young women. We are very excited about this project and look to get it off the ground in the coming months.

What keeps you motivated to continue this service?
One motivation factor is the increasing need in the community to focus on the youth when they are most vulnerable to peer pressure. Also the willingness of community members to want to address these needs is a key-motivating factor. The team atmosphere that the community portrays strengthens the motivation on all accounts.

The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals, organizations and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. It focuses on the goals for children and youth set by the President's Summit for America's Future. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award.

To nominate a deserving volunteer, or to inquire about the featured honoree, call the Awards and Recognition hotline, 202-729-8184, or send an email to Awards@PointsofLight.org.