Posts for October, 2010
Oct
18
Posted by Points of Light Institute to Daily Point of Light
Sometimes a seemingly small decision has a big impact. At the South Shore YMCA it all started with the idea for a t-shirt – a shirt that would help others distinguish the volunteers from the staff.
Two years ago the YMCA’s volunteer program was in shambles. It had only 15 volunteers.
“We began our endeavor with nothing more than a blessing that we could run with this and nothing more than the determination that this was something that needed to be done,” recalls Colleen Belcher, who was part of the team charged with reinvigorating the YMCA’s volunteer program.
Oct
15
Posted by Points of Light Institute to Daily Point of Light
For the founders of the Women’s Room 1,200 was the magic number. They had to do something for the 1,200 people sleeping on the streets each night in Pasadena, California.
After a survey revealed a gap in available services for homeless women with no drug, alcohol or mental issues, the Women’s Issues Committee (WIC) of All Saints established The Women’s Room, a daytime refuge for women who are alone and homeless.
Oct
14
Posted by Points of Light Institute to Daily Point of Light
It started as a simple proposal. Dr. Naomi Mangatu’s employer was holding a contest. Employees could submit a proposal for a community service project and the winning entry would be funded. Naomi’s idea “Women and Safe Water” won. With that, a trickle of hope arrived in the Kathivo Village in Kenya.
In collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, Naomi was able to start a rain harvesting project in the Kathivo Village of Kitui District in Kenya.
Oct
13
Posted by Points of Light Institute to Daily Point of Light
Every dollar counts and Rita Pinard makes sure that the people of western Oregon get to hang on to as much of their hard earned income as possible.
“I know taxes can be complicated and frustrating, especially as people get older and rules become increasingly complex,” says Rita Pinard. “We help working people that may be paying taxes that they shouldn’t pay, helping those that might miss opportunities to save money.”