community organization

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.

For nearly twenty years Lou Mass has been a constant presence at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Craig Street Clubhouse. Forgoing a retirement of rest and leisure Lou instead gives his time to the children who frequent the Clubhouse. Located in Hamilton Hill, the Clubhouse serves at-risk youth in one of the most impoverished areas of Schenectady County. As a new retiree, Lou Maas relocated to Schenectady, New York in 1991.  He quickly made the Boys & Girls Clubs the focus of his new found free time working directly with the children. He was a regular volunteer in the homework help program.

Marie Alfano is the founder and president of Joining Hands, a volunteer-run non-profit that helps terminally ill and permanently handicapped children and their families. Marie works closely with local oncology units to donate head scarves and lap blankets for children and adults undergoing chemotherapy.  She has organized an annual toy and gift drive to assist local hospitals, shelters, churches, and schools. She is a leader in her community. Marie takes over the scene with her passion and delegates responsiblities to complete strangers, while accomplishing the intended goal.

Jessica Padgett is the co-founder and president of the Rotaract Club of Metro Detroit (RCMD).  She also is an AmeriCorps member serving as a Volunteer Services Coordinator for The Guidance Center.  Jessica volunteers because she believes that one individual can make a difference. Under Jessica’s leadership, the Rotaract Club of Metro Detroit has had a major impact on clean drinking water safety. Partnering with “A Vision for Clean Water," the organization has raised more than $3,000  for ceramic filters to be made and supplied to Nepalese villages.

Pat Peddie has been a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County for more than two years.   While serving the organization, she has become very passionate about the ReStore, a retail operation that recycles used and surplus construction supplies for sale to the general public at a fraction of their worth. Pat’s dedication has inspired her team at Habitat for Humanity and has truly motivated them to work together. She has been a key factor in recruiting, maintaining, and expanding a crew of regular volunteers for the ReStore.