outreach

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.

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.

Marcie Green Topeka, Kansas Organization:  Shawnee County Medical Reserve Corps Marcie Green exemplifies the role of a volunteer. The generosity of her time and desire to help others makes her a huge asset for Shawnee County Medical Reserve Corps. She performed 238 volunteer hours in 2009, not only as a volunteer, but also as a leader and teacher in the community.

Greg Scott has been involved with youth organizations since 1984. His deep dedication to help young people gain life skills that will help them to become active and engaged citizens can be felt throughout the communities in which he has lived. After moving to Chester in 1992, Gregg immediately went in search of an organization in which he could serve.  He connected with the American Legion and volunteered to develop the Boys State program for the Legion post, becoming District Chairman in 1998.

Imagine a program that brings together the victim of a crime, the perpetrator and the impacted community to solve local challenges brought about by crime.  Lou Nelson volunteers for such a program in River Falls, Wisconsin.  The St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program(SCVRJP), engages community members to be active particpants in a healing process. Lou has made a significant impact as a resource to the executive director and board of directors at SCVRJP.  Lou helps screen and hire new staff, supports office procedures, edits documents and consults strategically with the director.