FLORIDA VOLUNTEER CREATES A NEIGHBORHOOD FOR ALL

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Fred Griffin. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

As far back as elementary and middle school, Fred Griffin was always the teacher’s aide.

Someone who found helping others tremendously rewarding as a child, Fred carried that motivation into adulthood. Almost 20 years ago, he started picking up trash throughout the community with another organization. A longtime volunteer for worthy causes in the Lake County area, Fred is known as a frequent presence on numerous boards and committees. But when he recommended himself as a potential board member for the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, an organization that promotes education, unity and service within the West Leesburg area, Fred had no idea how far he would go.

Fred started as a board member for the WLCDC in October of 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. By the summer of 2020, he was asked to become the organization’s president. In this volunteer role, Fred dedicates approximately 25 to 30 hours a month to supporting various community initiatives. Currently, West Leesburg is an underserved community, but Fred is spearheading the organization and facilitation of redevelopment. Whether it’s coordinating clean-up efforts and removing blight or helping residents fix up their homes and become first-time homeowners, Fred is there to improve the quality of life within the community. He also serves as a liaison to the local leaders, managing communications with local, state and federal government officials to serve as a voice for the community members.

Fred has big dreams of revitalizing the Leesburg area to the renaissance it deserves. However, he understands that the spirit of volunteerism starts with a simple gesture. When a resident reaches out in need of food assistance, he’s there to help no matter what. That spirit of helping another person is the true meaning of volunteerism.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

I noticed that there was a critical need within our community, especially here in Leesburg. I found myself in a position where people were coming to me looking for resources. I noticed that the board needed members, and I put my name out there and filled out the application, and they brought me right on. At that particular time, I was just a regular board member. Within six months, they asked me to be the president. I’ve been doing phenomenal things here in the community because they see I have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to resources, and that goes from the state to the federal level. That’s what they need here in West Leesburg.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation.

I plug into the community. My role with the West Leesburg CDC is to go out and see what the families need. I try not to limit it just to West Leesburg. If anyone calls from any side of the city of Leesburg, I’m here to help. It’s a very low-income area. I make sure that I connect with the local government and help with the beautification of West Leesburg. We help those who may need revitalization of their homes, or any resources when it comes to rent, utilities and food. That’s what we target. We aim to make sure the families are getting the resources that they need.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

I would love to continue to remove the blight. When I say that, I mean taking these abandoned lands and homes and redeveloping them, because that’s our mission and our vision. We want to help those first-time homebuyers who currently don’t have an opportunity. That’s what we’re all about. So I would love to see the community develop more, whether it’s new construction or redevelopment. For so long, we have taken our hands off the pulse due to the pandemic. Now that we’re stable, we need to step it back up like we never lost a beat.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The interaction within the community. I love interacting with people, no matter where I am. When I’m in the grocery store with my girls, they say I talk too much. People know me in the community, and they always ask me for information. I just love interacting and helping people in any way that I can, and if I don’t have the answer, you best believe I’m going to get the answer they need.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Everything doesn’t have to come with a price tag. This is a six-figure salary job that I’m doing, but everything has been pro bono. It just shows the commitment that I have for this community and the love that I have for this organization. I always make sure I tell people that when you do it from a pure heart, God will reward you publicly. It has brought a lot of recognition to what we’re doing here in the organization. I just want people to know that it’s coming from a pure place.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

It’s very important because your community needs you. If you don’t do it, then who will? That was my why. I’m a part of 10 different organizations within the city of Leesburg. Don’t ask me how I do it. It’s my gift and my talent. I was one of those who complained in my mind. I will advise those who want to get involved to find what they’re most passionate about and connect with these organizations. I promise you it will be very rewarding in the end.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

I would advise that they look within their community. Find what you’re most passionate about. You will be very surprised by the different organizations within your community that you can connect with. I would start there first, and also get with other leaders within your community, and see how you can get plugged in. There are always things to do when it comes to volunteerism, and it’s going to pay off with your involvement at the end of the day.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to learn that no matter what capacity or role you’re in, someone is always looking at you. You may not see it, and you may not hear it, but just know that people are watching and that you can be very impactful in anything that you do when you put your hands and feet to it.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Fred? Find local volunteer opportunities.