William “Dallas” Gray

William “Dallas” Gray has been married to his wife Shirley for 49 years and they have three children. He is a dedicated family man and an avid volunteer. Gray saw a need for a system in the community to help veterans.

Any given day, veterans needing health care at a VA facility have no transportation to the medical center or clinic. Many of these veterans are unable to drive themselves and do not have a family member who can step up to the plate.

Enter the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network and volunteer Mr. Gray. He did not find a new cause to champion or become an advocate for. Gray saw a need in his area and did everything he could to plan, strategize and meet that need. Gray spends 3-4 days a week making sure veterans arrive at their medical appointments on time and makes sure they get back to their home by end of the day. He started transporting veterans in his own vehicle in 2000 because the veterans needed transportation to their only source for medical care.

Gray was only able to transport 3 veterans at a time in his Dodge Durango and that frustrated him. So, Gray spearheaded a fundraising effort to purchase a van through the DAV Transportation Network. The van would then be donated to the Gainesville VA Medical Center and used for the purpose of getting veterans to the medical center. His idea and efforts paid off and in the spring of 2004, a brand new 12 passenger van arrived at the Gainesville VAMC bought in part from the funds he raised.

Now Gray usually drives the van from his home town of Eustis to Gainesville 4 days a week usually bringing 4-6 veterans each time. On the days he is not driving to Gainesville, he might be headed to the VA clinic in Orlando or Daytona sometimes driving his own vehicle. He has recruited other volunteers to ensure the van has a driver every weekday.

Last year Gray logged in a total of 1,200 hours and over 25,000 miles in the van despite being out for two months following surgery. He has been an active VA volunteer since 1999. The nationwide DAV Transportation Network catered to 742,811 veterans in 2005 and logged in 27,437,075 miles. Gray is a veteran of the Korean War and is active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Danica Dickinson

Danica Dickinson is a 12th grader at Oviedo High School and an active youth in her community. She has been engaged in ongoing volunteer service for the past four years and has used her experience to talk to others and suggest they begin to serve the community also.

She has served as a reading mentor since 9th grade. She gives of her time to strengthen the Teen Trendsetter Program. Each year while mentoring, Danica recruits 20 teen reading mentors to assist at Stenstrom Elementary School. As a result of her efforts, 60 third graders have transitioned from struggling readers to eager readers. Danica’s dedication will affect these children for the rest of their lives. They have gained more self-confidence and are not afraid to read aloud. Some even choose to read in their free time as opposed to playing or being involved in other activities.

Before the Teen Trendsetter Program, these selected third grade students were at risk of grade retention but with the assistance of Danica and her teams, the students moved onto fourth grade. In addition to recruiting other volunteers, Danica assists in training the other reading mentors and provides them with the necessary tools to serve the children. She also monitors the program to ensure they are meeting their program goals. Danica has served 95 hours to date as a school volunteer/Teen Trendsetter.

Each summer Danica also serves on mission teams with her church group and volunteers in Central America. These experiences enrich her life while allowing her to enrich the lives of others. Because of her efforts, Danica was selected as a Walt Disney Dreamer and Doer in the 8th grade that excels in the areas of curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy. Danica Dickinson is an exemplary role model for the third grade students she mentors, her fellow teen reading mentors as well as the adults she travels with on mission trips to other countries.

Diane Lenz

Diane Lenz has volunteered weekly for Sergeant Bluff-Luton Elementary School since the fall of 2004. Lenz volunteers many days a week, always armed with a smile and a mission to research methods of helping English as second language (ESL) students grasp the English language.

She brings in materials that she has made or purchased to help a young girl from Russia understand the new world in which she lives. Zalina arrived in the United States during Easter break in 2004. At that point in her life, she spoke very little English. She had been an orphan in Russia and was used to having her own way. Zalina’s response was “noh” to almost everything including the help from Mrs. Lenz. Now, two years later, Zalina looks forward to working with Lenz.

In Zalina’s words, “Mrs. Lenz brings in materials that help me learn. I love playing hangman with her and learning new words.” Zalina’s classroom teacher, Mrs. McCauley appreciates the one-on-one time that Lenz provides for Zalina and other children that need it. She could not possibly give her the time she needs with 20 other student in her classroom that she has to attend to. She is thankful that Lenz is willing to come in on such a regular basis and volunteer her time to help educate Zalina and other children where English is not their native language.

Lenz and Miss Christensen, ESL Teacher, communicate with each other on a regular basis. Lenz uses great strategies to help Zalina work on reading, vocabulary and math skills. Zalina is making great gains in learning the English language as a result of her special time with Lenz.

Once Lenz is finished her time with Zalina, she works with other students from Mrs. Lien’s 5th grade classroom. There she helps children who need reinforcement and practice to gain the necessary skills to be successful as they continue with their education. Mrs. Leins, Mrs. Henrich and the other teachers note the students get excited when they see Lenz arrive at their classroom door. They cannot wait to see which student she will choose to work with.

Lenz is kind and compassionate to all the students and is flexible to meet the different needs of each one. She has also helped with math and as a result, the children have improved on their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division sets. Each of the students feels better about their math skills after working with Lenz.

The students at Sergeant Bluff-Lunton Elementary School enjoy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 knowing that it might be there lucky day to work with Mrs. Lenz!

Jared Dempsey

Our country has seen various revolutions. We have gone through an agricultural revolution, an industrial revolution and a technological revolution. As a result of the latter, you will not find many people who do not own a personal home computer, laptop or other device. Businesses are much the same. In the past, companies relied on typewriters and message pads, but now, in 2006 they, too, have experienced a revolution and depend on high speed internet, voice mail systems and a conglomerate of computers to run their various shops.

Because most Americans own and utilize computers, there is a need for a myriad of computer services. AmeriCorps in Carson City Nevada is utilizing the boom in technology as a part of inclusion in national service. Many Americans have disabilities but are highly capable of and desire to serve. In Nevada, inclusion programs involve training on ADA law, solutions for inclusion, how to recruit, support and retain people with disabilities, technical assistance and financial resources to provide reasonable accommodations, and the opportunity to create and inclusive, welcoming environment that will enrich any industry and its members through diversity.

Mr. Jared Dempsey is a part of this vision. He has been given the opportunity to contribute to his community while obtaining the support he needs to be successful through ComputerCorps, a 501©3 nonprofit organization. ComputerCorps has a certified data destruction service for individuals and companies that need to insure that the data has been safely and professionally eliminated from their hard drives. They use specialized software that meets Department of Defense specifications. The organization is dedicated to providing access to computer technology for all families, while eliminating electronic waste from our nation’s landfills. They have kept more than 1.2 million computer and electronic items out of landfills and currently receives in excess of 3,000 items monthly.

In 2006, Dempsey began volunteering after school and during the summer months at Computer Corps. He destroys data on computer hard drives as part of ComputerCorps’ Data Destruction program. Dempsey is a person with disabilities who is giving back to the community through technology. He is a very special person who was spotlighted in the No Computer Left Behind Program, a special initiative through the partnership with AmeriCorps and ComputerCorps in Nevada. He attends Carson High School in Nevada, through a special partnership between ComputerCorps and Carson High School’s Rehabilitation Program, the two organizations are able to bridge the gap in technology and preserve the landfills while serving the community.

Carol Olson

Carol Olson is the type of person that knows when there is a need before others do. One adjective that describes her is a “DOER”.

Olson has served five years as a School Board member. She is a loyal supporter of the schools. When the District was looking at a tax levy override, Olson stepped up to the plate and publicly supported the override; she explained the situation to their patrons. In addition, the School Board was looking to fill the position of Superintendent. Olson stepped up to the plate and assisted with the search by chairing this community committee.

Olson is aware of the school’s infrastructure needs also and works to help when there is a need. School playground equipment was an issue so she became involved with organizing this project and incorporated both time and grant writing skills. Results are a beautiful complex of playground equipment that is used daily be the children of Dorchester. Olson then organized the City Park Renovation and Beautification Project, which is still an ongoing project.

Olson’s contributions include: Advisory committee and secretary of the Dorchester Methodist Church, Forth of July Activities, Halloween Party, Morning with Santa, Community Beautification Project, Crete Cares, Blue River Gifts, Safe House Work, Zoning Board, Community Cleanup and 55 MPH highway speed reduction.

In addition, Olson has been instrumental in starting the Dorchester Community Foundation. This will play an important part not only in Dorchester’s present but also in Dorchester’s future.

Carol Olson is a positive and unselfish individual contributing through her leadership and work ethic to make her community a better place for everyone. It is true she has not completed these projects by herself but if not for her vision and hard work, many of the projects would have not made it past the planning stage. Her service is affecting the community today, but it will also be a legacy that will reach into the future.

Melinda Toole

With the increasing severity of this nation’s social problems, it is imperative that children are taught character education. In today’s society, children are often faced with poor parental guidance, ineffective role models, negative media images, and an inability to set goals. In an effort to combat these negative influences on today’s youth, Melinda Toole has dedicated hundreds of hours to promoting character education as her platform for the Miss Alabama and Miss America Pageant Organization.

During the past three years, Toole has helped implement character education programs into three schools, Paine Primary School, Paine Intermediate School and Fort Dale Academy. Her involvement with the national non-profit organization, Core Essentials, enabled her to equip these schools with a myriad of character education lessons and resources. Furthermore, she attended a Character Counts! Seminar, enabling her to become a certified Character Counts! Educator. Following this certification, she was able to establish communication with the Director of Instruction of the newly formed Trussville City School System, Dr. Pat Hodge, in order to expand the realm of character education, not only to elementary school students but also middle school and high school students as well. This program she worked to promote is interwoven into the students’ lives in the sports arena, places of future employment, and their homes.

Her platform transcends the classroom. Toole has spoken to thousands of children and adults. Some of her speaking engagements have included organizations and civic groups such as the Greenville Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club, Trussville Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous local churches. In addition, Melinda is currently working on gaining sponsorship for an Amendment she has drafted to the Alabama Accountability Act 95-313, in order to make character education more effective in the state of Alabama.

Her sincere commitment to character education has led her to be recognized by many. Recently, local Representative Arthur Payne invited her to the Alabama House of Representatives in order to write a resolution commending her for her community service accomplishments. In addition, the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, Phil Hammonds, invited her to speak before fifty-two administrators about the importance of character education in the classroom.

Her desire to reach all children and teach the fundamentals of character was a deep-seated interest that led her to give of her time freely in the schools on a regular basis to teach her lessons in a very organized, structured way that impacted students in a powerful way. She has lived the character education she has taught and has made the community better because of her desire to see children learn character at an early age. This contribution and impact will be felt for years to come.

Kristin Dillman

Kristin Dillman has been a constant source of help and assistance to many students in the Sergeant Bluff school system. Last year, she began by volunteering amidst her work schedule. This year she had planned on returning part-time to her instrumental music position, but the district released her from her contract. What a blessing for the children in the district because she still came back to serve as a volunteer!

Dillman meets with countless students several days a week, apologizing when she has some sort of problem arise and she can’t come. She is a shining light of extra hope for many of our students. They clamor to work with her and she in turn has high expectations for their progress. She states, “Why can’t more parents take the time to read with their children or practice math facts. It just doesn’t make sense to me.” Her persistence and dedication are the very essence of why some of the students are so excited and so look forward to their time with Dillmnan.

Mrs. Zahner said it well, “My student just beams when she is able to work with Dillman. She is so positive and encouraging. Kris Dillman provides stability and positive reinforcement for Cheyenne. Cheyenne looks forward to their visits and benefits from her relationship with Dillman in so many ways. She has helped my student want to pursue her education.” Terry Pomerenke adds: “Dillman’s volunteerism during my math class has made education for a few of my students rewarding. She takes the time to explain things and redirects if he/she is going the wrong direction. She provides that opportunity for 15-30 minutes of one-on-one time with a child. With the individual attention, those students that are struggling now become competent in the math process that we are working on. Dillman has helped students believe in themselves.”

Another teacher, Julie Hovland advised that, “Kris Dillman has been an excellent addition to my classroom. She has great rapport with the students. She is willing to help in any way she can. She puts her heart into helping each student succeed. She tries different ways to reach students. Kris has even come to me with ideas she’d like to try to help a particular student. She is patient and thoughtful with a good sense of humor. She doesn’t need much direction in order to work with a student. I feel very confident when sending a student to work with her that she will do as much as she can to help him/her develop good skills. My students all beg to work with her. They know that she is there to help.”

Lydia Lee

Grandma Lydia Lee has demonstrated leadership in various roles with the Traveling Grannies/Grandpas Program and in several other organizations for more than 26 years. In order for one to become a leader, the presence of strong character, dedication, and ownership to a worthy cause, is qualification for leadership; grandma Lydia certainly fills these requirements by supplying a great deal of knowledge and wisdom to her peers and the youth she serves daily.

In 1992 Lydia Lee was one of the first Traveling Grannies in the program and presently donates 20+ hours as a role model for other Traveling Grannies/Grandpas while teaching by example the correct methods for assisting teen moms and their children. She teaches the teen moms hands-on instructions needed for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for themselves and their children, culminating in basic life skills. She spends quality time with the teen mom(s) and age-appropriate child discussing everyday concerns or problems, lending an ear, and helping to find the best solutions that will address a concern encountered with life’s daily challenges. She provides that grandparent figure missing in the lives of those she so unselfishly serves.

She has assisted an excess of 33 teen moms and their children since the program began over 13 years ago. After working with Grandma Lydia, over 75-80% of teen moms have graduated high school, maintained good jobs, and continue to make healthy and informed decisions. Grandma Lydia feels that a good education is key to a successful future. Grandma Lydia continues to be a vital part of the teen moms’ lives long after their completion of the program.

Grandma Lydia currently works with young adults at Job Corps of West Michigan tutoring/mentoring them in job readiness skills, substance abuse education and general prep courses; e.g., math, reading, communication skills, and citizenship and community skills for those youths desiring to go on to college. Her involvement with the youth does not end with the assigned duties expected of her by this program. She instinctively and unobtrusively has gained the trust of some of the most “difficult” students by letting them know that she is there for them, not as a authority figure that cannot be approached with “small” problems, but someone that is respected and will genuinely listen to their concerns.

Lydia Lee was an active leader in several neighborhood Enrichment Programs. She felt it was important to keep the neighborhoods safe and healthy for all citizens. She devotes at least much of her time to empowering neighborhood endeavors. Also, she is a devoted member and leader with the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and continues, though not as frequently, to be instrumental in coordinating food drives, assisting with programs to help adult seniors and children, and coordinates many activities to assist those in need.

Grandma Lydia is an Advisory Council member for the FG/TGG Program and participates in various new volunteer orientations to give them an idea of the types of things a Traveling Granny/Grandpa does. She role-plays certain situations that may arise with children regarding behavior or conflict resolution to demonstrate the proper methods to handle these situations. As a result of the experiences she shares, the grandparents and children receive hands-on training. This participation, in part, has allowed the program to grow, flourish, and develop into the success it is today. In many instances, Grandma Lydia is requested (by the Health Department and other agencies) for cases that seem difficult or challenging that requires her unique expertise.

In addition to her regular TGGP duties, Grandma Lydia donates 4-5 hours a week with Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (P.O.R.T.) for children who are terminally ill with cancer. She regularly assists one young girl with cancer whose mom has 5 other children to care for and is unable to devote a great deal of time with the child. She does not keep track of the number of people she assists, she feels she “had a lot of love growing up” and she “can give back that love,” which is precisely what she tirelessly gives to those she serves.

Neelima Chirumamilla

Two days a week for the past three years, Neelima Chirumamilla has volunteered her time and energy at Bright Beginnings. Neelima works as a classroom assistant at Bright Beginnings, providing crucial support to the teachers and working one-on-one with the children.

Bright Beginnings is a child and family development center dedicated to serving homeless infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families. The children served cope with a level of stress and instability even the poorest of housed children have never known. As a result, children arrive at Bright Beginnings with fear, anger, resentment and aggressiveness that reflect their experiences. With poor health and nutrition, and unstable home environments, the children frequently have developmental delays.

Bright Beginnings relies on volunteers like Neelima to provide the one-on-one support these children need. Neelima consistently gives her time and talents to the children. In the classrooms, she not only plays games and reads to the children, but also provides them with a source of comfort and assurances. With her three years’ experience, she is well aware of the problems these children face and is capable of providing them the support they need. Every volunteer must be sensitive to the needs of the children in the classroom. And Neelima does with such ease, bringing herself to the level of these young children. Neelima has played a role in the development of these young children throughout the course of her three years at Bright Beginnings. Therefore, she has seen many of our children grow from infants to toddlers. Because of the bonds and relationships she has fostered with the children at the center, the children have become comfortable with her. This is crucial to providing comfort and stability in their lives.

Neelima first became involved in Bright Beginnings through George Washington University’s service program, the Neighbors Project. While many students who participate in this program volunteer one semester of work, Neelima has committed three year to Bright Beginnings. Her dedication is so great she continues to volunteer at the center during her school breaks, including summers.

As a full-time student at George Washington University double-majoring in International Affairs and Art History, with two internships, it is amazing Neelima has time for Bright Beginnings. However, she remains selfless about her work. When asked about her experience at Bright Beginnings, she says, “I would like to thank the children for allowing me to be a part of their lives and showing me what is truly important in life.” While she thanks the children for what they have given her, it is Neelima who has given our children so much more.

Evelyn Pocan

Evelyn Pocan is an active and avid member of the Foster Grandparents at Head Start in Missoula, MT. Pocan is dedicated as a volunteer and goes about her volunteer duties with the same work ethic as one who is being paid for their service.

Pocan has completed the necessary orientation and is excited about being a wonderful Grandma who is dedicated to her Head Start placement. Whenever she has an opportunity she speaks about her duties and always encourages other to take the time to be Foster Grandparents also. Pocan is an integral part of the Missoula program and is recognized by many for all she brings to Missoula.

Even though she is legally blind, Pocan works Monday through Thursday in the Robins Full Day classroom and is a tremendous joy and support for the teaching staff and students. She rides the bus to and from Head Start with the children, and she works with the students individually to help them learn and explore the classroom. Pocan keeps the children on task, reads to them, plays with them, and enhances the loving, caring atmosphere of the classroom. The Robin’s teachers and children lovingly refer to her as their Grandma. Pocan puts a smile on all of their faces when she is seen going to the family center for her morning coffee wearing the latest construction paper hat that the kids made for her.

Pocan goes above and beyond her duties as a Foster Grandparent. She has volunteered the past two summers in their summer Full Day program. She also comes in on conference days to help the teachers organize and clean the classroom. The Robins classroom is grateful to have Grandma Pocan, and they would be lost without her.

Pocan is a role model for Foster Grandparents. She enjoys being with the Head Start children and helping them learn. She is always smiling and eager to help. She is definitely a positive influence for the children and a great reminder for the staff that there are still truly amazing people in this world.

With her love for and dedication to the Head Start program, Pocan puts a smile on the children’s and staff’s faces as well as true appreciation in their hearts for all she is and for all she does. The Robins School wishes that everyone could know what a wonderful person Grandma Pocan is or have someone to touch them in the same manner Pocan touches them each and every time she is with them.