KFMB – TV LOCAL 8 “VOLUNTEER 8” PROGRAM

Two years ago, Volunteer San Diego approached KFMB- TV Channel 8 about creating a partnership that would recognize the efforts of some of San Diego’s best corporate citizens. Channel 8 immediately responded and ultimately went the extra mile.

Called “Make Volunteering a Way of Life”, the campaign features 30- second commercials that open with a call to action from the community. The center of the commercial highlights the community outreach of a local company or two companies, then the spot ends by directing viewers to Volunteer San Diego’s web site to find ways they can get involved in the community. Originally seven corporations were highlighted, and those companies have been so pleased with the community and internal impact, that other companies are joining the pace setting companies to take part in phase two of the campaign, which begins in 2003.

Originally, the companies paid for the airtime, but Channel 8 contributed all production of spots and also added unscheduled inventory whenever it was available. In some cases, this meant almost double the number of commercials promised in the contract.

From the beginning, channel 8 has dedicated all of the station’s resources to this campaign, creating a station-wide initiative called Volunteer 8. Channel 8’s two lead anchors, Michael Tuck and Kathleen Bade, have become the spokespeople of Volunteer 8. The station regularly runs PSAs featuring these highly respected members of their on- air staff urging San Diegans to get involved.

The effort is responsible for doubling the hits to Volunteer San Diego’s website over the past year. The Public Affairs Department of the radio station actively participates in the planning of four station sponsored volunteer events each year. This spring, publicity from Volunteer 8 for our “Family Volunteer Day” event resulted in 1,500 citizens signing up and participating in the day of service at San Diego parks. The News Department regularly runs stories highlighting outstanding San Diego volunteers, bringing valuable exposure to small local agencies and publicizing the need for mentors for San Diego’s disadvantaged youth.

It is clear that KFMB- TV is committed to leading the charge in San Diego, urging all residents to make volunteering a way of life.

MR.BETTERTON AND MR. BERRYHILL

Just a few miles south of the Virginia border, there is a small community in Person County called Bethel Hill. A quaint little school was built in 1921 to educate the children of this farming community. Since that time, many children have passed through the doors of this school. Some grew up and became farmers while others went on to college and then returned to the school as teachers. After nearly 80 years of service, the Bethel Hill School was finally slated for retirement. The building would be left vacant and the students would be bused to newer schools – at least that was the plan.

However, a handful of industrious and dedicated residents who did not want to send their children on a long bus ride to a new city school decided to explore their options. Even though the building was old and run down, they realized that were was and much that is good about that school. Community members met to see what could be done to keep it open. After reviewing the various options, they decided to establish a Charter School using CORE Knowledge as their curriculum and Character Building as a cornerstone.

At the end of the school year in 2000, the county officially closed the school as scheduled and removed everything from it. The school was rented and then purchased by the BHCS Board of Directors. Mr. Wade, the custodian, also stayed on to get the school ready to open by the last week of August. The community members also banned together and worked to make the brand new beginning for Bethel Hill Charter School (BHCS). Berryhill was also a part of BHCS as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

BHCS is a unique Charter school. It has a certain atmosphere and ambiance that is the result of dedicated volunteers, parents, children and other community members giving their time to the children. Everyone pitches in where necessary. During school functions you will see Betterton and Berryhill pushing mops or doing any number of other chores in order to help out here needed. Employees of BHCS gather, sort and box paper to be used at the school rather than putting it into recycling facilities. This way it is immediately recycled, and it saves the school from having to buy additional paper for arts and crafts.

The Duke Fellows, sponsored by Duke and Dr. Gary Ybarra, come regularly to teach at the school. In December 2000, the Duke NCSU Engineering Teaching Fellows Program gave away 64 IBM PC’s donated by Microsoft Research University Programs to six schools across four North Carolina counties. Bethel Hill Charter School was a recipient of 9 of the computers.

The coming years look to be even better for BHCS. Enrollment has increased and there is a waiting list. With the continued direction of Principal Betterton and Chairman Berryhill, BHCS is ready to meet the challenge.

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR VOLUNTEERS

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car employee community involvement program has developed into an ongoing collaboration with the Volunteer Center of Passaic County that will allow employees to volunteer one day per month at a Passaic County agency. The Volunteer Center of Passaic County has worked with the organization’s Human Resource Supervisor, Janice Lomartire, to develop a comprehensive, hands-on volunteer program. The partnership was founded to meet the needs of Passaic County. Both entities look for the community’s needs and focus on a variety of community involvement.

One of the community projects that the employees participated in was traveling to a local day care center and reading to children. The volunteers rolled up their sleeves and worked with the students in small groups so all children would develop a love for reading. Hands on activities were enjoyed, imaginations stretched, sound repetition exercises were performed and cognitive listening skills were developed. Many of the students do not receive the reinforcement of a parent reading to them at home, and unfortunately many do not even own their own books. Because of this, the time with the volunteers was so important to the children.

To meet the goals of the “No child should be left behind” initiative, that every child be able to read at the proper reading levels by third grade, corporations need to be committed to this mission.

The Employees of Enterprise Rent-A-Car are supported by their administration of Enterprise Rent-A-Car because of the company’s overall commitment to serving the communities where they do business.

In addition to the above community efforts, the employees of Enterprise Rent-A-Car have also donated their time and service to a local soup kitchen. They have donated toys to a local agency for the holidays and also held a food drive for the area food pantry, preparing food for those in need. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Employee volunteers are at the forefront of demonstrating that everyone can and should give back to the community. They are leading by example and hope that other corporations in the area will follow.

DR. HELEN ADAMS

Most residents of the community of New Bern, North Carolina know Dr. Helen Adams and/or have been touched by her hand of community service. An educator for 38 years, Adams was honored as Language Arts Teacher of the Year. She has been and still is involved in fraternal organizations, religious establishments and her community at large.

Adams is a dedicated member of the Queen Esther Chapter #7 Order of Eastern Star as well as the Daughter of Isis – Arabian Court #52. There she has served as 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Dt., Assistant Recordress, High Priestess, Oriental Guide, 1st and 2nd Lieutenant Commandress, Imperial Deputy of Isiserettes and has been Isiserettes Directress from 1969 until the present. Adams has also served as Chairperson of the Commandress Ball, Egyptian Teas, Sick & Distress Daughters, and she has been a Past Commandress Committee Member, Budget Committee Member, Chantress and a Past Illulstrious Commandress/Imperial Deputy of Isiserettes – Desert of the State of North Carolina. Her other Fraternal service extends to the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which is a community service sorority and the Continental Societies, Inc.

Adams has played a major role in a myriad of community efforts. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Craven Community Concerts Board and an active member of the American Cancer Society, Concerned Parents of New Bern Craven Board of Education and the Chairperson of the local NAACP chapter. She has been a Den Mother for Boy Scouts Troop #212, President of the James City Historical Society, Secretary of the New Bern Historical Society, a member of the Voter’s League and the Eastern North Carolina Civic League that includes 28 counties. In addition, Adams has been a Hospice Volunteer, Vice President of the Ladies Fellowship Chorus, Chairperson of the Governor’s Rally Fundraiser and a private tutor for underprivileged children and adults.

Adams is a member of St. Peter’s AME Zion Church. She has served as Co-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, President of the May Calendar Club, Women’s Day Chairperson and a member of the Senior Choir. In addition to her community involvement through St. Peter’s, Adams service extends further. She has been Chriperson for the Governor’s Pageant, Tutorial Coordinator for Craven county Board of Education at Oaks Road Elementary School and the Chairperson for Founder’s Day Observance for Livingstone College. She has served as the Vice President of the Olive Leaf Club, the 190 Coordinator for Project Vote and the Coordinator for the Democratic Party, Wainwright Headquarters 79th District for New Bern, Craven County.

WARM BLANKETS ORPHAN CARE INTERNATIONAL

The mission of Warm Blankets Orphan Care International is to restore the lives of orphans in partnership with churches, corporations, organizations and individuals who have a passion to help needy, parentless children. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Warm Blankets Orphan Care International, Craig Muller has a knack for start-ups. He is the former CEO of CultureWorx, Inc and founder and past President of MotivationNet. Muller co-authored the recently published employee recognition guidebook, Oh Behave.

Craig lives in Illinois with his wife Barb and their three children, Garrett, Abigail and Caleb. In 1999, the Muller’s along with Bob and Marybeth Hoyler, also of Illinois developed a passion and commitment to use their own money to fund projects dealing with orphans in the most desperate third world countries of India, Cambodia and Central America. Their mission has grown as they have formed partnerships with other orphan care organizations. One of these partnerships, the most significant to date, is with Ted and Sou Olbrich of Cambodia. Together, they have built 43 Orphan/Church homes, with more already in the works.

Muller, through Warm Blankets is able to bring a myriad of solutions to the orphan crisis in Cambodia with his unique business acumen and technology background. He raises funds from individuals, corporation and churches, as well as secures grants – with 100% of the money raised for orphan care going directly to the orphans. Through his contacts, he also raises much-needed in-kind donations such as diapers, food and medicine, toys, paint and many more supplies, which he ships by container to the Mullers.

The core strength of Warm Blankets is their use of futuristic technology to maintain orphan records – a requirement in orphan care for government, medical and sponsor agencies. Warm Blankets has developed comprehensive methodologies and software to facilitate these requirements; in turn, they train Nationals to use the technology and maintain the records – teaching them skills that will help them sustain a long-term career. By using innovative Web technology for each church/home to capture images of the children, caregivers and environment, they are able to put a face to the orphan crisis for the entire world to see via the Internet – to encourage prayer and donations. Another key advantage is the ability to update sponsors on their adopted homes. Whole home sponsorship is the model they have developed for fundraising, so that every child is cared for equally, and their technology gives sponsors an inside look at their home and children – there are pictures of each individual child and their caregivers on each of the 43 church/home Web sites. This is no easy feat given the lack of systems and infrastructure in Cambodia.

Warm Blankets doesn’t deal in adoptions – an often-asked question. Their mission, along with Ted and Sou Olbrich, is to keep children in their native land, growing up in and appreciating their own culture; and to reunite children with extended families whenever possible. To that end, their training of orphans in computer skills and technology helps ensure a future for these special children.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA ASSOCIATION SUPPORT LEADERS

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve. This nerve arises in the brain and supplies feeling and movement in the face. TN produces excruciating, lightning strikes of facial pain, typically near the nose, lips, eyes, or teeth. Triggered by something as simple as brushing one’s teeth or touching a cup to one’s lips, the pain has been referred to as the most acute pain known to humankind.

The origin of TN remains unknown, but it is often attributed to tumors, multiple sclerosis, or abnormal blood vessels that compress the nerve. Initial treatment is through the use of drugs. There is no cure for TN, but should medication prove ineffective or produce undesirable side effects, neurosurgical procedures are available to relieve pressure on the nerve or reduce nerve sensitivity.

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA) was founded in 1990 by TN patients and their families. TNA’s founding mission was to improve the quality of life of TN patients through programs that empower patients to become knowledgeable about their condition and treatment options. Aiding patients with issues associated with chronic pain, educating practitioners on matters of diagnosis and treatment and encouraging appropriate medical research are all goals of the TNA.

A fundamental part of this organization is the nationwide TNA Patient Support Network with more than 60 local support groups. Under the guidance of a national support group coordinator, local support groups play an increasingly important role in fulfilling TNA’s mission. Typically, each group is organized and led by a facial pain patient who has volunteered to be a local support group leader. Through their efforts, participants have the opportunity to share experiences, become educated, and support one another, thereby reducing the feelings of isolation and helplessness so common among TN sufferers.

It is these volunteer individuals who are the backbone of humanitarian caring and undying commitment that shares their experiences in an effort to assist others of whom otherwise would suffer in isolation and possibly consider suicide as their only alternative. These individuals are either personally coping with their own painful condition or have successfully overcome the pain with effective treatment, and therefore want to help others by offering hope and advice as they search for a pain-free existence.

INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CAREGIVERS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

In March 1993, the Elder Abuse Task Force was created to address the needs of the Fort Myers, Florida community’s frail elderly who were “falling through the cracks” of the existing social service programs. Monthly meetings, consisting of 30 area professionals, were held to delve into this problem. Realizing that no additional burden could be placed on the area’s existing agencies (many with long waiting lists for the services they do provide), the Task Force decided these needs would have to be met through a community effort. They learned of Robert Wood Johnson Faith in Action Program, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC), which provides projects with startup financial funding, organizational and technical support. IVC of Southwest Florida is one of more than 1,200 existing Faith in Action programs.

Statistically, the State of Florida has one of the highest senior populations. Of the almost 400,000 residents of Lee County, 31% are 60 years of age or older. Of that, over 50% are over the age of 70. Yet, Florida ranks 49th in the nation in government funded programs for the elderly. According to demographics received from Age Link, at least 35% of Lee County’s elderly population have unmet social services needs, and this percentage only reflects those who have asked for assistance.

Care receivers often view a government-funded agency’s involvement with suspicion, fearing they will be removed from their homes and familiar surroundings. IVC of SW Florida is composed of neighbors helping neighbors through volunteerism and is not supported by any State or Federal funding. It is available to intervene and prevent a situation from becoming critical.

Volunteers from IVC of SW Florida provide such services as transportation, shopping and chores, respite care for primary caregivers, light housekeeping, minor home repairs, meal preparation, paperwork/correspondence and friendly visiting. Many of the elders do not have family members nearby, or have not lived in their community long enough to have established a neighborhood support system. IVC volunteers often provide the only friendly visiting these care receivers receive. The commitment of the volunteers enable those served to maintain their independence and dignity, and to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Fort Myers Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program (IVCP) received its initial start-up grant from Robert Wood Johnson’s Faith in Action Program in 1995. Three years later it opened sister organization in Cape Coral and became Lee IVC. In 2002, with the expansion into Bonita Springs and North Naples, the name of the organization was changed to IVC of Southwest Florida, which better describes the area being served and future development.

In summary, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of SW Florida is dedicated to serving the needs of their community’s frail elderly by offering a program based on a ministry that helps relieve suffering and provides assistance to improve the quality of the care recipient’s lives.

PASTOR TED AND SOU OLBRICH

Ted Olbrich, Country Director of the Cambodian Foursquare Church, met his wife, Sou, while working for the U.S. Embassy in Laos for three years during the Vietnam War. With backgrounds in business and agriculture, the Olbrich’s spent 12 years pastoring in Woodstock, Illinois before going to the mission field. Their three grown children live in the U.S., while their fifteen-year-old daughter lives with them in Cambodia.

Cambodia is enjoying a fragile peace after years of horrific genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. There are an estimated two million orphans, most of whom have lost their parents to AIDS or land mines. Cambodia has the worst AIDS epidemic in Asia, and landmines kill an estimated 100 people a week. The needs are great. In addition to AIDS and land mines, diseases, undrinkable water, poor health care, drought, childbirth complications, poor schools, unemployment, child prostitution and trafficking, and a low literacy rate are just some of the problems for hopelessness in Cambodia children.

Foursquare Church International sent the Olbrich’s from the U.S. as Missionaries in 1999, with the goal of opening Christian Churches – there were no plans to care for orphans. Upon their arrival they came face to face with the overwhelming orphan crises – including people literally leaving orphans on their doorstep. Ted had a vision for a unique model of Church/Orphan homes, adopting James 1:27 as his driving purpose: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Since 1999, under the vision and leadership of Pastor Ted and Sou Olbrich,a local non-government-organization, Foursquare Children of Promise, was opened, which now cares for approximately 2,200 orphans and abandoned children, aged from birth to 18 years old, are being cared for and trained in 50 Church/Orphan homes, with 10 more under construction. As part of this unique model, they also train widows to help take care of the orphans. Ted and Sou work closely with Warm Blankets Orphan Care International to secure the provision for the care of the children. In 2002, a National Training Center was completed which trains both children and orphan home staff in skills related to the well being of orphan children.

In addition to the completion of their public education, children are taught English as a second language in each home (the single most valuable skill in finding sustainable employment). Upon completion of their public education, qualified children are assisted in securing scholarships for specialized training in professional careers of their choice. Other older orphan children are placed in apprentice relationships with craftsmen in their community, or brought to The Training Center to be trained in skills, both on site, and in cooperative relationships with other non-government organizations in various areas. The young people are then assisted in finding jobs in their chosen profession. This enables them to be employed in a self-sustaining and productive manner.

ED LONDAGIN

For 20 years, Putnam City Care…Share has had a dedicated, loyal and hard-working sponsor, Ed Londagin. Londagin owns a small hair salon, but he is making a big difference for Putnam City children in need.

Londagin said he identifies with the children of Putnam City Care… Share. He was one of them growing up. He wanted to know and experience someone loving and caring in a hurtful world. He is pleased to provide that to other children in hopes it will change their life. Clients come in and talk while they are getting their hair and nails done. With the one-on-one conversation that goes on, there is an excellent opportunity to share various service projects with clients and solicit support.

Londagin has changed the lives of young children for more than 20 years. Londagin has provided free back to school hair cuts. During the Thanksgiving holiday season, he helps provide Thanksgiving dinner in addition to a one-month food supply for those in need. He also gives generous financial support by buying hundreds of pairs of new shoes.

Not only does Londagin spend his time and resources for the children of Putnam, but he solicits other styling salons to adopt the same philosophy. His goal is to have the children that may be forgotten in Putnam cared for at Christmas by his service and the other salons.

Thousands of children have been provided for due to Londagin. They have felt the warmth of someone caring and the encouragement to continue on and set goals for life. Londagin epitomizes the words volunteer and servant as he puts the needs of others over his own problems and concerns. He shares of himself daily without a thought; it is second nature to him to give. Because of his love and compassion, the Putnam City School District honored Londagin with the Golden Apple Award. This is the highest honor to be bestowed upon an individual for their dedication to the children of Putnam.

YOUTHanasia FOUNDATION, INC.

YOUTHanasia Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit community service organization for high school students in the Greater New Orleans area. Kimberly Byas-Dilosa established the YOUTHanasia Foundation, as a movement rather than an organization, on September 1, 1997. She was prompted to action by skyrocketing statistics and college professors who pinpointed New Orleans as a desolate murder capital. Byas then took action and decided to help save her community.

Byas utilized those she felt had unlimited, untapped energy and creativity – high school students. New Orleans loses someone between the ages of 14 to 19 to violent death or incarceration daily. In addition, 19% of all births in the city are to young women between the ages of 15 – 19. Thus, the creation of YOUTHanasia Foundation, Inc. was not a desire, but it was a necessity. Its ironic name was coined to mark the annihilation of contributors to youth delinquency – violence, illiteracy, teen pregnancy, stagnancy and ignorance.

YOUTHanasia Foundation, Inc. is the umbrella for innovative youth intervention programs such as the Citywide High School task Force, Self Respect Extravaganza and the Citywide High School Explosion. The Foundation provides programs to keep youth off of the streets, out of trouble and out of harm’s way.

YOUTHanasia believes that community improvement and preservation lies in nurturing those who will control it in the future. They specifically developed the Citywide High School Task Force to promote the involvement of young people in community affairs. The Task Force is comprised of students in grades 9 – 12 from public and private school throughout the Greater New Orleans area. They meet on Saturdays to discuss community problems and to create and implement community service projects to combat these problems. The members look beyond personal differences and unite to address the issues confronting their community as a whole.

The young people are creative and innovative in their approaches. Among other projects in their Violence Eradication, Health Awareness, Education Advocacy, Recreation Advocacy, Cultural Arts Awareness and Operation Clean Up, they have refurbished a playground, prepared and served meals to homeless teens in the New Orleans Drop-In Center. YOUTHanasia has also held a “Play Day” for the young patients of Children’s Hospital, a “Tournament of Champions” to help fourth graders prepare for the LEAP and painted patient rooms at the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital. YOUTHanasia developed the annual Self-Respect Extravaganza in an effort to combat teenage pregnancy through self-improvement and education. This summer, YOUTHanasia held a literacy enrichment camp for inner city kids. The youth Task Force members served as camp counselors.

YOUTHanasia has collaborated with the FiYiYi Mardi Gras Indian Tribe and the Backstreet Cultural Museum to provide inner city kids with free school supplies. The Foundation also participates in the Louisiana Nature Center’s “Helping Hands Day.” Their intervention success is evident in its results; 100 % of all graduates have gone on to college or the armed forces.