Jerry Hawver

Jerry Hawver has been a mentor to a boy at Alexander Children’s Center since January 2002. A retired professional with grown children and a wife in the social services field, Hawver wanted to devote some of his spare time to making a difference in a child’s life. Staff at Alexander Children’s Center truly feel that he has accomplished that goal during the past year.

Although the Children’s Center only require visits once per week, Hawver spends time with his mentee 2-3 days per week for 2-5 hours each time. A case manager commented, “Jerry has made such a difference in (child’s) life. (Child) really looks at Jerry as family. Jerry not only does fun things with (child), but also helps him with his reading and math skills.” He bought educational computer software to use that tool, among others, to tutor the child during some of their visits.

Hawver is extremely generous to his mentee, while supporting the staff’s behavior management guidelines–trying not to reward him with gifts at inappropriate times. He puts the needs of the child first. He has attended the child’s treatment reviews and understands and accepts the goals that the child is working on. One staff member said that Hawver has given the child “something to work toward (their off-campus visits.)” He has also learned unconditional love from Jerry when he realized that he would keep coming back to visit him even when his behavior was less than perfect.

The child has made great progress in his behaviors during the past year and has moved to a less restrictive living environment. Staff feel that this “relationship is very important to him and has affected him tremendously in a positive way.” In fact, the following is excerpted from a conversation that the child had with a therapist in a group session: Therapist – What are you getting out of you relationship with your volunteer? Child – He gives me a lot of things. Therapist – Besides things. . .what does he give you or what does the relationship give you? Child – Love. Therapist – What does that feel like? Child – Home.

Hawver has taken his outreach even further by joining the Client Rights & Ethics Committee, communicating gift-in-kind and volunteer needs at his church and enlisting his friends to donate holiday gifts for the children in his mentee’s residence. Hawver certainly demonstrates a sense of caring and responsibility, devotion to the child, teamwork with the staff and he consistently goes above and beyond all expectations we have for mentors at Alexander Children’s Center.

Buddy Taylor Middle School Students

S.A.V.E.D. (Students Against Violence…Especially Domestic) is a group of sixteen 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students participating in an activity called Community Problem Solving at Buddy Taylor Middle School. In Community Problem Solving, students go out in their community and work hard to solve a problem. The group of students who make up S.A.V.E.D. chose to do a project on domestic violence, and work with Flagler County’s Family Life Center. Flagler County is the fastest growing county in the state of Florida, which translates into an increasing domestic violence rate. S.A.V.E.D. wanted to make Flagler County citizens aware of domestic violence so that residents will be committed to meeting the needs of the victims/survivors of domestic violence. They developed a multi-media action plan for their educational outreach campaign, which included the creation and community-wide distribution of a three-panel brochure, fliers, domestic violence skit performances, Flagler County’s School marquee announcements, book marks with a domestic violence message for all Flagler County students, school morning announcements via TV, a video created by the students to show at other Flagler County schools, etc.

The statistics demonstrate that the serviced provided by the Family Life Center have almost doubled from the previous year. This has been attributed to S.A.V.E.D. The quality of life in the community has also improved due to the impact of services offered. During the summer, some of the students contacted the Family Life Center to see if the center could utilize them as volunteers. Together with Family Life Center they brainstormed to come up with ideas to meet the needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence. The students then developed a long-term plan that has been ongoing since August 2001 that creates community awareness regarding the issue of domestic violence. The team meets weekly with a staff member of the Center. In addition, they convene on weekends and evenings to implement their plan of action to distribute materials regarding the services from the Center and perform the domestic violence skit at community events.

These 11, 12 and 13-year olds are taking an active role to break a cycle of violence in their community that will positively impact future generations. They sought grants, asked businesses for in-kind and monetary donations and received an outpouring of community support. Since the project’s inception, the team has collectively volunteered 1819 hours of service for the clients of the Family Life Center. These students not only contributed to a need in service, but they helped to create a solution that produced change and an impact on our community. They met their personal challenges by overcoming limited resources. They also overcame the challenges of the United Way of Volusia, facing the fight against domestic violence, by helping to educate the community and change the public perception of the problem. They are very dedicated to the cause and have accomplished more than the desired results initially anticipated. They have devoted a large amount of time and effort in implementing their plan of action and are yet committed to continuing to help in the United Way campaign in the future.

Fran Miller-2

Fran Miller became active as a volunteer with the Volusia Literacy Council (VLC) in 1993. Her first student was involved in a workplace literacy program, in which the employer allowed the student to remain “on the clock” while spending some time each workday learning to read and write. Miller went to the factory everyday from 1993- 1998. During this time, the student progressed from a pre-kindergarten level to about a fifth grade reading level.

In 1996, Miller became aware of the problems facing the non-English speaking residents of West Volusia County, specifically the Pierson, Seville and Barberville areas. She approached the VLC about volunteering to teach English to these individuals and the program was launched. Initially, she would hold one three-hour class on Monday evening and would maybe have one or two students.

With the growth and need for the program, Miller realized she could not do it by herself, and has recruited several volunteers to assist her with one on one and small group instruction.

Because of her love to teach and her awareness of a need, she continues today, to drive from her home in Ormond Beach to Pierson twice weekly, including holidays. To quote Miller, “Even if just one student shows up, it’s worth the drive.” Rarely, however, is that the case these days. Through her devotion and generosity towards the non-English speaking students, her class enrollment has gone from 1-2 students to 14-16.

Through Miller’s dedication, the residents of West Volusia who have participated in her program have become more involved in their children’s school, developed better parenting skills, raised their self-esteem. Several have even gone on to obtain their U. S. Citizenship.

Miller has proved to be tireless in her desire to keep the program going. She saw a need, asked if she could help, and “ran with the ball”.

C. ALLEN HARPINE, ESQ.

C. Allen Harpine, Esquire is a volunteer attorney for AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE). He has volunteered two to three days a week for 20 years (since 1980). In fact, he has worked there longer than most LCE staff members!

In his capacity as a retired attorney volunteer, Harpine has worked on a variety of types of cases while at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, but his work on Social Security cases is most notable. He has dedicated hundreds of hours of volunteer service in researching Social Security issues and writing memoranda for presentation to the appellate level. The contributions of Harpine are paramount to the successful representation of clients who are faced with adverse findings by the Social Security Administration and Administrative Law Judges. These cases are time consuming cases that involve complex federal administrative agency issues dealing with the Social Security Administration’s application of the sequential evaluation process to determine disability status, vocational assessments, assessment of pain and interpretation of medical reports, among other issues. A significant number of these cases have been won on appeal as a direct result of the many long hours, extraordinary effort, and skillful advocacy of Attorney Harpine.

One of his cases involved a 79-year-old widow who had supposedly received an overpayment of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, the widow contacted Legal Counsel for the Elderly after the deadline to file the appropriate paperwork to appeal the overpayment. Harpine researched the regulations and case law and constructed a concise argument that persuaded the Social Security Administration to re-open the woman’s case. Harpine also proved to the Social Security Administration that the overpayment was incorrect and that the widow was entitled to Social Security benefits.

Prior to his retirement, Harpine worked as an attorney with the Department of the Interior. In that capacity, he worked on projects to secure lands for the National Park System. While the specific area of law differed considerably from the work that he performs at LCE, his skills and expertise in the law, specifically his legal research and writing capability and his knowledge of administrative law (the law governing how government agencies operate) have proved invaluable to many clients of LCE.

The work of C. Allen Harpine has empowered the low-income older residents of the District in their struggle against the Social Security Administration. This work is a lifeline to the residents in that many of the residents depend on their Social Security check as a primary means of financial support. He continues to be active with LCE in this type of work.

Aurelia Richardson

Aurelia Richardson contributes many hours to Safenest, a domestic violence shelter for women and children. There are no tasks that escape Aurelia’ s grasp. Even when she is hindered by her own physical health, she accomplishes everything that she can in a day to aid the women and children at the shelter.

She finds clothing for the residents who have nothing, she cooks, offers advice, she plays with the children and best of all, she listens to them. No matter what the problem is, everyone always feels so much better after talking to Richardson. She possesses infinite wisdom, which she imparts in a manner that is always well received. She contributes so much to the lives of the residents at the shelter that everyone refers to her as “Grandma.” That title exemplifies what an enormous impact she has on everyone she meets.

Richardson is desperately needed at the shelter. Her wisdom, experience, and words of encouragement are absolutely priceless. Most women or children that leave the shelter have been blessed by her services in some way. Without her help, there would be a gigantic missing component at the shelter. Richardson truly makes the program complete.

Richardson is involved in the program more than ever believed possible. There are days when she is so ill that she should not even leave her house. Instead, she drives almost 45 minutes to be at the shelter each and every weekday. She is completely selfless, and puts aside all of her own problems to serve others.

Richardson helps the women and children with her own methodology. She provides a part of the healing process that the residents cannot get elsewhere. Her mix of wisdom and tough love has worked miracles with many individuals who have participated in the program. In addition, Richardson does volunteer work for others outside of the shelter. She provides food and clothing to those at her apartment complex who have a need, and she also helps the needy wherever she goes.

While at lunch at a fast food restaurant, Richardson spotted a woman seated in a booth by herself. She believed the woman was hungry, so with the heart of a saint she walked over and gave the woman her own lunch. The woman was so touched tears began to stream down her face. Richardson made that woman’s day, which for her is not an unusual occurrence.

Richardson is a priceless component to her community. She makes an enormous difference every single day, and that is truly a spectacular feat. Without her, many would be lost.

Thomas Smith Jr.

Thomas Smith Jr. is a mentor with the Clermont Lupus Support group. This organization works to help men and women living with Lupus cope with the disease as live as productively as they can. Smith is one of the leaders of the group and is in distress himself. However, he will continue to lead as long as there is at least one person. He believes even one may need support and he will be there to help them through because everyone is important.

AUSTUNY JACKSON

Austuny Jackson is a senior at Las Vegas High School. He is compassionate and cares for others, which is evident in his profound contributions to his school and the Las Vegas community.

Austuny served as Chairman for “Be a PAL Community Service Day” at Las Vegas High School (LVHS). He contacted a wide array of non-profit agencies and volunteered the services of about 140 juniors and seniors who are members of the PAL Program at LVHS, a one-of-a-kind Schools-to-Careers approach to secondary education.

On Tuesday, November 2Oth, (Tuesday before Thanksgiving), the students scattered to twenty-one different non-profit agencies for a day of service. The students completed every job one can imagine. They did cleaning, cooking, moving boxes and furniture, shining windows, sorting canned food as well as packing clothing, landscaping, and other duties. The participating organizations included: Aid for AIDS of Nevada; Alzheimer’s Association; American Cancer Society; American Red Cross; Boys & Girls Clubs; Community Food Bank; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Jewish Family Service; Las Vegas Rescue Mission; MASH Village; Muscular Dystrophy Association; Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America; Nike House; Safe House; Second Time Around Thrift Store; Shade Tree; St. Jude’s Ranch for Children; St. Vincent Dining Room; and YMCA.

This particular day was an overwhelming success due to Austuny’s preparation, commitment, action and initiative: “Be a PAL Community Service Day” was a Herculean undertaking. Austuny was in charge of the massive event from start to finish. This entailed arranging for 140 students to report to 21 different work sites on the same day.

In society today, teenagers get a “bad rap.” The media is quick to publicize negative teen images: gangs, drugs, and guns. Austuny does not agree. He discussed the positive impact of the “Be a PAL Community Service Day” program on Good Morning Las Vegas on Fox 5 with Lillian McMorris. Channel 3 also covered the event. Austuny highlighted the giving nature of teenagers, one that is often ignored and underreported.

The students that participated with Austuny received an information sheet, which summarizes the impact of Austuny’s efforts. The “Be a PAL Community Service Day” is a time for youth to give back to the community that has given them so much. The teens are able to look at others and become thankful for all that they have. In addition, the teenagers are able to contribute to the well being of the community while helping others who are experiencing difficult times. Though this program is a huge undertaking for Austuny, it helps nonprofit agencies that work 365 days a year helping others.

In addition to this overwhelming undertaking, Austuny has served as an officer in Key Club (a student organization dedicated to community service), fed the homeless on many occasions through his church, and volunteered to officiate a local elementary school field day.

VERA SHELTON

Shelton encourages to the children never to give up. She was diagnosed with cancer, but she did not give up. She received difficult medical treatments, but proceeded to work after a short recovery time and has been at the school almost daily since then. Shelton is an example of compassionate care. She has risen above her own personal problems and continued to give to those who are still in need.

Vera Shelton is now almost 88 years of age. Most people her age have long since retired and enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. Shelton, however, is still going strong serving the youth in her community with an enthusiasm for life. She has worked to improve the lives of countless children she has come in contact with at Park Elementary by improving their learning experience as well as their outlook on life.

Shelton has been a Foster Grandparent since September 1997. Before that time, she was a fixture at Park Elementary School. To date, she has volunteered over 4700 hours of service and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Shelton is affectionately referred to as “Grandma Shelton” at the school due to her soft-spoken yet firm demeanor. She has a wonderful way of encouraging the students and boosting the self-esteem of all whom cross her path. Shelton is reliable, patient and pleasant with the children; she meets them where they are and works to provide what they need.

Many of the children do not have grandparents or they are not nearby. So they are unable to experience the opportunity to develop a relationship with an older adult. Shelton has changed that, and the school hopes her presence will result in the development of more intergenerational relationships between the children and older adults.

JOE ROWE

Boulder City Mayor Robert Ferraro has stated that the “back-bone” of the Boulder City community is the individual who volunteers and makes a difference. Joe Rowe has in fact donated countless hours of his time to do just that.

The community bestows accolades upon him because of all of his volunteer work. He is a compassionate, articulate and dedicated man who does not mind being on the front line to pitch in for those who are in need.

Rowe has contributed countless hours to the Aid Program. He has been instrumental in obtaining non-perishable food staples for the pantry, delivering the food to the Pantry, and shelving the “staples” for distribution to the less fortunate. He takes effective action to ensure that there are sufficient volunteers to aid in the USDA food distribution program. Mr. Rowe even enlisted the services of 14 American Legion members who transport the commodities to the Boulder City distribution center and then boxed the food for distribution to those who qualify for the assistance.

Rowe’s commitment to service is furthermore demonstrated in myriad projects. He solicits donations of Holiday turkeys, hams and the “trimmings” for the Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets so that low-income residents and others with special needs can enjoy a holiday dinner delivered to their residences. In the Christmas Angel Tree program, a joint venture of the Boulder City Emergency Aid Program and the Salvation Army, he has “manned” the Angel Tree, purchased gifts, collected gifts and distributed the gifts to the residences of participating families. He established the “Food for the Needy” program, a special undertaking for those whose lives have been severely affected by the tragedy of 9/11. Overseeing his volunteers, he insured food was collected and distributed.

Additionally, Rowe was a member of “Lend-A-Hand,” and obtained and delivered wheelchairs, walkers and shower accessories to the Senior Program in Searchlight. Through American Legion Post #31, the American Legion presented him “the 2001 Legionnaire of the Year” award. The Legion has been generous in donating financially to the needs of the community. Legion members like Rowe bring to the Post’s attention where donations will best be served in Boulder City. Three years ago he initiated and still coordinates the American Legion Rummage sale, a two-day affair that raised $5000 in 2002 to help children who are involved in Scouting and the Boys and Girls State Program.

All of the abovementioned organizations can attest to the countless hours of service Mr. Rowe rings the bell to help others in need.

ALEXANDRA EPSTEIN

In an age where cynicism and superficiality seem to abound, Ms. Epstein has shown the warmth, honesty, and generosity of spirit that reflect the qualities sought to be instilled in all of the students at The Meadows School.

Her commitment to community service began in ninth grade when she volunteered more than 70 hours of time at Summerlin Hospital. She has continued that commitment through tenth and eleventh grades, assisting personnel in the hospital in translating English to Spanish and Spanish to English, amongst other duties.

At the beginning of this school year, Ms. Epstein became aware of a need in a nearby elementary school for tutorial assistance for teachers facing large classes and growing enrollment. She became determined to help fill this need and established the “Meadows Mentors” program at the Katz-McMillan Elementary School. The goal of the program has been to provide individualized attention in reading in the school, and thereby, to assist the teachers. Ms. Epstein has organized a group of between 10 and 20 students who leave the school 30 minutes early Mondays through Thursdays to meet with students and to spend 45 minutes reading to them. She coordinates the schedules and helps to train the volunteers.

The “Meadows Mentors” program has been very successful not only for the students of Katz-McMillan, but also for the student volunteers as well. She reports that the kids at Katz-McMillan consider some of the tutors as “good friends” and that it is common for tutors to leave the school with handmade “thank-you” notes or big hugs from their students.

The school reports that the tutors have been effective in their role and have provided much needed individualized attention for the youngsters. We have received a great deal of positive feedback as a result of this program and are, of course, very impressed with Alex’s passion and commitment to this ongoing project.

In addition to her community service efforts, Ms. Epstein remains one of the top students in her grade level while challenging a daunting schedule of honors and Advanced Placement classes. She has earned the respect of both her peers and the faculty for her outstanding efforts. Ms. Epstein is a scholar and a humanitarian.