FALLAN BRANCO
Inspired by Mother Teresa, Fallan Branco has started her own organization, Teen Angels, which identifies people in her community who are in need and helps them however they can. For example, when Fallan heard about a young mother with 18-month old triplets whose husband died unexpectedly and left her with no insurance, Fallan was the driving force behind organizing fundraisers and contacting local businesses. As a result of her efforts, Fallan was able to raise thousands of dollars in cash donations, food, clothing, furniture and other basic necessities for the family.
“I can do what you cannot do. You can do what I cannot do. Together we can do great things. This was once said by Mother Teresa, a woman who has inspired me to create my own organization and helped me to realize the importance of volunteering. Reaching out to those who are less fortunate teaches us very important lessons about responsibility and resolve,” stated Fallan.
In addition, she organizes fundraisers throughout the year and then fills Christmas gift bags with warm clothes, candy, toys and school supplies and she and her “elves” deliver them to the shelters in her community. This year, Fallan delivered 45 bags.
As a member of the National Honor Society at Brockton High School, Fallan was instrumental in raising $5,000 dollars in one week to help the victims of the September 11 attack on America.
Through an email campaign and through her web page, she has encouraged other teens throughout the country to begin their own Teen Angels program in their communities. Fallan has donated over 1,900 hours to this program. To find out more about Teen Angels, check out the website at www.geocities.com/teen_angels1_1
SHERIE KIMBALL BRAUNERSRITHER
Currently president of the PTA at Stansbury Elementary, Sherie Braunersrither spends countless hours at school, seeing what needs to be done and quietly doing it. She organizes PTA fundraisers, some of which have made possible student field trips not covered by school budgets, monthly rewards for reading, and a morning student/parents read-a-thon with breakfast.
Braunersrither emphasizes the value of recycling as she directs the students by having class representatives attend monthly student PTA (Tiger Talk) meetings. Students report items of interest and planned events to their classmates. This innovative process has proven to be a self-esteem booster to participating students.
In these times when educators are somewhat “under the gun” and often feel under-appreciated in their careers of service, it is a boon to have someone like Braunersrither around. Often, she quietly presents teachers with small tokens of appreciation – sometimes a treat and note of thanks, and recently, handmade Christmas lapel pins. Her acts of kindness are a boost to teacher morale.
As a PTA fundraiser, at the beginning of the school year when temperatures were still high, Braunersrither decided to make refreshing snow cones available for sale to children at day’ send. Many children happily partook of this treat. And, as teachers have labored during 12-hour days of teaching and conferences, Braunersrither has planned nutritious evening meals to keep them going.
During Family Nights at the school, Braunersrither has strengthened the bond between the school and community. She drew enthusiastic participation in that event by securing the presence of “Big Dawg,” Antoine Carr, who spoke, signed autographs, and posed in photographs with children and their parents.
A recent act of generosity, requiring countless hours of preparation, was when she solicited donations from the community, purchased and wrapped gifts, and presented each child (many of whom endure low socio-economic conditions) with their own Christmas gift before they left for Christmas break.
Braunersrither is participating in the Adopt-An-Elder program to provide bedding and winter clothing for Native Americans on the Navajo reservation. She has spent countless hours at work quilting frames, setting up in the front hall of the school, tying quilts and teaching students this dying art, as well as setting an example for staff and students. These quilts are then donated to the Navajo Program.
Sherie Braunersrither receives no tangible reward for her altruism, nor does she ask for such.
“This award is really about the kids. I appreciate the recognition, but the greatest joy is working directly with the children. Nowadays, schools are under funded and do not have adequate resources, so family and community involvement is necessary to ensure success. It is the small, local acts of service that can reap great benefits in the lives of our children,” stated Braunersrither.
DICK SCHWINKENDORF
For the past three years, Dick Schwinkendorf has served as the Warehouse Manager for the United Way of Martin County’s Volunteer and Community Resource Center’s White Doves Christmas Project. In this capacity, he has volunteered an average of 50-60 hours per week over the three-month duration of the holiday program. He is responsible for the collection, procurement, counting, sorting and distribution of food and toys for the project. Schwinkendorf works collaboratively with many agencies throughout the county to ensure that more than 1,200 families do not go without during the holiday season. As the Warehouse Manager, he is responsible for setting up the warehouse in a festive, store-like atmosphere including the assembly of tables and decorations, as well as managing and supervising several volunteers involved in the project’s success.
Schwinkendorf has taken the strenuous task of assembling, managing and dismantling a warehouse to a level that has been extremely pleasant for the volunteers, many of who are senior citizens. He works in a concrete building with no air-conditioning in the state of Florida assembling tables made with plywood and saw horses; has sorted 20,000 pounds of food, breaking the canned goods down into several categories; has advised senior ladies to which age category a Barbie doll belongs (3-5 or 6-8 year olds); has driven to Marines Toys for Tots collection points, crawling under trees to collect the donated toys; has managed several volunteers ranging in age from Girl Scout Brownies to senior citizens; has greeted residents who have dropped off donations; and has prepared the warehouse for the Grand Opening and distribution. Schwinkendorf has done all of this with dedication and in such an organized manner that committee chairpersons, volunteers and staff will not return each year unless he is “in charge.”
White Doves serves as the central clearinghouse for all the families in Martin County who need assistance during the holiday season. Social service agencies, schools and churches refer families. The White Doves Christmas Project has brought the community together in such as positive way. Nonprofits work collaboratively to ensure that clients are taken care of, intergenerational volunteer opportunities arise when donated items are collected, counted, sorted and distributed, agencies are relieved of the burden of assisting their clients during this busy season, volunteers are fulfilled during the holiday season and the true spirit of the holiday is exhibited by people caring for one another.
“What a great feeling – when I received notice of this prestigious award. Individuals can volunteer in so many ways to help their local communities. It not only helps improve the quality of life for many unfortunate people but it also gives you a wonderful, warm feeling of gratification,” states Dick Schwinkendorf. Mr. Schwinkendorf is also a 2002 recipient of the Florida Governor’s Point of Light Award, which recognizes Florida residents and organizations that demonstrate exemplary volunteer service to their community.
WOMEN EMPOWERED FOR CHANGE, OFFENDER AID & RESTORATION
Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) is no stranger to the City of Alexandria. Since 1974, it has been providing pre- and post-release incarcerated services to inmates in the Alexandria Detention Center (ADC) as well as individuals on probation and parole having been released from a Virginia Department of Corrections facility and returning to Alexandria. Many of the programs offered by OAR to inmates are the direct result of committed citizen-volunteer involvement.
The Women Empowered for Change (WEC) program in the ADC is providing both a pre-release educational and counseling component as well as post-release emotional and transitional support. In the ADC, the WEC program is located in a separate unit, with the women inmates choosing to live with and participate jointly with others trying to overcome dysfunctional and painful behavior. The environment is therapeutic and supportive, with a goal of developing supportive relationships that may be maintained after release. Together with the Program Coordinator, a Transition Advisor provides, with the support of United Way of Alexandria, necessary post-release services of employment, housing, family reunification, transportation, clothing, food, substance abuse and mental health referrals.
Women Empowered for Change program is on the cutting edge of rehabilitation and vocational training programs. Through components including “Parenting,” “Nutrition and Health,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Relapse Prevention,” “Book Discussion,” “Employability Readiness,” and other topics facilitated by a group of male and female professionals from the City of Alexandria, the women gain enhanced skills and knowledge to significantly increase their ability to take care of themselves and their children in a positive manner. Thus, the intergenerational cycle of crime is broken.
More than 200 women have been participants in the Women Empowered for Change program. Of course, the numbers of people affected are not quantifiable when one considers the participants’ families, friends, employers and the greater community. The impact of Women Empowered for Change program is significant. Participants are engaged in the initial components to improve their technical abilities and gain self-knowledge, including positive self-characteristics, understanding of the consequences of their past negative and destructive behavior and its impact on the larger community. These initial components are built upon when the participants leave the jail or return home from incarceration in a state facility.
However, the most significant aspects of the program are the volunteers. OAR volunteers provide a significant contribution to the WEC program in the ADC. The results of the WEC and its volunteers include, but are not limited to, increasing educational skills through its tutoring program, ESL tutoring, creative writing, journal keeping and book discussions. Lives are changed, thus the community is changed.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been chosen as a Points of Light Award Recipient. It is a joy that the positive things being done to prevent and reduce crime, and to give all of our citizens hope, are being recognized. In my almost 25 years in this work, I have met some of the finest individuals imaginable – staff, volunteers, donors, other interested individuals, and often our clients, who need some heading in the right direction; but who will learn to contribute to their communities,” stated Cynthia Hull, Executive Director.
MICHAEL APONTE
Michael “Mike” Aponte joined the Making a Difference Foundation (MADF) family in April of 2000 and has been a key player for the SAT tutoring program in Virginia Beach, volunteering four nights a week. He has also offered his time at the afternoon SAT workshops at Churchland High School in Portsmouth.
Mike has served as a tutor and mentor for the past two years, impacting youth in the Hampton Roads area. Although he had the opportunity to move to the Washington D.C area to start a new business in 2000, his commitment and attachment to the youth in MADF motivated him to postpone his move.
Dealing daily with students that have low educational expectations and low self-esteem, Mike believes in the need for caring adults to step forward and lend a hand. Literacy and poor math skills are problems that he combats daily with great success. He has been nominated for a number of awards, from Governor Gilmore of Virginia, May the Month for Children Mentoring, Volunteer Hampton Roads as well as others. He will continue to make a significant impact well into the future because he cares about the future of children.
Mike first learned of MADF through a volunteer search engine on Oprah Winfrey’s web site. He spoke with Bob Bobulinski, Executive Director of MADF, and “felt a great vibe” regarding Mr. Bobulinski and the program. Thirty-two years old and originally from Boston, Mike attended MIT and is currently working as an investor. His background in math and previous experience as a tutor in high school make for a perfect match.
Mike tells everyone how he gains more from the kids than they receive from him, which is indicative of his unselfish nature. Some of the youth that he helps are from the toughest neighborhoods and single parent homes, such as Curtis, who is now attending St. John’s University. Mike helped guide Curtis to a five-year scholarship. Steve, who was raised in a foster home, was going to drop out of high school, but Mike’s influence swayed him to finish high school. Steve is now enrolled in college.
Mike’s love has helped many kids find hope. He believes in MADF’s walk the talk motto and no failure/no excuse approach, which has worked for more than 29,000 youth since 1991. His attitude and service to youth has helped MADF receive national acclaim for its unique paradigm.
N.E. FOCAL PAINT CASA, INC.
In 1985, six concerned citizens started a grassroots effort to address the problems of the memory-impaired population. This group developed into a taskforce of 30 volunteers who initiated a campaign to raise operational funds for the City of Deerfield Beach’s new Alzheimer’s Day Care Center. This group was incorporated in September 1986 as N.E. Alzheimer’s Day Care Center, Inc.
Their original purpose was to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Day Care Center, which opened in October 1986. The Alzheimer’s Center was an expansion of the Senior Center, which opened in February 1981 to provide supportive services for individuals 60 years and older. The Alzheimer’s Center offers day care for individuals with memory disorders and provides physical and mental stimulation, counseling, crisis intervention and respite for caregivers.
In April 1992, the Senior Center developed Friends of the N.E. Focal Point Senior Center, Inc., a Board, to fundraise for the Senior Center. In 1998, the two Boards merged and became N.E. Focal Point CASA, Inc. CASA is an acronym for Children, Alzheimer’s Senior and Adult Services and means “home.” The Center’s motto is “Home Away From Home.”
The Board has received various grants from United Way, Florida Department of Transportation, Broward County, Doctor’s Hospital Foundation, AT & T Cares, Sun Sentinel Newspaper’s Community Grant, and Community Foundations. Grant funds provide transportation vehicles, exercise equipment, computers and educational books for children, and fund for respite and day care services for individuals with memory impairments and/or physical and functional limitations.
The Board has been able to mobilize event sponsors and encourage involvement of volunteers and financial supporters. In November 1998, the Board initiated a volunteer Auxiliary of 35 members to assist with fundraising. The Auxiliary sponsors an Annual Fashion Show Luncheon. In 2000, the Board’s Auxiliary mobilized the Women’s League of Hillsboro Beach to sponsor a fundraising event for the Center’s 20th Anniversary in 2001.
The Board supports the operation of the first five days a week Alzheimer’s and dementia day care and respite programs in Broward County. This Board partnered with the City of Deerfield Beach, State of Florida, Broward County, and Area Agency on Aging to develop an innovative approach to solve a problem and meet a need. This Board expanded its focus to help fundraise and support the Center’s senior, Adult Day Care and Child Care Centers.
The Board continues to support the Center’s services each year with ongoing funding and support. In addition, the Board has pledged $100,000 and its Auxiliary has pledged $30,000 toward the Center’s expansion project for a new Thrift Shop scheduled for completion in 2003. The Board has made a tremendous difference in the daily operations of the Center by providing more than $1 million in financial support and by motivating volunteers to support the Center’s services.
“It’s an honor for the city to have its N.E. Focal Point CASA, Inc. receive a Daily Points of Light Award. This will be a tribute to the 200 volunteers who assist the staff in providing quality services for the Children’s, Alzheimer’s, Senior and Adult programs at N.E. Focal Point,” states Al Capellini, Mayor of Deerfield Beach.
CARRIE ELLIOTT
Carrie Elliott directs a six-year continuing program at her high school’s elementary center, which is directed towards four-year olds. The center utilizes high school students to mentor students in lower grades that are somewhat behind in their class-work. This program enhances the ability of the elementary school teachers to reach more students at risk and prevent others from getting into that category. As the program’s director for the past two years, Carrie has been responsible for planning, direction, scheduling, recruiting, collecting and dissemination of information and trouble- shooting.
In addition, Carrie is a part of the high school Service Program that boasts of a membership of more than 300 students. This program serves as a clearinghouse for agencies and people or groups in need of volunteers for an event or an ongoing short or long-term requirement, taking place throughout the Capital Area of south central Pennsylvania.
Elliott has been an active part of many volunteer programs and organizations. She was a member of the 1999-2001 Service Program Executive Board, assists the student coordinator in achieving the goals and workload of a 300-plus-student roster, and volunteers at the Shalom House, a Jewish soup kitchen for those in need. She collects food at collection points and loads trucks for the South Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, volunteers as a referee for the East Pennsboro Lady’s Soccer League, volunteers for the Wise Ones Program, assists in raising funds for local fire- stations, and is a Playground Pal. In addition, she is a part of the Burst Program Babysitting, a tutor for elementary students, Tri-County Alliance for Youth, Girls State, Girls Nation, school board student representative, student representative on the school district Strategic Planning Committee, Co-President of the Student Council, Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and Senior Class Historian.
Carrie maintains a 96% grade point average and has been honored with many awards. She received 24 various academic awards, scholastic certificates of merit in poetry and certificates for essay writing. She received an honorable mention in the Shippensburg History Day event, was the Outstanding Delegate at the Model United Nations in 1999, and she was the American Legion’s Girls State representative as well as a Pennsylvania Senator at Girls Nation.
Though she is still young, Carrie Elliott has chosen to pursue excellence in all she does. She maintains an outstanding GPA while being in mostly advanced placement courses, and also takes the time to give back to her community and our nation.
INTERGENERATIONAL CHILD CARE CENTER
The Northeast Focal Point Intergenerational Child Care Center was established in 1987 with the intention to house, from 5:30 to 7:30pm, grandchildren of clients who attended the Alzheimer or Adult Day Care facility. It was later realized that this facility would benefit many needs of the surrounding community by providing affordable childcare. This would provide an educational, structured and loving environment for preschoolers, and would encompass the elderly.
The mission of the organization is to promote learning life skills and respect while in a safe, loving and learning environment. While having interaction between the staff, clients and caregivers, the children are able to have daily contact with volunteers from the community. The Foster Grandparent Program provides two foster grandparents who provide four hours of service each day, five days per week through tutoring, reading, and learning letter, shape and number skills. These volunteers range from 15 to 90 years of age.
The Community Apprentice Program (CAP) administered by Deerfield Beach Middle School has allowed students to come to the facility and work with children, adults, and office and maintenance workers. This program enables students to earn money from the grant program as well as learn a profession.
The Teens-At-Risk program is another program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Broward, which allows students to come to the Child Care Center. They learn to interact with the children in the facility and also work for money through a grant.
The Neighborhood Initiative program was established in 1984. It allows students to work throughout the community of Deerfield as well as at Northeast Focal Point Child Care Center. The students are active for four days per week during the summer. For a year, the Wages program of the Broward Urban League has provided some volunteers for the facility. They work for approximately 30 hours per week setting up breakfast and lunch for the children. They also help with the operation of the learning centers and classroom chores.
Another vital program in partnership with the Child Care Center is Broward Grandparents, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program. These caregivers assist teachers and give children extra tender, loving care. They tutor children with problem-solving techniques and building self-esteem.
KENNETH SLAUGHTER
Since January 1997 Kenneth Slaughter has volunteered at Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center where patients deal with the effects of stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. His actions are a shining example of the true spirit of volunteerism, sharing his time and talents to improve the quality of life for patients whose lives have been altered by severe injury or illness. He has brightened the lives of many during the four years he has volunteered there.
Each week Slaughter makes patients’ days better by helping them with meals, pushing wheelchair patients to their therapy sessions, delivering mail and newspapers, celebrating birthdays with patients, visiting, reading, delivering magazines and writing letters for patients. He makes personal connections with patients and keeps up with them, sometimes even after they leave the hospital.
The patient’s needs at the hospital are unique in that patients are there for extended periods to receive therapy. Sometimes they are far from home and family and especially need to know that someone cares for them personally, which Slaughter does. When helping a patient eat he shows with words and body language that it is his privilege to help with this most basic of human needs. It is very hard to receive help sometimes, and a kind, loving person can help that patient see how valuable they are.
Not only does Slaughter directly assist patients, he also does clerical work for staff members so that they can have extra time to spend with patients. He helps with book sales within the hospital to raise funds for the Patient Care Fund, which provides for patients who need financial help. He directs and produces a Satisfaction Survey every six months to get responses about how patients perceive their care at the hospital. He assembles Admission Packets, files, answers the telephone, and runs errands within the hospital. He uses the techniques he used as a college professor, now retired, to motivate patients to go the extra mile in therapy, and helps them see that if they truly want to get better, this is where improvement begins. He does not see any job as insignificant or difficult, he just sees them as necessary to help the staff and patients and performs each task gladly.
Slaughter’s work is not always acknowledged because his deeds of kindness are quietly given. He provides transportation to the bank, post office and other necessary destinations for a disabled individual every week. He delivers meals to shut-ins on a weekly basis. He is actively involved in his local church. He is active in the community and volunteered his services at the Palaces of St. Petersburg event held in Jackson.
GANGS OUT OF DOWNEY (GOOD)
GOOD is the acronym for “Gangs Out Of Downey,” a community-based, pro-active organization. A local business and community member, with the support of the Downey Unified School District, the City of Downey, including the police department, and the Superintendent of Schools, founded Gangs Out Of Downey in 1989.
In 1989, the City of Downey was beginning to see acceleration in crime, particularly gang-related activity. In the late summer of 1989 (a summer in which residents were shocked to see almost all bus benches hit with gang graffiti), Gangs Out Of Downey developed a positive program to eliminate gang activity. All of the local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, Soroptimist), the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors, the school district, local judges, elected officials and community leaders decided to become involved and take back the city.
Gangs Out Of Downey meets on the first Tuesday of every month, sponsors anti-crime activities, including the “10-20” Club, an organized program for “at risk” students between the age of 10 and 20. A former major league baseball player and employee of the Downey Unified School District run the club.
Gangs Out Of Downey also sponsors a community policing program, increased school campus supervision, an after school and summer sports program, and a youth jobs-career program that provides employment for “at risk” students. Gangs Out Of Downey has been featured in the media including CNN television.
Local businessman Phil Presicci teamed up with school board member Betty Ferraro and district officials Edward Sussman and Stan Hanstad to create the community-funded program, which runs on an approximate budget of $30,000.
Through the years, the anti-gang organization has offered counseling to youth and their parents and siblings, free sports and recreation programs for those at risk, and a nationally syndicated gang-prevention program for elementary school children called “Kids on the Block.” GOOD has also issued 25 scholarships, in amounts of $200 per semester, for those who complete its 10-week counseling program and choose to attend a two-year college.
