JACKSON YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

One of the major contributors to students not reaching their potential academically is the lack of one-on-one in reviewing and understanding material covered in classes at school. Many times if a student falls behind in a subject area, without personal attention and encouragement, he will not have the motivation and self-confidence to catch-up. That may result in the student staying behind and even having behavioral problems because of embarrassment when called upon for participation in classes.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Jackson, Inc. is a nonprofit child development agency; therefore, their funds are limited and they are unable to pay staff to provide personalized homework assistance to each child. A committed regular volunteer staff available to work during their special homework assistance time, from 4:30pm – 5:30pm, is an absolute necessity. These hours, however, conflict with most adults work schedules and the schedules of extra-curricular activities of many high school students in the area.

In the fall of 1996 the Jackson Young Lawyers Association, Child Advocacy Committee, had a desire to start a mentoring program with the children of the Jackson metropolitan area. The Boys and Girls Clubs’ need of mentors during the “Power Hour” academic assistance program came to their attention. In the spring semester of 1997, 10 attorneys started working with the children of the Sykes Unit for one hour a week. Before they realized it, the semester was over. The next fall they were able to provide mentors two days a week for one hour and this past fall 28 attorneys participated in the program.

In December of 2000, the reading levels of 88 elementary students and 17 middle school students were tested. Of the 88 elementary students tested, 32 students read at one, two or three levels above their grade level, 41 students were reading at their grade level and only 15 were reading at one or two levels below their grade level.

The Jackson Young Lawyers also support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Jackson materially. The Jackson Young Lawyers sponsored a golf tournament in 1999 and 2000. The tournament raised $3,800 dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Jackson, Inc. in August of 2000. This organization was also pivotal in the establishment of a computer lab at the Sykes Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Jackson by providing eight computers and teaching the club members proper use of the machines.

By their actions and continued commitment to the “Power Hour” program, the Jackson Young Lawyers Association has also shown the children of the Sykes Unit that they are important. This is a tremendous boost to the children’s self-esteem, which in turn affects the community at large.

JEFF SCHIEFELBEIN

As a senior at Texas A&M University, Jeff Schiefelbein created one of the most innovative and effective designated driver programs in the nations. Jeff’s idea for the program began after he received a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) citation in 1997.

Jeff researched other safe-ride programs and began to think of a unique approach that would attract college students. He continued to plan and strategize for about nine months and created CARPOOL – Caring Aggies R Protecting Over Our Lives. Prior to its “kickoff” he collaborated with students, faculty, administration, local authorities, and sponsors to create a network capable of supporting such a task. Jeff spent an average of 60 volunteer hours per week working on CARPOOL, and now, after two years, Jeff has gained the full support and trust of the students and staff at the University.

Each semester, 255 student volunteers make a commitment of their time on weekends to CAR POOL. Before participating, each volunteer member undergoes a 6-hour training program designed by Jeff. It includes alcohol awareness, defensive driving, and first aid. From its inception, it has included both freshmen and upperclassmen in its leadership positions. As Jeff prepares to graduate, there are 20 other experienced student volunteers ready to take over. They will also have the assistance of a 100-page Operational and Risk Management Manual for CARPOOL.

Jeff sponsored sponsors to offset one-half of CARPOOL’s $100,000 annual budget with in-kind donations, including free cell phones, a free apartment for headquarters, discounted rental rates for vehicles, free cable advertising, and free training. He also travels to cities throughout Texas to publicize his cause.

CARPOOL has been an overwhelming success. It is completely student-run, is nonjudgmental, and is available for both intoxicated and sober students in need of a safe ride home. One male and one female volunteer are in each car to assure the safety of the passengers. Rental vehicles are also used so each vehicle is clean, new, and in good repairs. CARPOOL is free to use and it operates from 10 p.m. to 3a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights during the fall and spring semesters. They average 100 safe rides each night. Now, in its fourth semester, CARPOOL has already given over 11,000 safe and sober rides home. For more information on CARPOOL, visit the CARPOOL Web site.

FACILITATING ASSISTANCE IN TRANSITION & HEALING (FAITH)

During the tenure of Warren H. Dolphus, former Supervisory Chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Manchester, Kentucky, a collaborative between various agencies that would aid prior offenders with the transition back into their communities was established – Facilitating Assistance in Transition and Healing, Inc. (FAITH Inc.). FAITH Inc. is a unique and diverse collaboration of federal, state, municipal, faith-based, and grassroots organizations that are committed to programs, projects, and advocacy through volunteerism, community service, and mission driven activities that help prior offenders move into positive roles in their community.

FAITH Inc. is a component of the International Network to Freedom Association (INTFA). The INTFA works together with FAITH Inc. to enforce their educational missions. Both organizations target African American churches and faith-based communities to develop training and specialized programs to uplift and encourage the participants. The programs are designed to motivate and educate pastors, their staff and members on how the church and faith community can work with offenders. As a result of this, the entire community can work together to successfully reintegrate offenders back into their communities.

FAITH Inc. utilizes the successful model of the Underground Railroad. As the Railroad motivated the slaves to freedom, FAITH Inc motivates the offenders to be successful. The model promotes community building, partnership, and networking between various components in society. In addition, it promotes intergenerational learning. The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) is also a contributing partner to FAITH Inc. The NABCJ brings in their specialist from the criminal justice community as well as adult and youth volunteers and victims. All of these entities cooperate to encourage ecumenical cooperation, strength, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

FAITH Inc. is a structured organization brought about to successfully help integrate offenders back into the community. It uses a mixture of African American history, theology, statistics, and facts. Once the participants truly understand the importance of their liberty, FAITH Inc. believes they will continue to resist criminal behavior and recidivism, which will benefit the participants as well as their communities.

ALLAN FOLMAR

During the past 11 years, Allan Folmar has spent every Friday night dedicated to the homeless youth population in King County. He has worked with homeless children and teens, providing them with food, blankets, and referrals to other agencies, friendship, and counseling. He has also been a volunteer chaplain with the County’s Sheriff’s office, as well as with the Renton Police and Fire Departments, the Tukwila Police and Fire Departments, King County Fire District 20 Fire Department, the Boeing Fire Department, and the Sea-Tac Airport Disaster Response Team. There, he aids victims and survivors at accident and crime scenes, provides care and comfort to families of people who have just died, makes difficult death notifications to families, diffuse confrontations, and counsels law enforcement and fire personnel.

Folmar works with the Fishermen’s Club, which just went independent after being under the umbrella of the Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission for many years. Under existing Washington State law, it is difficult for an agency to provide a bed for the night to anyone under the age of eighteen. Folmar and his team see children as young as age ten homeless, so they carry cell phones and referral phone numbers for drug and alcohol intervention agencies and halfway houses. He and his fellow volunteers offer food and blankets along with hope.

The hope that Folmar offers is an opportunity to change their lifestyles. Many of the children who live in the street have been sexually, physically, or verbally abused at home. Others are children whose parents deemed them out-of-control and gave up on them and have had them removed from the home. Allan works to make all the youth feel comfortable. He is a considerate and calm influence to young people who are used to suspicious glances from most adults, hostility, and the danger of the streets.

In addition to volunteering with the street ministry, Folmar works full time as a volunteer chaplain serving as one of the nine volunteer chaplains with the King County Sheriff’s Office, and serving with two other chaplains with the other departments listed above.

COBBTOWN LIONS CLUB

The Cobbtown Lions Club has been in existence for the past 25 years. They have come to the aid of those in Cobbtown and the Tattnall County. They have also been major supporters of many Lions Club causes throughout the world. The Club has given its full cooperation to nearly every project undertaken in Cobbtown since its inception. They have been originators just as supporters.

There are two particular projects that the Lions have initiated, staffed, and financially supported. The Cobbtown Volunteer Fire Department is the first. They completely reorganized with the majority of the volunteer Firemen coming from the Lions Club. The men set up comprehensive training to train all Firemen. This qualified the Town of Cobbtown to lower its fire insurance rates for all citizens. In addition to the lower insurance costs, the reorganization greater enhanced the fire protection for the citizens of the Town along with the north segment of Tattnall County.

The Cobbtown Lions Club also started the Cobbtown Citizen of the Year program. Ten years ago the Club decided to sponsor this event to recognize a citizen who had been committed to public service in the community, which resulted in making the Town a better place to live. The Lions are the sole sponsors and the citizens honored are those who have been stellar volunteers.

Along with the two special programs, the Lions are active in various other ways. They staff a community softball park and assist in traffic control at the annual Christmas parade. Members serve on the hospital Authority, the Tattnall County Chamber of Commerce, and the Bicentennial Committee of the County. In addition to this, the Lions regularly support all sight prevention projects that help those less fortunate.

Since their charter in 1976, the Cobbtown Lions Club has always been active fundraisers. They support their community projects along with others on a national level. Some of the organizations they pledge support to are the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Georgia Lions Eye Bank, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, and LeaderDogs for the Blind, and Lions Clubs International Foundation.

KYLE ALDERSON

Kyle Alderson is an honor student, athlete, Eagle Scout, Black Belt in taekwondo and a community volunteer. Besides organizing blood drives, renovating his church, painting handicapped symbols in parking lots, collecting food for the needy and volunteering at the American Legion Post, Kyle has created and initiated two of his own service projects: READ (Reading Encourages All Dreams) and “Saving Timmy” (A School Bus Awareness Program). Kyle has been instrumental in lighting the flames of community service in youth in Muldrow.

When Kyle became aware that 45 children die and about 8,000 are injured in school bus related accidents each year, he decided to survey 657 students in his district to determine their safety awareness. He found that not one student could ever remember having any school bus safety education. In order to educate the children and parents in his community, Kyle created “Saving Timmy,” which includes a puppet show that tours elementary schools. This puppet show, written by Kyle, features Timmy and his friends who learn about school bus safety along with the children in the audience. The puppeteers are volunteer students who have performed for more than 1,200 students this year.

READ was created when Kyle discovered that only 42% of the adults in his rural community had a high school diploma. Realizing that reading is an essential component of a successful education, Kyle decided to use his own love of reading to combat the graduation problem in the community by creating READ. READ pairs elementary children who struggle with reading with a volunteer high school mentor. These students meet each week at the public library to strengthen reading skills and youth relationships. READ has had a huge impact on the community. In its first year there were 21 mentors and 30 elementary students who directly benefited from READ, and this year the enrollment has significantly increased. The children’s reading scores have improved as high as two letter grades.

Many of the mentors have helped their children deal with issues such as a parent’s death and peer bullying. In addition, the mentors discuss the importance of academics, handling peer pressure and avoiding drug and alcohol abuse with their children. For at least one hour each week the children are pleased to know there is someone who thinks they are special and cares for them. The local library has also benefited from READ. During the spring of 2001, the program was chosen as a national Make a Difference Day Project and the library was the recipient of a $10,000 prize.

Kyle is a role model for children and adults of his community alike. His lifestyle is giving not just the words of his mouth. He has provided his community with numerous projects which they can become involved in and learn to be giving, caring, community members.

COOPERATIVE COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES

The Cooperative Council of Ministries (CcoM) is a coalition of 21 member churches, 52 other churches and community organizations that address many human needs, both local and global. Among their many projects is the Meals Program at the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, which is a homeless shelter in Prince William County, Virginia.

During the late 1980’s, CcoM members approached the county to fund a homeless shelter. Original members were attempting to house the homeless on cots in their own churches. To help the county budget for the 30-bed shelter, CcoM agreed to coordinate, purchase, cook, and serve hot dinners, and provide breakfast and lunch items 365 days a year. The county agreed to provide the building and contract with a nonprofit agency, Volunteers of America Chesapeake, to operate the Center. The Center opened in August of 1990 with a unique three-way partnership that provides several levels of support to an average of 400 homeless men, women, and children annually.

CCoM’s role in providing meals offers the families at the Center an opportunity to interact with community members from various churches on a rotating basis. Churches or organizations accept an assignment of 1 to 7 days of meal preparation annually or several times during the year. During their turn preparing meals, church members often sit and talk with the residents and act as unofficial mentors. As volunteers, they often go above and beyond the Meals Program by helping residents with job and housing leads. Some of the churches also post information about their church and offer transportation to their services.

CCoM volunteers prepare the schedule and distribute it to the meal coordinator of each church or organization. Church representatives meet with the county and nonprofit representatives on a monthly basis. Approximately 30 volunteers per church prepare and serve their scheduled evening meals and provide breakfast and lunch foods for the following day. There are more than 1,300 volunteers that participate in the Meals Program. County budgetary figures estimate the savings to taxpayers, including food and labor, at over $100,000 per year. Leftovers or additional food is taken to a hypothermia shelter that serves men and women during the winter.

CcoM volunteers also assist in a variety of skill-building activities in partnership with Volunteers of America staff. They have computer training for residents, budgeting classes, and they raise funds to benefit the residents. The volunteers also landscape and have created a playground and patio at the Center.

BEATRICE BIGGS PARKER

Beatrice Biggs Parker is a 64-year-old senior citizen living on a fixed income but manages to make dreams come true for sick and dying people. To date, Beatrice has given aid to 20 children and 3 adults.

Parker did not have her program officially documented, but she continued working to make dreams come true from 1988 through 2001. A Charlotte attorney heard about her volunteer service and waived his $1000 fee and helped her establish her nonprofit organization, “Touching Foundation.”

Parker looks to the community to give support to the Touching Foundation, also. She works with churches and other programs to provide love. During the holidays, Parker works to find terminally ill children who have final wishes. She then provides them with early Christmas gifts.

Parker works with Consumer Casket Company in Charlotte. Many of the terminally ill do not have insurance to cover burial expenses. She works with the casket company and the family to secure a donation deal to ensure that the patient may be buried. Because of her work with the casket company, they now go out and seek families who do not have the means to bury their loved ones.

Three years ago, Parker wanted to do something different for her own birthday. Instead of throwing herself a party, she contacted an area nursing home and asked for a resident who had no family or friends. She purchased a gown, housecoat, and bedroom shoes for the resident. She celebrated by sharing and caring for someone else.

INTERPLAST, INC.

Interplast, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that sends medical volunteers to developing countries to provide free reconstructive surgeries for children in need. Some of the children have cleft lips, a cleft palate, or sever burn injuries. Interplast also provides instruction for local doctors and nurses in advanced surgical techniques and patient care. This helps these professionals improve their continued medical care in their country and for their country’s citizens.

Interplast’s mission is to provide reconstructive surgeries for people in developing nations and to help improve health care worldwide. The organization’s goals are to establish, develop, and maintain host-country, domestic-patient, and educational programs with several objectives. They want to provide direct patient care, which consists of reconstructive surgery and ancillary services to those with no other resources. They also work to provide educational training and medical interchange along with assisting host-country medical colleagues toward medical independence. In addition, Interplast enables recipients of care to become providers of care to new sites.

Interplast maintains no political or religious affiliations. Sensitivity to, and respect for, other cultures pervades the philosophy of Interplast. It also deeply influences the manner in which they conduct themselves as ambassadors of hope and a future to men, women, and children in need.

CHARLES BROWN, JR.

Charles Brown, Jr., better known as Charlie Brown, has been more than a faithful volunteer for two years. He was first recruited by VISTA volunteer, Cindy Graham, on October 7, 1999. He is always on time for his weekly date. Every Wednesday, Brown arrives at Mt. Olivet Elementary School at 12:25pm to meet his first student of the day, Paige. Paige is a first grader who was struggling academically. Brown and Paige go to their usual place in the library to work on spelling, phonics and reading. They spend 30 minutes enjoying the time, memories and, of course, learning experience.

Brown does not stop there, after working with Paige. Brittany is eagerly waiting. Brown spends another 30 minutes helping Brittany. Although also a first grader, Brittany is not struggling but requires extra motivation and constant reassurance to succeed, which Brown is willing and able to give.

There is an entire class of 18 students waiting for “Charlie time.” Brown works with the kindergarten class differently. A lot of spice is added to the presentation to stimulate interest for these little ones. Brown has formed an interest in riddles and in their learning minds. The riddles may seem entertaining, but they get little minds turning.

Brown has single-handedly made noticeable improvements in a kindergarten class and two first grade students. Will they remember Brown as the man in the wheelchair? No, he is the man that changed their way of thinking, learning and seeing people that are different. In the past school year and part of the current school year, Brown has encouraged children with more than 28 weekly visits worth of reading, spelling, phonics, riddles, friendship and more! How fortunately Mt. Olivet Elementary School is to have Charles “Charlie” Brown as one of its America Reads volunteers.