LEE COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Lee County Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a community based 501(c)(3) organization established in July 1996. Governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, with each director representing various communities geographically located within Lee County. The mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents by stimulating training, employment opportunities and increasing business activities, which lead to self-sufficiency. The vision is a unified county working together to create diversified economic activity within a globally competitive market.

The programs and activities adopted by Lee County CDC have assisted the organization to fulfill its goals to build the community and the Lower Mississippi Delta Region, focusing on building the leadership capacity of area youth. Lee County has been ranked among the 20 poorest counties in the nation. Most of its constituencies are low-income families that have been historically deprive or disconnected from the general community. The Lee County CDC offers assistance in affordable housing opportunities, technology training, and small business development opportunities. Lee County CDC serves as a training site for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and AmeriCorps services.

Lee County CDC youth volunteers assist community members obtain the tools needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Corp members and community youth are involved in all aspects of the organization’s programmatic activities offered to the community residents. These activities include serving as community outreach workers who inform the community of the programs and activities available. Other programmatic activities include the housing programs in which several AmeriCorps members have served as volunteers in the complex process of assisting low-income families and individuals to construct their homes in the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program and assisting applicants in completing their housing applications for mortgage loans.

The technology training programs have served as a valuable asset for the community and the entire region. Local youth have received training, which allows them to serve as technology coaches in the community technology centers. The most recent program involved training AmeriCorps members to repair computers and host community technology literacy training sessions.

To date the Lee County CDCs housing programs have succeeded in assisting more than 40 families in Lee County to realize their dream of homeownership and building wealth in local communities. The Business Development and Technology programs have assisted hundreds of individuals to improve or enhance their skills to allow them to obtain jobs or start businesses making livable wages to support their families.

Lee County CDC recently received an award from Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and Fannie Mae Foundation for “Outstanding Achievements of a Young CDC.” The Board of Directors and staff members attribute the organization’s success, in part, to the support and assistance received from the young community volunteers. The efforts of these volunteers help to make a positive impact on local communities and the Delta Region.

JAMES JOHNSON-2

Since 1975, through associations like Pop Warner Football, Boy’s Club League, and South Central Athletic, James Johnson has served as coach, friend and mentor to many young men in the Dallas area.

Johnson’s work focuses on inner-city youth growing up in impoverished, sometimes violent areas of the metroplex. The boys witness drug deals and violence in their neighborhoods on a regular basis and the challenge is to help them overcome the obstacles and find a path to a better way of life.

He strives to provide a safe place for the children, ranging from 4 to 12 years old, to spend their time and to serve as a stable, consistent adult role-model to them as well. Johnson and his team of volunteer coaches work to teach more than 80 boys a year individual responsibility, teamwork and dedication.

To the young men, Johnson’s mentoring has a tremendous personal impact, giving them hope, dignity, guidance and inspiration. His success stories include:

• The first African-American to quarterback at Rice University
• Four college graduates, two of which became Dallas Police Officers and two that were drafted by the National Football League
• Three young men that have returned to Dallas to give back to the community by working for the Dallas Housing Authority, assisting as a coach and mentor, and studying to become a minister

Currently serving as President and Athletic Director of the South Central Athletic Association’s West Dallas Vikings, Johnson organizes fundraisers, manages funds and heads up the Rules Committee to ensure that players and coaches have the equipment and fees necessary to keep their teams on the field and off the streets.

Johnson has a philosophy in that he does not ask that the mountains in his way be moved, he asks only for the strength to climb them. He works tirelessly to make that philosophy a reality for both himself and all of the young people he encounters.

B. ALMA HYATT

In November of 1994, William and Alma Hyatt moved into their new San Antonio, Texas home. By 1997, what had been a lovely neighborhood of modest homes built in the mid-seventies, had become a deteriorating sub-division, strewed with old cars and stacks of trash. Family violence calls, curb side drug paraphernalia and gun shots were everyday occurrences.

Alma Hyatt was determined that she wasn’t going to be run out of her home. She survived hardships back in the seventies–a single mother of four, working as an Army dental assistant. Two of her daughters are educators, one with a Ph.D. in education running an elementary school and another teaching at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Her son, a contractor in Austin, builds big houses and her youngest daughter, 37, is graduating from medical school in Galveston in May 2001.

Hyatt decided to help the San Antonio Police Department call in emergencies. She wanted to do more and after taking some advice from her SAFFE officer, Bill Campbell, she sent out flyers, to her own expense, to her surrounding neighbors and the first meeting of Sierra North Citizens On Alert was held. Under Hyatt’s direction, what was a hand full of neighbors, has turned into a SAFFE Program with 100 members and 25 plus active monthly volunteers covering 900 homes. Her program includes monthly meetings, street patrolling, telephone check in for the shut-in and a newsletter.

Hyatt has also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, NESA, the nutrition center for GRASP, and she reads a blind professor his mail. At least once a day, she takes meals to a couple in their 70s with no local family. The man has lost both of his legs to diabetes, and the woman has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Due to Hyatt’s perseverance with phone calls, the neighbor with MS receives her $900 per month medicine for free.

The sub-division is now in compliance with all the city ordinances, the elderly and disabled neighbors are assisted, and the “crack houses” are gone. At 68, Hyatt’s health issues have not stopped her from lending a helping hand. She says she feels “pretty good” as her Hansen Disease has been in remission for at least 20 years.

JIM AMOS

Many think that James (Jim) Amos, volunteer extraordinaire of Kalamazoo, Michigan, should be cloned. He is an example of how one person’s unselfish volunteer spirit can positively impact a community and its citizens.

Following his retirement in the early 1990’s, Amos developed new skills in video production. This is one senior citizen who embraced technology and used his life experiences to develop programs cablecast to more than 60,000 households. He answered the need for someone to film and edit both events and personalities at the local cable access station and, over the years, became the station’s most ardent volunteer producer, instructor, and supporter. Last year along, Amos averaged a 40-hour volunteer workweek, which is equivalent to $30,846.40 worth of time.

Amos’ volunteer service is vast and far-reaching. As a member of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), he has created videos to attract seniors as volunteers. He has videotaped weekly meetings for the City Commission, which has enabled many citizens who have difficulty getting around, the opportunity to keep in touch with local government. He has presided on the Shepherds Center Board of Directors, as well as on the Board of the Kendall United Methodist Church. He has served as a representative for the Boy Scouts of America, and has provided pastoral counseling to hospital patients and inmates of the Ionia Prison.

Amos has produced videos to promote public awareness of nonprofits and highlighted their volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. He also has greeted visitors at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and served on the RSVP Advisory Council where he was instrumental in recruiting and mobilizing retirees interested in a “second career.”

Amos brings community events into the homes of many who would be denied the experience due to low income, disabilities, frail health, or time constraints. He tapes performances of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, city parades, the Kalamazoo International Air Show and Kalamazoo Sings out, to name a few. He produces educational shows on such topics as Living Wills, Eating Smart, Safety Tips for Seniors, Alzheimer’s, Understanding Prescriptions and Grandparents’ Rights. His tireless contribution to his community is particularly impressive considering that he has had to overcome complications from several heart attacks.

Jim Amos is a senior citizen that is living a rich, full life of constant learning. His service has not only contributed to the overall well being of the people in Kalamazoo County, but his motivation, energy, and unselfishness has inspired his peers and youth to give of themselves to their community.

JESSICA FRIEDER

Jessica Frieder has spent more than 1,250 hours the past two years working with at-risk youth at a local service agency while attending Allegheny College as a full-time student. She has completed her two AmeriCorps terms working part-time at Friends of Youth, an organization whose primary goal is to prevent first time involvement of at-risk youth with the court system and to reduce the recidivism rate for those already involved. Jessica has mentored youth, organized and facilitated anger management sessions, supervised court-sanctioned service, organized field trips and events, tutored youth on suspension, and coordinated weekly bowling trips.

Jessica has developed an excellent rapport with the kids; she “gives respect and demands respect” from the stereotypically untrusting and challenging population. Because of her tough, but approachable demeanor, she has earned the respect of many of the kids. Many of them have opened up to her about risky behaviors such as sex and drugs and Jessica has worked on helping to develop more self-respect, and has empowered them to change their behavior. Jessica was responsible for running the Youth Garden this past summer, a responsibility that the agency supervisor has previously never entirely handed over to anyone. She worked with students to plant, weed, and harvest pumpkins and other vegetables as cash crops.

One aspect of Jessica’s role that makes all her work quadruple is how effective she has been as a liaison with Allegheny College. She has recruited, oriented, and trained numerous students to mentor, tutor, and help organize events. This link with Allegheny has equaled positive role models for kids involved with the court system or at-risk youth heading that way. The relationships that have developed because of her involvement with Friends of Youth make a large difference, for the kids and for the Allegheny volunteers. Jessica’s impact as a role model extends past the kids and to the other Allegheny students. She introduces generally mid- to high-income college students to walks of life that they may never have seen.

Jessica’s investment in helping others is apparent in her additional service activities the past three years. She has taught GED Science class through the Crawford County READ Program, gone on an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Atlanta working in shelters and soup kitchens, traveled to Jamaica for two weeks the past two Januarys on a mission trip, and has been a member of her sorority’s Philanthropy Committee. She continues to work with youth at Friends and is dedicated to her role as an advocate for the organization and the kids on campus.

Jessica’s AmeriCorps package included $5,300 in compensation and education awards of $3,127.50. Her compensation has been minimal compared to what she has given of herself and her dedication has gone beyond the expectations of students in these AmeriCorps positions. Jessica’s agency supervisor, Nancy Overman, has an immense respect for Jessica’s abilities and is actively recruiting her for positions after graduation working with at-risk youth in the area.

JUNE PERRY

Success comes in many forms and is measured in many ways, but making a difference in people’s lives is a significant universal standard. For 25 years, June Perry has succeeded in mentoring inner-city men and women with few life choices to become competent, self-sufficient members of society.

In 1975, Perry and co-founder Geri McFadden created New Concept Self Development Center Inc., after recognizing a significant need for social services in Milwaukee’s inner-city. Through its programs, services and supportive staff, Perry and McFadden have encouraged many people to complete their education, open businesses or gain meaningful employment. New Concept offers an extensive list of social services, including parenting skills training for teen parents, comprehensive case management and in-home parenting assistance, first-time juvenile offender prevention and intervention, and AODA assessment and role modeling and group work services.

New Concepts’ George M. Sanders Fathers Resource Center mentors fathers, teaches them parenting skills, helps them in job searches and assists in establishing paternity and visitation rights. The center is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in the nation, and has encouraged many young men to mentor their peers to become better parents.

Today New Concept boasts an annual operating budget of more than three-million dollars, compared to its first operating budget of 35-thousand dollars.

New Concept celebrated its 25th anniversary in the year 2000. Having grown from an outpatient mental health clinic, to a multi-service agency, serving thousands of families and children, and employing more than 65 social workers, New Concept will continue its mission to help make people self-sufficient.

Perry has established the Enrichment Institute with funds received from her participation in a national social entrepreneurship program called the Denali Initiative, established by the Denali Institute. The Enrichment Institute assists charter schools and other organizations in developing social services for their staff and clients.

Perry’s social-minded entrepreneurship demonstrates how success can be found in unexpected places, through creative strategy and business acumen.

ELDER SERVICES NETWORK

The Iron Range of Minnesota has once again suffered a setback with the closing of the iron mines, the major employers in the area. Because of this, other businesses have closed, also. Many younger family members have left the area seeking employment, or intend to.

This leaves many of the frail and elderly in the community without grocery stores in their towns. Many have no way to get to the larger communities to get food as they no longer drive and have no one to assist them. The social system is already burdened with requests for assistance, so solutions had to be found within the affected communities.

Recognizing this, the Elder Services Network has coordinated volunteers to shop and deliver food weekly in six Iron Range communities. The senior calls the order to the office where volunteers write it up and fax it to the participating stores. Then, ESN finds volunteers to shop the following day and deliver to the seniors. The senior will mail their checks directly to the store so the volunteer does not have that responsibility. ESN also provides a daily telephone reassurance call to those requesting it. These things enable the seniors to remain in their own homes longer.

Volunteers come from all avenues in the communities. Many are retired persons themselves. More and more young professionals are responding to this need. Even delivering when it is 20 degrees below zero. Also, students from Student Learning Classes and honor students have responded to this need. The past year, 156 volunteers delivered 1,265 grocery orders to seniors in Gilbert, Eveleth, Virginia, Mountain Iron, Chisholm and Hibbing. The list of seniors grows weekly. To date there are 118 taking advantage of this volunteer service. There is never a charge for the seniors.

This organization also works to bring the younger seniors into the Senior Centers. They find volunteers to teach the computer skills they need to access the Internet. They can job search, trace ancestors, join other seniors in conversation, join recipe and card clubs, or keep in touch with children and grandchildren. The response to the computer classes has been great. Seniors from 50 to 90 feel they can be in touch with the world.

NOS AMIS/CHILDREN HELPING POOR AND HOMELESS PEOPLE

Founded in 1987, Nos Amis/Our Friends, Inc., Children Helping Poor and Homeless People (CHPHP) is an educational outreach program conducted by children and teens with adult advisors. CHPHP community service/service learning programs now involve thousands of young people and adults in direct hands-on programs to help end hunger, poverty and homelessness in California and Oregon.

Through the Monday CHPHP Route for Homeless People in Los Angeles, California, CHPHP encourages young people, their families and schools, scout troops, and businesses to run drives for canned and packaged foods, toiletries and needed items. During the Welcome Orientation Meeting at the CHPHP Storage Area issues of hunger, poverty and homelessness are discussed and all questions are answered.

The donations and food purchased from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank are sorted and assembled into grocery lunch bags, gift bags and survival kits by the young people. During the Moment’s Meeting, the CHPHP Rules are discussed and jobs are assigned. CHPHP Coordinators accompany the young people and adult volunteers to several pre-designated locations where they hand the prepared items directly to children, teens and adults in need.

CHPHP is a partner with the Santa Monica/Malibu School District, the Beverly Hills School District in addition to hundreds of public and private school contacts from pre-schools to the university level.

Ongoing CHPHP programs include Outreach for People, Adopt A Family Program, Adopt A Teen Program, Rent Supplement Program, Fund for People In Need, Animal Outreach, Thanksgiving In a Box Program, Transitional Counseling, the Speaker’s Bureau and Community Picnic and Softball Games.

All CHPHP programs are free and open to the public. Funding for CHPHP comes from an anonymous donor, Wells Fargo Bank, Toyota Motor Corporation, Dora Freeman Levit Fund for People, FEMA, The Dermologica Foundation, The Entertainment Foundation, The Aaron and Rochel Meyer Foundation and individuals, young and old. CHPHP works with government agencies, social service agencies and homeless shelters to increase effectiveness and to avoid duplication of efforts.

CHPHP has been featured on CNN, NBC-4, Nickelodeon in connection with “The Big Help,” TNN, many radio programs and in numerous print media.

CHPHP has been honored with a 2001 Education and Advocacy Award from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, a 1999 Citationist for the President’s Service Award, “Outstanding Local Group” by USA Today and the Points of Light Foundation in connection with National Make a Difference Day and by the Points of Light Volunteer Center of Los Angeles.

COLORADO VINCENTIAN VOLUNTEERS

Bill and Mary Frances Jaster founded the Colorado Vincentian Volunteer (CVV) program in 1995. Their goal was to create a program where young people learn to live in solidarity with the poor, and obtain spiritual growth while working to alleviate poverty. The program lasts eleven months and takes from eight to 12 volunteers a year. In its sixth year of operation CVV currently has 12 volunteers who live communally and work full time at various community service projects. The Jasters match volunteers with a program in the area of their specific interests while assuring that each volunteer has a separate project. This, coupled with the communal aspect of the program, teaches the volunteers from a wide range of experiences.

The volunteers work in a variety of social service programs. Current volunteers work at hospitals, schools, programs that teach anger and conflict management, battered women shelters, homeless shelters, subsidized housing project, ESL and GED programs, and day shelter for women and children. During its six years of existence, CVV volunteers have worked with more than 30 different organizations in the metro-Denver area, addressing issues of poverty and social need from many different angles.

In addition to providing much needed help to social welfare programs the CVV program also intends to create an awareness in its volunteers of poverty and its effects on individuals and families. Having this awareness is an important step in dealing with these issues. The program creates awareness through weekly reflection and discussion nights (followed by mass), community action days, and five retreats to help the volunteer process and evaluate their work, learn from each other’s experiences, and continue in their spiritual growth.

Community action days fall on the third Friday of every month. During the first half of the program they focus on all of the volunteers convening together at each of their placement sites to either learn about the program or assist with a project or action. After all of the sites have been visited, community action day become a day for the CVV volunteers to help out in the community, through activities such as cleaning up parks and streets, and distributing meals at a food kitchen.

The CVV volunteers have their room and board provided for them and receive a stipend of $75 per month. The CVV program is under the AmeriCorps umbrella, as such volunteers receive the AmeriCorps education award of $4,750 upon the completion of their service.

The Conflict Center (TCC) currently has its fifth CVV volunteer in service. Throughout the years CVV volunteers have been a valuable resource to TCC. They have taught, assisted with program, led and help organize an after-school program, and lent a hand whenever needed.

The Colorado Vincentian Volunteer program addresses issues of education, violence in schools and society in general, homelessness, health care, child abuse, spouse battering, illiteracy, affordable housing and more. This is done through the work of the participants, who learn lessons and values that not only benefit them, but all of humanity as a whole.

THE PASCO ANGELS

Three employees of the Pasco County Survey and Mapping Department originally formed the Pasco Angels in 1997. They enlisted the aid of their families and other employees to assist them in their mission of the production of holiday baskets, with some of “the smells” of Christmas for the elderly home bound and those with special needs. Today the group consists of approximately 100 associates.

Baskets are lined with greenery, tissue paper and allspice. The contents of the baskets are items which can not be purchased with food stamps such as: toilet paper, personal grooming aids, socks, playing cards, puzzle books and small packages of Kleenex. Donated cards and envelopes produce stationary packages with the business and medical community supplying items such as pens and notepads. Hotel soaps, shampoos, etc. and cosmetic samples are also included. This year 300 handmade sewing kits and wrapped paperback books were also included. An annual hand painted ornament was included with each basket.

The basket contents generally require one year to compile with donations being received throughout the year. Baskets are cleaned and/or painted with additional baskets purchased throughout the year as well. Socks are folded in groups of two pairs and banded with a ribbon. Men and ladies underwear are wrapped or banded with a ribbon. Special wrapping is given to pantyhose, pajamas, or specialty items. Donated stationery is wrapped with lace doilies and ribbon and a pen is placed within a bag and heat shrunk.

In March, a theme is decided and ornaments (330 or so) are painted/made for the year by (Mrs. Henry Ford) one angel who is paralyzed on one side. Last year one angel Mrs. Mary De Rossett prepared 300 or so sewing kits. Dish garden pots are purchased or donated and the plants are transplanted to pots in October. In November, a yard sale is held to help purchase the carnations for the live flower arrangements. The greenery for the arrangements is made from Christmas tree clippings at numerous Christmas tree sale sites. No salary is paid or awarded.

While this is a local grassroots activity, inquiries from churches and other counties have been made. Generally exchange students from Germany assist and this year, Interact Club of Ridgewood High School assisted. They have been acknowledged by the Board of County Commissioners for their work and were pleased to have one of the County Commissioners, Pat Mulieri Ed PHD, assist them this year in the assembly of the baskets.

In 1998, 133 baskets, 30 fresh flower arrangements and 20 dish gardens or decorated plants were submitted to Elderly Nutrition. In 1999, 316 baskets, 112 fresh flowers arrangements, 20 artificial flower arrangements, and 62 plants/dish gardens were submitted. In 2000, 400+ baskets, 225 fresh flowers arrangements, 12 arrangements of centerpieces and wreaths and 26 dish garden were delivered to the Elderly Nutrition program. Some of the Angels also delivered the products to the homebound clients of the program. When the assembly angels reached 60, the program had to expand to a larger facility, that of the Elderly Nutrition Site. In the past the assembly process was performed in a garage and driveway.

Every year one floral arrangement is placed on the doorstep of an elderly couple on Christmas Eve with a card saying “Believe.” This year the arrangement was changed and said “To: You, From: Pass It On.”