HOSPICE OF VOLUSIA/FLAGLER KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS

After developing policies and procedures and conducting additional volunteer training, the Kitchen Volunteer Program at the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler became a reality. The volunteers have been serving Hospice of Volusia/Flagler for two years and log in an average of 500 hours of service per month.

Service is their motto as well as their goal. During fiscal 1998, 44 kitchen volunteers logged in an access of 6055 hours. They surpassed those hours in 1999 and gave more than 6,200 hours of service to the Hospice.

In the fall of 1997, a small group of volunteers approached the volunteer coordinator. They felt that they could recruit additional volunteers and take complete responsibility for the patient related dietary service at the Hospice. These volunteers developed a budget, recruited a volunteer to do grocery shopping twice and week, and learned to puree, garnish and present an appealing meal tray. They set high standards for themselves and are still exceeding those standards today.

The kitchen volunteers received compliments from the family members of the patients and the family members. They prepared many special anniversary and birthday dinners. When one of the patients has a sudden craving for any special food, the volunteers do whatever is necessary to meet that request. The volunteers work together to bring the highest level of quality to one area that the patient and family can continue to control as long as they desire.

They made a commitment to improve the quality of the meals being served and to lighten the workload of the clinical staff. The volunteers exemplify a special kind of caring that Hospice of Volusia/Flagler represents. Daily, they prepare homemade soups and desserts to please the patients.

Most of the Kitchen Volunteers are involved in other service activities including Meal On Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Council on Aging, Volusia County Library and Halifax Hospital. Through their service, the volunteers have a new respect for the power of people working together to achieve a common goal. They realized that volunteers can and will accept as much responsibility as paid staff is willing to give them. During its two years of existence, the group has saved the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler over $100,000 in payroll expenses.

It is common to have volunteer participation in dietary departments. However, it is unprecedented for volunteers to be entirely responsible for the operation of the dietary department. The Kitchen Volunteers at Hospice of Volusia/Flagler take great pride in their work and are very proud to be of service to their fellow man.

@NGELWISH

@ngelwish was founded by Shimmy Mehta in November of 1999. The mission of the organization was to address two important social needs: providing philanthropic opportunities for busy individuals and helping children living with AIDS/HIV, while simultaneous

ANGELWISH

Angelwish was founded by Shimmy Mehta in November of 1999. The mission of the organization was to address two important social needs: providing philanthropic opportunities for busy individuals and helping children living with AIDS/HIV, while simultaneous

NETTIE REYNOLDS

Nettie Reynolds has had a distinguished volunteer career that spans more than 30 years. Her first service opportunity was as a teen member of the Civil Defense League. Growing up in Colorado, rural town values and ethics provided the foundation for her giving spirit. As a mother, volunteering earned her the gratitude and respect of the community.

Reynolds earned the Silver Beaver Award from Boy Scouts of America after 14 years of dedicated service. She was also a 4-H Foods and Clothing leader for five years, a home demonstrator for eight years, a member of the Eagle Valley High School Accountability Committee for six years, and a member of the Eagle Flight Days Committee for nine years.

After her children became adults, Reynolds’ life as a volunteer assumed a faster pace. Her primary interest was to serve her community through emergency services, and in 1969, she organized the town of Gypsum’s Ladies’ Volunteer Fire Department. She arranged training for 32 women, who, for the next 15 years responded to all structural fires, vehicle accidents, medical and wild land fire emergencies. She held the position of Fire Chief for many years. While active in the Volunteer Fire Department, she was also Assistant Fire Chief and Safety Officer but retired in 1997. She continues to support them as Treasurer of the department’s Auxiliary and as president of the pension board.

In 1974, Reynolds became the third person in Eagle County to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). For many years, she was also a volunteer and managed and ran emergency medical calls with the Western Eagle County Ambulance District. Since the mid-1990s, she has been active in many health care organizations and emergency medical service agencies. She is a member of the High Country Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. They provide debriefing services to a five-county region in northern Colorado, and she debriefed emergency workers following the Columbine High School disaster. She also trained to serve on the national CISM team and is an advisor to the board of directors for Colorado West Counseling Service.

Reynolds’ volunteer resume is extensive and also includes service with the Western Eagle County Ambulance District board of directors, Mountain Hospice, Eagle County Coordinator for the American Red Cross for the Western Colorado Chapter, Senior Advisor for the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, the Alpine Council on Aging, and the Colorado Division of Insurance Counselor for Medicare and Medicaid. In her “spare time,” Nettie Reynolds visits with 20 to 30 seniors and disabled community persons monthly. She provides them with attention, runs errands, and makes them feel loved.

CRAWFORD COUNTY VFW POST 4549 & LADIES’ AUXILIARY

Rural communities do not boast of busy streets, subways and a fast paced life. They do offer the tranquility and peacefulness of home. The Crawford County VFW Post 4549 and Ladies’ Auxiliary is located in rural Robinson, Illinois. They are a diamond in the eyes of their community and always strive to make their rural town a better home for all.

Both the men and women of the VFW Post 4549 are quite active in their community. Last year, this organization provided almost 5,000 hours and $50,000 towards volunteer services alone. The projects they undertake range from very simple to very large in scope. They get joy when they touch large numbers and that is done quite often through fundraising. One of the most outstanding projects has been to raise funds and labor to renovate the old depot adjacent to the Post and turn it into a Railroad Museum. This was an ongoing project for several years, and the doors to the facility opened for tourism this past spring.

The Post is one of the few in the state who are willing to provide military funeral detail for any veteran’s family who requests it, free of charge. Many times the details are scheduled several times a week all over the area, but the 4549 is up to that task. In addition to this, they were able to obtain grants and funds to purchase tow new vans to transport area veterans to and from VA hospitals at no cost to the veterans. The vans are out five days a week.

Crawford County VFW Post 4549 is also dedicated to teaching patriotism and civic responsibility to America’s youth. They have the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Awards, the Youth Essay Awards, and other individual scholarships provided by the Post. The men and women of the VFW invite the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to participate in their “Make A Difference Day” and Americanism projects. The members take time to go into the classroom to speak to students about veterans. They also supply classroom and outdoor flags. Bicycle Safety and Drug Awareness programs are conducted annually for the children throughout the county.

The scope of the VFW’s service also touches the seniors of the community also. Annually, both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are prepared and provided for seniors and low-income families as well. They also sponsor an annual blood drive.

The volunteer activities of the Crawford County VFW Post 4549 and Ladies’ Auxiliary have touched numerous lives over the years. These selfless men and women make it a priority daily to serve those in their community. No need is too small in their eyes and each task is done with care and compassion.

ROBERT PICKRELL

Judge Robert Pickrell was born in Arizona and has spent most of his life serving the state in a professional manner and in the capacity of a volunteer. He was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1949, and his busy professional career would fill the lives of most people; but not Judge Pickrell. He realizes the tremendous outcry for help and answers the call daily.

Judge Pickrell took and active role in setting up a free legal services program at The Salvation Army for clients involved in two drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs and individuals in a family homeless shelter. He takes a personal interest in each individual and follows each case through until he is satisfied that all issues have been addressed. Many of the clients in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs have been caught up in the legal system and cannot afford the necessary legal assistance that would aid then in navigating the system. Limited resources prevent them from having the necessary assistance. In addition to that, lack of knowledge or fear of setting appointments stands in their way. The clients are working so hard to survive that seeking legal advice cannot be a priority – paying utility bills and keeping their families fed is more important.

Judge Pickrell has worked diligently on custody issues, DUI charges, and repeated offenses for driving on suspended license. Many clients who utilize the legal services and have substance abuse problems have their licenses revoked. Because they need to continue to work and get to the store, they continue to drive. The Judge answers questions and gives advise. He has even assisted an attorney that was disbarred with his legal issues and helped to have him reinstated into the bar.

The Judge began the program alone, but has recruited five other volunteers. He still continues to volunteer two days a week. During the eight years that he has been involved with the Salvation Army, Judge Pickrell has assisted more than 3,100 clients. He has given over 2,900 hours of service and as a volunteer; he has saved over $41,470. His value as an attorney is quite a bit more, estimated at $435,000.

Though the Judge is retired, he continues to share his knowledge and experience whenever he can. He is an outstanding volunteer that serves a part of the population many people choose to turn away from. It appears to be no end to his commitment and willingness to help those in need.

ROLINDA HILL

Rolinda Hill has been an advocate for her Harlem community. She has taken a major interest in her city since she was a teenager. As a youth, she tutored children so they would be better equipped for life. She wanted to foster in them a love of reading and writing as strong as her own. She has continued her volunteer service as an adult. She began work with tenants’ rights since new building owners were taking over several deteriorated apartment complexes in the community. She was concerned that the neglected buildings would stay in their same condition of disrepair or be renovated and become high priced and not available to the present tenants.

Hill’s concern led her to be an advocate of elderly members of the community as well as families with young children. Though the New York City Housing Department owns most of the buildings, they are a tough group to “take on” and communicate with as well. Even so, Hill created a Task Force that works with the department in ensuring the protection of those tenants. Her hard work paid off, and the result of the dedication was renovated building with the tenants remaining in their renovated homes. In addition to that, a new park will soon be erected on the block where another decrepit building once stood.

Hill was energized by her success and continued to keep the community together. She now holds an Annual Block Fair, which provides fun and also invites helpful community organizations that cater to the young and old. A mobile health vehicle is there to test for TB. There is also a youth van that offers family planning and education on sexually transmitted diseases. In addition to this, there is private HIV testing.

Hill has used her diplomacy to also promote literacy in her community which has always been her concern. She recognizes that knowledge empowers and literacy is at the base of learning. She is a learning leader and tutors children in PS 197 in District 5 in Harlem. She also has obtained training from Harlem Reads/ Harlem Writes so she can provide parents with literacy skills to help themselves as well as their children.

Rolinda Hill is an excellent reprsentation and product of New York City. Her love of her city has caused her to dedicate herself to give back. Her concerns and passionate work has ranged from the young to the old. Regardless of the scope, she has definitely made a positive impact for many in the Big Apple.

YSC EARTH FORCE

Youth Services Charleston (YSC) and the national Earth Force organization formed a long-term partnership in March of 1998. Both partners wanted to expand opportunities for local youth to become actively involved in environmental problem solving. Each Earth Force site implements Community Action and Problem Solving (CAPS) programs. They are self-sustaining entities responsible for recruiting and training educators for the program, building a local Youth Advisory Board and Community Advisory Board, as well as fundraising, media outreach and anything else necessary to keep the local nonprofit sustainable for the long-term.

The Charleston area has many schools participating in the YSC Earth Force. The program reaches to Alice Birney Middle, Archibald Rutledge Academy, Ashley River Creative Arts, Bell Hall Elementary, Brentwood Middle, Buist Academy, Burke, CE Williams Middle, Clark Academy, Drayton Hall Middle, Hunley Park Elementary, Jennie Moore Elementary, Morningside Middle, Charles Pickney Elementary, Rivers Middle, Springfield Elementary, Sullivan’s Island Elementary, Trident Academy and Wando High. Children at all of these schools as well as administrators, parents and community members are affected by the work of YSC.

YSC Earth Force CAPS participants are provided with professional development, classroom support, resources, materials, and special opportunities. They are successful in connecting classrooms with the community and make their staff accessible for on-going support. The CAPS program itself is an excellent example of interdisciplinary education. The materials are well written, easy to follow and clearly aligned with educational standards. They involve the students with real-world experiences and high-level problem solving.

YSC Earth Force students have been involved in several important issues. Over the past two years, fifth grade students at Belle Hall Elementary School worked to get a bike bath built on the new Cooper River Bridge, created native plant gardens, designed an environmentally sound classroom, and addressed the declining pelican population on a barrier island. The students at Springfield Elementary worked to make Springfield a “green school.” They have saved the local declining swordfish population, developed good land-use plans for a local community, created a wetland habitat and educational center, coordinated a household hazardous waste education and recycling fair, and protected local endangered species habitat. Students at Rivers Middle School, an inner city school, addressed the issue of vacant lots and abandoned houses in the neighborhoods adjacent to their school. They presented their recommendations to the city council and continue to educate local officials on the issue of neglected properties in an effort to eliminate the eyesores and health hazards they present.

Though the YSC Earth Force is based in Charleston, their impact has reached as far as Washington, DC where they were able to present some of their findings about the declining swordfish population at a national press conference. YSC has enabled the Mayor of Charleston to reach one of his goals of training youth and educators in the civic process and providing them with the tools and support needed to make a lasing change in Charleston. By igniting the voices of the young people and taking civic action in their city, YSC Earth Force ensures that Charleston has capable and compassionate leaders now and in the future.

BRUCE GRIFFITHS

Across America, caring adults are involved in efforts to foster literacy among at-risk children. While not minimizing the commitments of any of those individuals, there is an absolute “specialness” about the contributions made by a Pottstown, Pennsylvania man. He is a member of RSVP –the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County.

Since early 1996, retired postal employee Bruce Griffiths, 61, has been working as a volunteer with low-income Head Start youngsters in the Pottstown area. At first, he merely read to the children in large and small groups every week. But, he soon told classroom teachers that he could do much more.

He designed whimsical number and word recognition activity sheets – new ones every week. Soon, the talented amateur artist began doing cartoon artwork and devising his own clever stories to accompany the pictures he drew. He spoke in the various character voices and the teachers and kids loved it. Griffiths’ goal: to capture the attention of the youngsters – and make reading fun and interactive. It should be noted that his commitment to family literacy has even extended to tutoring parents who are unable to read well enough to help their own boys and girls.

It is fair to say that nearly all of the children Griffiths works with are economically disadvantaged. Most lack intellectual stimulation in their home lives. And far too many, initially, exhibit a disinterest in learning. But he reaches them all. One little boy, as an example, who essentially sat mute for the first three months of class, ultimately blossomed as “Mr. Bruce” began to draw special pictures just for him.

In 1998, Griffiths created a fabulous, illustrated two by three foot tall “Big Book,” which tells the tale of a class trip to a nearby farm. Each child’s name appeared in the text, and all of the names could be substituted. At graduation ceremonies that year, every youngster received a reduced size photocopy of Griffiths’ farm story.

There is no limit to his inventiveness and willingness to undertake new projects. Head Start needed Lucky Ready program posters – he made a bunch of them. Someone had to dress up in the Lucky-dog suit for a special event – he rose to the occasion. Build a big straw horse? Why not.

In 199, his work with at-risk children was noted by a local television cable company, which designated him a Volunteer of the Year. Griffiths donated the prize money to purchase books and cassette tapes for 27 county Head Start classrooms, directly benefitting close to 500 youth.

This year, Griffiths is already writing a new animal book for the Head Start kids and is also working on a new series of activity sheets.

EAST SHORELINE CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Susan Kennedy was aware of the American Red Cross assisting the community all year long; however, she felt there was a special need to be met during the holiday season. Recognizing this need, the staff and volunteers began to contact other service agencies so as not to duplicate services. The result was the inception of a community-based program called Project Angel.

The angel in Project Angel stands for “A needful gift equals love.” The committee that founded this program identified a target group of individuals that are on assistance. They hoped that by providing these items in a systematic distribution program, the target group of individuals would be able to save some of their money. The “additional” money, in turn, could be used to purchase holiday items for their families.

During the first year, 35 families, which included 33 children, were served. The volunteers were able to supply toothpaste, toilet tissue, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and other miscellaneous cleaning supplies. The recipients appreciated the gift so much because, due to the lack of funds, these items were often luxuries for their families. Now, the program serves more than 500 families and runs year long to help those in need as they are identified. Project Angel began in the Bay County area and now has expanded to Arenac also. They expect to grow and be present in Hurson, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties this year also.

The project received patronage from local businesses and schools. They sell angels for a donation of one dollar or more. The individual can write their name of the angel and have it displayed to show the support for the project. The Red Cross assists the program by acting as a clearing-house for the acquisition and distribution of the products that volunteers from the community collect. Churches, youth groups, service clubs, small businesses, corporations, and schools all take an active part in the process. They obtain, collect, package and distribute the needed items. More than 200 volunteers work to make this program a success.

The Red Cross has asked that Project Angel be presented at the state level with the hope that the program will be instituted nationally. The fulfillment of these basic needs directly assists many in the community. This, in turn, aids the communities to become more productive and may also help the recipients to decide to also give back when they are able. The founders of the program believe that giving will beget giving, and that will make our world a better place. Providing these basic human needs of baby care, personal care and household care items (unable to be purchased with Food Stamp dollars) also promoted healthy, safe families within the community.

In the year 2000 we distributed packages to 660 families. Included in distribution day were 178 teen paks. The teen paks consisted of fast food and entertainment passes giving teens a safe place to go during the holidays. Volunteers disbursed 660 dozen cookies (that is more than 7,000 cookies) and 660 hand made greeting cards. Project Angel is truly a community supported program.