At the age of 21, Shanta created New Image when her family moved their church into an impoverished neighborhood. She noticed the high number of children running the streets and created New Image Youth Center to help by offering educational opportunities, life skill lessons and a safe haven for underprivileged youth.
Barbara founded Steps & Stages to connect transitioning women veterans and their families with necessary services and support. Steps & Stages offers short and long term housing for homeless women and their children, intensive case management, help with VA claims, emergency food assistance, hot showers and a basement clothing boutique.
Pilar Pinel founded an organization called Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances (ELLAS). ELLAS is dedicated to the educational, professional and political advancement of underserved Latina youth.
Stephanie founded Project Single Moms Worldwide, Inc. (PSM) to serve and empower women and girls to tap into their talents and passions to live their best lives ever. PSM is a national advocacy & empowerment movement designed to educate, engage, energize, equip and enhance the quality of life for single mothers and their children.
The Amanda Network works to bring more awareness and education on the issue of bullying. Ann Brownell founded The Amanda Network after her daughter, Amanda at 16 years old, tried to take her life in a bathroom at her High School in 2008 due to the bullying, sexual and cyber bullying she received the month before her suicide attempt.
At just 14 years of age, Kevin Chaves in 2010 learned about the destruction the Gerald J Ryan Outreach Center, after the building had caught on fire. Kevin, at such a young age was able to organize and coordinate the reconstructing of the buildings much-needed shelves, with the help of his fellow eagle scouts.
Around the same time as the fire the Gerald J Ryan Outreach Center lost $40,000 in federal funding which was used to help feed local families with severe food insecurities. Kevin again stepped up to the challenge raising $10,870 dollars and collecting 9,650 lbs of non-perishable foods.
As summer came near, Kevin orchestrated and founded the “Let’s Move Healthy & Fit” initiative, which consisted of a full day of pool, basketball, racquetball, tennis, and the use of a playground. The initiative enticed over 150 children to get out and play.
With Kevin’s support, the Gerald J Ryan Outreach center was able to again transform the lives of many families, and act as a beacon of light to those in need of a helping hand.
Chris Wille is a passionate member of his community. Chris often volunteers his time as a pre-school reader, in the SMART program (Start Making a Read Today), and with Head Start. He has also volunteered in the Early Start program helping local elementary school students get a good start to their day by assisting with crafts, games, and fitness activities. He is a beloved reader in the classroom and applies his acting talents to engage the children and bring the stories to life.
In addition to his support for literacy Chris volunteers his time driving a bus three days a week for the Ya-po-ah retirement apartment’s.