TED & LUCY PRETTYMAN

Ted and Lucy Prettyman, mentors in the Youth and Families with Promise (YFP) Youth at Risk mentoring program, have been a positive influence on the lives of youngsters who are struggling with difficulties at home, school and other areas of their lives. When the YFP mentoring program was introduced in Wayne County, the Prettymans agreed to mentor two boys who are brothers. The boy’s mother had left the home and a single father who was having emotional problems as well as difficulty finding a job that adequately supported his family was raising them.

The boys were recommended for the program by their school principal. They were both behind academically and socially. They needed closer supervision with homework and having the Prettymans in their lives would lend them emotional support and help teach them basic living skills.

The Prettymans set up a regular time for homework and reading. They ensured that the boys had adequate rest and good nutrition. They showed the boys how to launder their own clothes. They took the boys horseback riding, four wheeling and hiking and enrolled them in a community-wrestling program. The boys’ father was included in every activity in which he was able to participate, including dinners and celebrations. Their grandmother and their schoolteachers have reported progress in school, behavior, responsibility and relationships.

The YFP mentoring program asks that mentors spend at least one hour each week with the children with whom they work. They are to establish a caring relationship, help youth get involved with a positive group such as 4-H, provide tutoring and help with homework, emphasized personal reading, help youth build interpersonal skills and relationships and help them and their families in giving service to others as well as be involved in wholesome recreation. Lucy and Ted Prettyman far exceeded a one-hour a week involvement. They have built a positive relationship with the boys that will hopefully impact the success of their family, social and work life.

MARCIA MCFARLAND-GRAY

Marcia McFarland-Gray is a resident of Clarksburg where she is an active volunteer with the Clarksburg School, and the Clarksburg After School Program of Enrichment and Reading (CASPER). CASPER was developed to offer activities to complement what the small community school can offer. It also provides a safe, enriching experience for children in the after school hours when appropriated childcare or organized youth activities may not be available. There is no community center or youth clubs, so CASPER uses volunteer activity leaders to design and run after school sessions for kids grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. This also develops a sense of community in the town.

Marcia McFarland-Gray volunteers with the Clarksburg School, and the Clarksburg After School Program of Enrichment and Reading (CASPER), which includes activities to complement what the small community school can offer. It also provides a safe, enriching experience for children in the after school hours when appropriate child care or organized youth activities may not be available. Marcia most recently developed community service learning activities to introduce students to volunteering in their communities. In cooperation with the Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Northern Berkshire Community Action and other groups she has involved local youth in projects serving Clarksburg and surrounding areas. Marcia also offered a HOOPS basketball program, baking classes, half-day educational trips, and a Mad Scientist program. Marcia also serves as a corporator at North Adams Regional Hospital and for the Hoosac Bank. She also is involved with many charitable organizations and projects through “Blue Crew”, a volunteer program through her employer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Marcia’s most recent efforts with CASPER have been to develop a community service learning program in cooperation with the Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity chapter, the Northern Berkshire Community Action Program, and other local agencies and programs. Student volunteers learn about Habitat for Humanity and how it helps the community, then, they work on projects that benefit the local chapter. The students work in an intergenerational effort with senior Habitat volunteers and develop relationships that will continue to serve the community. This year’s S.T.A.R. (Service To Another Rocks!) program also saw students conduct a bottle drive to raise money to provide a full Thanksgiving dinner for a needy family in town, and to help provide Christmas dinner meals to homebound senior citizens in the area. They also conducted a fundraising drive for the President’s campaign to help children in Afghanistan. The young participants in the S.T.A.R. program are learning the value of service to others in their community, and that even the youngest volunteers can make a difference for people in their own town. The S.T.A.R. participants were recently recognized for their volunteerism with an award from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

In prior years, Marcia designed a number of CASPER programs including the “Mrs. Gray’s Half Days” where on periodic half days at the Clarksburg School she organized fun and educational trips for up to 55 children at a time. Seeing the need for working parents to have appropriately supervised programs for young children when the school schedule varied and day care solutions were difficult, she arranged and chaperoned trips to various locations throughout the area.

She also developed Hours Of Organized Practice Sessions (HOOPS), which is a program to make basketball available as part of the after school program. Since there was no other sports sessions offered, she did this to give the children physical exercise, practice and develop core skills and for each of the participants to develop a positive attitude about their skills and development. HOOPS also reinforced the principles of sportsmanship and teamwork. HOOPS also created a great interest within the school, and McFarland-Gray coordinated a special bus trip for the children to go to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. This was a chance for many of the children who otherwise would not have an opportunity to go there. The trip also resulted in seven new parent chaperones becoming involved with CASPER.

McFarland-Gray also taught a baking class. The children learned to follow recipes, measure ingredients, bake and they get to take their creations home each week. At the end of their six- week program, each of the students compiled their own cookbook of recipes to take home to continue developing their baking skills.

Ms. McFarland-Gray developed and led a “Who Wants to be a Mad Scientist?!” program. Children learned science while exploring everyday materials in the home. Weekly, they learned about and tested a scientific principle. They then completed a project with a take home component. A 4th grade teacher uses some of the curriculum McFarland-Gray developed and some of the “Mad Scientist” students help with the demonstrations as a peer teaching components.

BOB FIELD

The Learning Lab is a nonprofit organization that provides individualized educational programs in Adult Basic Skills, English as a Second Language, and Preschoolers & Parents as Partners Family Literacy to assist students in improving their ability to use printed, numerical and written information so they may function successfully on the job, in the family, and in the community. Bob Field has been a volunteer at Learning Lab, Inc. since February of 2000, and he spends 16 hours a week as a volunteer tutor in the adult classrooms.

Students use interactive computer curricula to develop the necessary skills to become employable and fully independent. Field monitors students as they work on the computer and does small group and one-on-one tutoring to assist students with reading improvement, English as a Second Language instruction, GED study skills, and computer literacy skill building. Field’s unique style and quiet perseverance endears him to all of the students and staff alike. Field is truly the epitome of the “Guide at the Side, not the Sage on the Stage.” During a typical class, Field will be helping one student study for citizenship, assisting a group of students to work on critical thinking problem solving, or he will be listening to a student read an English newspaper.

One of Field’s greatest strengths is his ability to point the student in the direction of the answer, rather than telling a student the answer. Field’s dedication to the students does not end when he leaves the classroom; he is always thinking of ways to reach students and improve their ability to learn. Field recently spent time at home doing computer research how to say “good morning” in Farsi, thus endearing himself to that student for a lifetime.

On his one year anniversary, the students themselves said it clearly in a letter they all signed for him: “it is nice learning with you,” “I wish know or meet more people like you in this country,” “Muchas gracias por coloboracion,” “Thank you so much for your helping and your patience,” and “With your help I can talk to people longer.” Field also volunteers another 60 hours a year by assisting the Lab’s administrative staff by providing technical support and expertise with the computer database and systems, assisting with annual solicitation drives, and helping with a myriad of other clerical and administrative tasks. His background in computers and engineering has given the staff access to expertise that enhances the services at the Learning Lab. His consistency and friendly demeanor have been a valuable addition to the Learning Lab service delivery system.

His volunteer work for the community is not limited to The Learning Lab. Field also serves as the Volunteer Alarm Officer for the City of Meridian Police Department, Volunteer Engineer Assistant for the City of Meridian, and a volunteer during tax season. Mr. Field has also been trained and certified as a Child Protective Baby Seat inspector and offers those services free to parents with infant children.

RICHARD KELLY

Richard Kelly has spent the past seven years serving the Department of Children and Families in the Volusia, Florida area. He is involved in all of the major activities hosted by the Department. He spends many hours picking up, sorting, and distributing gifts to give during the holidays. He volunteers at the Department’s children as well as senior Christmas party. In addition, he serves at the Volunteer Recognition ceremony and the annual Book Club Fair.

Last year more than 4,000 gifts were distributed to children in Volusia and Flagler counties as a result of Kelly’s hard work. He solicited donations and recruited others to do the same so children would not have to suffer and go without during the season that is supposed to be characterized by giving. In addition, more than 250 gifts were given to senior citizens and 100 gifts were presented to persons with developmental disabilities.

Kelly spends time working directly with the children, also. He has taught children in foster care how to build CD racks. They have also learned how to assemble friendship bracelets at a “class” he gave at the Book Club kickoff carnival. He never believes any task is too small or tedious, and he watched the younger children at the Volunteer Recognition ceremony while their parents were presented awards.

Mr. Kelly is available to assist the Department with any activity. If he was a paid staff member, you could say he was always on call. His demeanor touches the children and makes them comfortable. His encouraging words also sooth children dealing with the frustration of being in foster care. Sometimes he believes children just need to be listened to and he does just that. When he can, he also helps the children and encourages them to read because that will open new doors for them and help them as they mature into young adults.

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.