BRADLEY SEARS

Orchard Village is a non-profit organization, which provides support services to persons with developmental and multiple challenges. Based in Skokie, Illinois, the organization serves 300 persons annually in Chicago and its north and northwest suburbs.

In 1996, Mr. Sears contacted Orchard Village, seeking a volunteer opportunity as a means of “giving back” to the community. Bradley joined the Orchard Village Finance Committee at that time, working with both staff and other volunteers to ensure the financial stability of the organization.

Within two years, Bradley was asked to serve on the Orchard Village Board of Directors. He accepted and has continued to serve the organization since that time, providing governance with hard work and dedication. Bradley continues to serve on the Finance Committee in addition to participating on the Board of Directors. Through his committee work, Bradley has contributed to the development of both a strategic plan for the organization and a retirement benefits policy for agency staff.

Bradley has also provided much to the organization in the way of direct services; that is, work of direct benefit to the persons supported by the organization. Through Wells Fargo’s Team Member Volunteer Program, he and other Wells Fargo team members whom he has recruited have performed important rehabilitation work at Orchard Village small group homes and supported apartments. These include:

1. Pleasant Street Apartment, Oak Park, IL. Replaced wall paneling, built new walls, and installed new flooring.

2. Oleander Group Home, Niles, IL. Renovations and refurnishing.

3. Luna Group Home, Morton Grove, IL. Renovations and painting.

Finally, Bradley has performed important work in the area of resource development for Orchard Village. Mr. Sears has been a consistent support of Orchard Village’s fundraising events. Bradley attends, with guests, Orchard Village’s major fundraising event, The Blossom Gala, and has consistently supported the organization’s summer golf events through the attendance of a foursome of his invitation.

Mr. Sears has also given of his own resources to meet critical needs of Orchard Village. His donation of a vehicle assisted the organization in meeting the transportation needs of many small group home residents. Bradley was also instrumental in the development and implementation of a 2002 renovation and community building project funded by the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation. Bradley has been an exemplary volunteer, demonstrating his capacity for both generosity and dedication.

DIANNE CRISP

DiAnne Crisp has worked tirelessly for the past 4 years to help send youth in our community to college. Each year she volunteers months of her time and money to a fundraising effort called “Ducks on the Tuck”. “Ducks on the Tuck” is a ducky derby held on the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County, North Carolina. DiAnne, her husband Mitch and daughter Katie came up with the fundraising idea to benefit the local college access program called New Century Scholars.

New Century Scholars is a unique program that provides deserving students in grades 7-12 college preparatory support and a local scholarship guarantee. Each year approximately 60 students are selected as rising 7th graders to become New Century Scholars. When a New Century Scholar reaches toe 12th grade and upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, they are awarded a tuition scholarship to our local community college and university.

In 1995 the former public school superintendent and the former community college president recognized the need to harness the untapped potential of middle grade students in the community and direct them on the path to college. The New Century Scholars program is designed to improve academic readiness, bolster student persistence toward high school graduation and increase the college-going rate. The program benefits the community by increasing the educational level of the workforce and fostering a sense of community ownership in the youth. This sense of ownership is achieved through the many volunteer hours the students participate in while in the program. The program is funded through the contributions of individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups and the fundraiser “Ducks on the Tuck”. For each student who is selected to be in the program, $500 must be raised. This money is invested through the community college foundation to meet the student’s future educational needs.

DiAnne has served as chairperson of the “Ducks on the Tuck” steering committee for the past 4 years. She has donated funds to support the purchase of derby ducks and other supplies on a yearly basis. Through her efforts “Ducks on the Tuck” has become an annual community event. Each year the event raises approximately $12,000 to benefit the New Century Scholars program. Twelve thousand dollars will allow twenty-four students the opportunity to become New Century Scholars and receive a tuition guarantee to the local community college and university. Over the past 4 years approximately 96 students have been given the opportunity the attend college because of DiAnne’s vision and leadership of the “Ducks on the Tuck” event. She has led her volunteers by example as she has done everything from selling duck tickets to dressing up as “Tucker Duck” at school events.

When DiAnne is not organizing the duck race she is volunteering for the high school booster club, mentoring students with senior projects, volunteering at church and helping out wherever there is a need.

STEVEN WHITE

Steven White has served the community of Moab in the official duty as a detective for the Grand County Sheriff’s department for the past seven years. Steve also has a passion for the young people of Moab, volunteering through the city recreation department as a football, softball, slow pitch and girl’s basketball coach for over the past ten years. He also finds time to man the start gate for the youth BMX races during the summer season.

Steve has served as chairman of the Special Olympics Committee in Grand County, organizing “Tip A Cop” fundraisers for the past eight years. Raising on the average, fifteen hundred dollars a fundraiser, the monies raised help insure that special needs children in Grand County can participate in Special Olympic Competitions at the state, national and world levels. Special Olympics help to raise the self-esteem and to empower children and youth with mental illness. Steve was honored by being chosen represent Utah at the International Special Olympic Torch Run held in Europe in 2003.

In 2002, Steve as chosen “Outstanding Children’s Advocate” of the year, for his work with the Grand County Children’s Justice Center. Working on a professional basis, Steve assures that children feel safe during interview sessions while reviewing uncomfortable and painful memories. Protecting the victim from further hardship, is Steve’s mission at the Children’s Justice Center.

Steve, as a volunteer firefighter, goes into the public schools, teaching fire prevention, fire safety and always includes in his presentation – “Good Touch, Bad Touch” as a prevention to sexual abuse. Steve has served in this volunteer position for three years.

CLAYTON HEINEMANN

Clayton is a volunteer with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, Senior Companion Program. Clayton is a Senior Companion serving homebound male seniors in their homes without receiving a stipend as other Companions receive. He is only reimbursed a lunch allowance and a small mileage allowance. Clayton visits 3 or 4 male clients per week for 2 to 4 hours per day, 4 days a week.

Clayton meets a real need for volunteers to visit elderly male clients. Clayton has improved the quality of life for the seniors he visits. He encourages them to be as independent as possible despite their particular limitations. Clayton’s consumers say he is very caring and helpful and never says no to any request while giving 101%.

He provides a respite relief for the caregiver of one of his consumers. Another consumer welcomes his visits to “shoot the breeze.” All of the male consumers he visits are between the ages of 77 and 91 years of age. Clayton’s supervisor has only positive comments about him, as he goes above and beyond the requirements of a Senior Companion. He has consistently been a dependable and caring companion meeting his consumers’ individual needs. Clayton encourages his wheelchair bound client to independently dress and groom himself, thereby being as independent as he can be.

In addition to volunteering as a Senior Companion 4 days per week, Clayton also volunteers every Wednesday for the “Meals on Wheels” program.

Most Senior Companions in this Federally-funded program receive a small tax-free stipend. Clayton has not been deterred from serving the consumers who welcome his visits, even without the stipend. He continues to serve their needs without the incentive of a stipend payment. Clayton is very deserving of this award.

DANITA BRANAM

Danita Branam is one of the pioneers of, and inspirations for, the Development School for Youth (DSY), a leadership-training program for inner-city youth sponsored by the All Stars Project, Inc. in New York City.

From the program’s inception in 1997, Danita has been a role model, a counselor, and a friend to more than 400 young people who have graduated from the DSY program, all while working high-pressure days in the financial services industry.

Seven years ago, Danita led a team of volunteer adult executives to give hands-on support to inner-city youth enrolled in the DSY. They developed the curriculum, recruited workshop leaders, found paid summer internships in corporate settings, and accompanied the youth to their training workshops, thereby cultivating the model that DSY uses to this day. Danita was the first Program Associate for the DSY and the first and current Assistant Program Director. In her current position, she works day as a career development coach helping inner-city young people successfully negotiate the business environment and interact with adults on a professional level.

Danita devotes her nights and weekends to the DSY, believing that her core values lie in this program. In the summer of 2004 alone, there are 150 DSY youth in corporate jobs in NYC and over 50 in Newark, with more than 75 companies providing internships. As the program continues to grow, Danita introduces new adult volunteers to the DSY model, enabling them to, in turn, foster other young people’s growth. Through Danita’s example, the graduates of the DSY have developed tools to perform in new situations particularly in job interviews with corporate New Yorkers which they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.

For Danita, her strong leadership and generous spirit are second nature. “[Growing up], I had to learn from examples outside my community how to handle myself [in the professional world],” she says. “I am happy to use my resources to…provide a platform and environment for young people to learn how to perform as successful, creative adults.”

NICKI KARTOZIAN

Nicki Kartozian is an asset to the Community Services Council. She has been a volunteer with LifeCare Bank’s Friends Program since July 2003, and has also helped at the Utah Food Bank. Her enthusiasm, work ethic, and positive attitude have been exceptional. Currently she serves as a friend to Rita Cravens, one of our elderly and legally blind clients. Rita has called several times to thank us for Nicki’s services and refers to Nicki as a true “blessing”. Nicki does not have a car, however, she rides Trax and her bike in order to help Rita. They go grocery shopping, play games, and Nicki simply serves as Rita’s companion. These simple activities are the most meaningful for our elderly and disabled clients.

Many of our clients describe the toughest part of their situations as being lonely. As I listen to our staff do intake, it is apparent that these clients simply miss having someone to talk to and share stories with. Nicki eases Rita’s loneliness with phone calls and visits. Nicki’s contribution to Rita and the Community Service Council serves as an example to everyone in the community. This type of commitment to Rita, and Nicki’s volunteerism is the foundation of our mission statement here at Community Service Council as we attempt to “build caring communities through providing basic needs.” After all, what is more basic than having a friend?

In addition to providing Rita with weekly visits, Nicki came to the rescue of the Utah Food Bank. We had a group of volunteers cancel last minute for our annual Kids Café Dinner, which serves over 400 children. The first person we called was Nicki and she managed to gather all of her friends and her mother in order to make the night a success. We could not have accomplished this without her, and her willingness to serve is amazing. She has asked me to fax a copy of her background check to at least two other non-profit organizations. This request demonstrates that Nicki provides service not only here at CSC, but at additional agencies in the community. Volunteers like Nicki are the heart of non-profit organizations and as Rita described, a true “blessing.”

Nicki’s altruism is amazing and she clearly demonstrates that an individual’s actions can make a huge difference in another person’s life. Nicki is a student, volunteer, and outstanding member of our community, which is why she is recommended for the Silver Bowl Award.

YVONNE PERRY

Cedar Creek Middle School in Bastrop Independent School District is located in a rural community where both parents work to maintain a minimal income. Seventy-five percent of the students ride the bus to and from school due to their parents’ employment. Needless to say, parent involvement, perception, and communication have been an area of concern foe Cedar Creek Middle School since it opened five years ago.

Mrs. Yvonne Perry has helped change this concern into a strength. Mrs. Perry is currently the PTA President at Cedar Creek Middle School and does not receive any compensation for her time. Through her position in the PTA, she has created opportunities for parents and the community to bond with the school and improve their family structure through activities, services, and communication.

At the beginning of the school year, the PTA, through Mrs. Perry, sold prepackaged school supplies at a reduced cost so parents would not have to drive fifteen miles and pay higher prices for the same products. She also provided school supplies for those students/families who could not afford them.

Our first general PTA Meeting in August included a dinner, which was donated by a national food chain, and a great speaker over “Building Successful Partnerships”. The speaker was very informative and provided parents with tools they could use to improve their family structure as well as assist with their child’s education. The meeting was well received by parents and teachers and all of these resources were free.

In September, Mrs. Perry organized and led Cedar Creek’s first Annual Fall Fiesta that included games, tournaments, food, products, and activities for children of all ages and entire families. The purpose of the activity was to generate funds for student organizations and give families something to do as a family. The fiesta catered to more than 400 people from infants to grandparents and generated $4000 for organizations to use with their students.

Throughout the fall and spring, Mrs. Perry has come up with creative ideas to continue building family friendly schools. Near Christmas, the PTA will bring in various businesses and products to provide families a close place to purchase presents for their families at a low price. In the spring, she has arranged for another guest speaker to provide a family centered program and she has organized a “Parents Night Out” including a dinner, dance, and babysitting.

Mrs. Perry, through her creativity and vision, hundreds of hours of service, great organizational skills. And family centered focus, has changed the perception of schools in the local community. Students and parents are starting to view Cedar Creek Middle School as a place of learning and opportunity instead of another hurdle to overcome.

ASHLEY SOBON

The war on terrorism has dramatically affected our world and constantly shadows our daily routines. This project provides the community with a positive solution. Together, individuals and communities can take responsibility for their actions and make a difference. A major accomplishment of “Support Our Troops” is that it allows individuals to continually impact their communities for years to come. Ashley Sobon’s innovative project consists of 4 major components – neck coolers, packages, coupons and brochures.

Sewing “Neck Coolers” For Military Troops These special neck coolers, when soaked in water, activate a chemical compound, which works to absorb and time release water, giving much needed relief from the desert heat that is contributing to soldiers’ stress. One goal of “Support Our Soldiers” is to make and to teach others how to make 1000’s of neck coolers an then send them to the soldiers. As of 9/27/04, Ashley’s project has sewn/gathered over 200 neck coolers. She will continue to work with more groups, like the Rotary, Girl Scouts and Junior Women’s League, to get neck coolers made.

Sending Packages to our Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan “Support our Soldier” packages include letters of support solicited from schools, churches, parish picnics, Girl Scout Troops, individuals, community organizations and senior citizens centers. Ashley has been and will continue to visit all of these places. The need for writing letters to our soldiers is imperative. The packages also include neck coolers and items from a prepared list such as eye drops, wet towlettes, talcum and corn starch powder, fresh cushioned socks, Q-Tips, dry skin lotion, lip balm, powdered drink mix, playing cards and magazines. On average, the the value of one package exceeds $40. In addition, there is a $7 to $9 dollar cost for shipping the packages to overseas Military APO Addresses. However, “Support Our Soldiers” has a tremendous volunteer base and following. So far, donations, and individuals wishing to make a difference, have off-set these costs. As of 9/27/04, Ashley has sent more than 66 packages, totaling more than 760 pounds, overseas.

Manufacturers’ Coupons To Commissaries & Military Family Service Centers Outside The U.S. Another goal of “Support Our Soldiers” is to assist military families, because they too are suffering hardships, with money saving opportunities. Therefore, more than 80 packages of coupons, each weighing about 1 pound, have been sent to Korea, Japan, Guam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Germany and numerous other foreign countries. Ashley and others cut coupons, stacks and packs the coupons into 1 pound packages and sends them out.

Visual Awareness – A Double-Sided, Full-Color Brochure Ashley actively created and prepared a double-sided, full-color brochure explaining the “Support Our Soldier” project and all of its components. She has been, and will continue to distribute this brochure at numerous venues and outlets, like the Girl Scouts, Scottish Rite Masons, Monroe County Telepioneers, Parish Picnics and local businesses. Ashley’s personal goal (and another goal of the project) is to encourage citizens and communities to actively show their support. With the help of the Pennsylvania representative Mario Scavello’s office, more than 1000 brochures will get the message out – “Support Our Soldiers”!!

JUDI A. LUNDH

In recognition that more support was needed for victims of crime in Laconia, New Hampshire, The Victim Services Unit of the Laconia Police Department was created in the spring of 2003.

The Victim Services Unit is made up of volunteers who work in connection with the prosecutor and officers of the Laconia Police Department.

Judi Lundh is an original member of the Victim Services Unit. She has maintained her commitment to helping victims of crime from May 2003 to the present. Judi works full time as a middle schools teacher and volunteers one or two afternoons per week at the police station.

As a member of the Victims Services Unit, Judi is assigned cases and is responsible for contacting victims. Judi has assisted victims of thefts, assaults, rape, and property crimes. Judi has worked with victims that run the spectrum of the social/economic spectrum as well as the culturally diverse population. Judi informs the victims of the pending prosecution, providing dates of hearing and answering questions regarding the court process. Judi also provides information/referrals to services in the community to address issues involving domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse to name a few.

The contact with the victim is not a one time event, communication continues until the prosecution is complete. The ongoing nature of the contact frequently results in Judi being viewed as a support for the victim.

In addition to her direct support of victims, Judi has assisted in the administration of the Victim Services Unit. Judi has participated in a television commercial to recruit additional volunteers. She has also assisted in the training of new volunteers.

STAN LATTA

Over the last twenty years, Stanley Michael Latta [Stan] has focused a vast majority of his time, energy, finances, and prayers to build opportunities for young people to serve.

As an Eagle Scout and decade-long volunteer at all levels with the Boy Scouts of America, he has trained future leaders in “character building, citizenship training and personal fitness.” He assisted these young men to become involved in organization service activities and to become engaged in the goal of being in service to solve community problems. As a Christian youth leader for over a decade, he gave countless time to create partnerships between church groups and to engage youth in service across ethnic, denominational and other boundaries. For his leadership with the BSA and his unparalleled commitment to faith, he was honored with the God and Service Award – the highest religious recognition given to volunteers. In light of his extraordinary honor, then North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., issued a personal letter of appreciation: commending Stan for “the hundreds of young men who stand in your debt.”

Both inside and outside of the church and Scouting, Stan has helped to ensure that children and youth had ongoing relationships with caring persons. He personally ‘adopted’ several boys without fathers at home; and he reached out as a mentor, father figure and friend to care for, counsel and encourage these youth during a difficult period in their lives. He further helped youth through his work as a soccer and Odyssey of the Mind coach, an at-risk youth facilitator, a camp counselor to speech and hearing impaired children, and a hands-on volunteer for a special camp for children affected by asthma. His appointment by the Town Council to a three-year term on the Cary (NC) Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board is a testament of his knowledge, skills, abilities and commitment.

Stan’s company (IBM) selected him out of 325,000 employees as the Worldwide Volunteer of the Month. He also has served as one of two IBM employee coordinators in the annual Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign that raised over three million dollars for the Triangle United Way in North Carolina.

In recognition of over twenty years and over four thousand hours of faithful service, the President of the United States (through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation) presented Stan with The Call to Service Award – recognizing his unsurpassed and unmatched volunteer efforts. In fact, Stan has received numerous honors, awards, and accolades – too many to mention – from local groups, organizations, and by the regional press and his colleagues. Yet, despite all the publicity, he is a quiet bachelor and “simple country boy.” The best words to describe him would be the quote on his emails: We make a living by what we get – but we make a life by what we give. Stan Latta has made a life by serving his community, state, and nation; and he is a sterling example of a Point of Light.