Kristin Dillman

Kristin Dillman has been a constant source of help and assistance to many students in the Sergeant Bluff school system. Last year, she began by volunteering amidst her work schedule. This year she had planned on returning part-time to her instrumental music position, but the district released her from her contract. What a blessing for the children in the district because she still came back to serve as a volunteer!

Dillman meets with countless students several days a week, apologizing when she has some sort of problem arise and she can’t come. She is a shining light of extra hope for many of our students. They clamor to work with her and she in turn has high expectations for their progress. She states, “Why can’t more parents take the time to read with their children or practice math facts. It just doesn’t make sense to me.” Her persistence and dedication are the very essence of why some of the students are so excited and so look forward to their time with Dillmnan.

Mrs. Zahner said it well, “My student just beams when she is able to work with Dillman. She is so positive and encouraging. Kris Dillman provides stability and positive reinforcement for Cheyenne. Cheyenne looks forward to their visits and benefits from her relationship with Dillman in so many ways. She has helped my student want to pursue her education.” Terry Pomerenke adds: “Dillman’s volunteerism during my math class has made education for a few of my students rewarding. She takes the time to explain things and redirects if he/she is going the wrong direction. She provides that opportunity for 15-30 minutes of one-on-one time with a child. With the individual attention, those students that are struggling now become competent in the math process that we are working on. Dillman has helped students believe in themselves.”

Another teacher, Julie Hovland advised that, “Kris Dillman has been an excellent addition to my classroom. She has great rapport with the students. She is willing to help in any way she can. She puts her heart into helping each student succeed. She tries different ways to reach students. Kris has even come to me with ideas she’d like to try to help a particular student. She is patient and thoughtful with a good sense of humor. She doesn’t need much direction in order to work with a student. I feel very confident when sending a student to work with her that she will do as much as she can to help him/her develop good skills. My students all beg to work with her. They know that she is there to help.”

Lydia Lee

Grandma Lydia Lee has demonstrated leadership in various roles with the Traveling Grannies/Grandpas Program and in several other organizations for more than 26 years. In order for one to become a leader, the presence of strong character, dedication, and ownership to a worthy cause, is qualification for leadership; grandma Lydia certainly fills these requirements by supplying a great deal of knowledge and wisdom to her peers and the youth she serves daily.

In 1992 Lydia Lee was one of the first Traveling Grannies in the program and presently donates 20+ hours as a role model for other Traveling Grannies/Grandpas while teaching by example the correct methods for assisting teen moms and their children. She teaches the teen moms hands-on instructions needed for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for themselves and their children, culminating in basic life skills. She spends quality time with the teen mom(s) and age-appropriate child discussing everyday concerns or problems, lending an ear, and helping to find the best solutions that will address a concern encountered with life’s daily challenges. She provides that grandparent figure missing in the lives of those she so unselfishly serves.

She has assisted an excess of 33 teen moms and their children since the program began over 13 years ago. After working with Grandma Lydia, over 75-80% of teen moms have graduated high school, maintained good jobs, and continue to make healthy and informed decisions. Grandma Lydia feels that a good education is key to a successful future. Grandma Lydia continues to be a vital part of the teen moms’ lives long after their completion of the program.

Grandma Lydia currently works with young adults at Job Corps of West Michigan tutoring/mentoring them in job readiness skills, substance abuse education and general prep courses; e.g., math, reading, communication skills, and citizenship and community skills for those youths desiring to go on to college. Her involvement with the youth does not end with the assigned duties expected of her by this program. She instinctively and unobtrusively has gained the trust of some of the most “difficult” students by letting them know that she is there for them, not as a authority figure that cannot be approached with “small” problems, but someone that is respected and will genuinely listen to their concerns.

Lydia Lee was an active leader in several neighborhood Enrichment Programs. She felt it was important to keep the neighborhoods safe and healthy for all citizens. She devotes at least much of her time to empowering neighborhood endeavors. Also, she is a devoted member and leader with the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and continues, though not as frequently, to be instrumental in coordinating food drives, assisting with programs to help adult seniors and children, and coordinates many activities to assist those in need.

Grandma Lydia is an Advisory Council member for the FG/TGG Program and participates in various new volunteer orientations to give them an idea of the types of things a Traveling Granny/Grandpa does. She role-plays certain situations that may arise with children regarding behavior or conflict resolution to demonstrate the proper methods to handle these situations. As a result of the experiences she shares, the grandparents and children receive hands-on training. This participation, in part, has allowed the program to grow, flourish, and develop into the success it is today. In many instances, Grandma Lydia is requested (by the Health Department and other agencies) for cases that seem difficult or challenging that requires her unique expertise.

In addition to her regular TGGP duties, Grandma Lydia donates 4-5 hours a week with Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (P.O.R.T.) for children who are terminally ill with cancer. She regularly assists one young girl with cancer whose mom has 5 other children to care for and is unable to devote a great deal of time with the child. She does not keep track of the number of people she assists, she feels she “had a lot of love growing up” and she “can give back that love,” which is precisely what she tirelessly gives to those she serves.

Neelima Chirumamilla

Two days a week for the past three years, Neelima Chirumamilla has volunteered her time and energy at Bright Beginnings. Neelima works as a classroom assistant at Bright Beginnings, providing crucial support to the teachers and working one-on-one with the children.

Bright Beginnings is a child and family development center dedicated to serving homeless infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families. The children served cope with a level of stress and instability even the poorest of housed children have never known. As a result, children arrive at Bright Beginnings with fear, anger, resentment and aggressiveness that reflect their experiences. With poor health and nutrition, and unstable home environments, the children frequently have developmental delays.

Bright Beginnings relies on volunteers like Neelima to provide the one-on-one support these children need. Neelima consistently gives her time and talents to the children. In the classrooms, she not only plays games and reads to the children, but also provides them with a source of comfort and assurances. With her three years’ experience, she is well aware of the problems these children face and is capable of providing them the support they need. Every volunteer must be sensitive to the needs of the children in the classroom. And Neelima does with such ease, bringing herself to the level of these young children. Neelima has played a role in the development of these young children throughout the course of her three years at Bright Beginnings. Therefore, she has seen many of our children grow from infants to toddlers. Because of the bonds and relationships she has fostered with the children at the center, the children have become comfortable with her. This is crucial to providing comfort and stability in their lives.

Neelima first became involved in Bright Beginnings through George Washington University’s service program, the Neighbors Project. While many students who participate in this program volunteer one semester of work, Neelima has committed three year to Bright Beginnings. Her dedication is so great she continues to volunteer at the center during her school breaks, including summers.

As a full-time student at George Washington University double-majoring in International Affairs and Art History, with two internships, it is amazing Neelima has time for Bright Beginnings. However, she remains selfless about her work. When asked about her experience at Bright Beginnings, she says, “I would like to thank the children for allowing me to be a part of their lives and showing me what is truly important in life.” While she thanks the children for what they have given her, it is Neelima who has given our children so much more.

Evelyn Pocan

Evelyn Pocan is an active and avid member of the Foster Grandparents at Head Start in Missoula, MT. Pocan is dedicated as a volunteer and goes about her volunteer duties with the same work ethic as one who is being paid for their service.

Pocan has completed the necessary orientation and is excited about being a wonderful Grandma who is dedicated to her Head Start placement. Whenever she has an opportunity she speaks about her duties and always encourages other to take the time to be Foster Grandparents also. Pocan is an integral part of the Missoula program and is recognized by many for all she brings to Missoula.

Even though she is legally blind, Pocan works Monday through Thursday in the Robins Full Day classroom and is a tremendous joy and support for the teaching staff and students. She rides the bus to and from Head Start with the children, and she works with the students individually to help them learn and explore the classroom. Pocan keeps the children on task, reads to them, plays with them, and enhances the loving, caring atmosphere of the classroom. The Robin’s teachers and children lovingly refer to her as their Grandma. Pocan puts a smile on all of their faces when she is seen going to the family center for her morning coffee wearing the latest construction paper hat that the kids made for her.

Pocan goes above and beyond her duties as a Foster Grandparent. She has volunteered the past two summers in their summer Full Day program. She also comes in on conference days to help the teachers organize and clean the classroom. The Robins classroom is grateful to have Grandma Pocan, and they would be lost without her.

Pocan is a role model for Foster Grandparents. She enjoys being with the Head Start children and helping them learn. She is always smiling and eager to help. She is definitely a positive influence for the children and a great reminder for the staff that there are still truly amazing people in this world.

With her love for and dedication to the Head Start program, Pocan puts a smile on the children’s and staff’s faces as well as true appreciation in their hearts for all she is and for all she does. The Robins School wishes that everyone could know what a wonderful person Grandma Pocan is or have someone to touch them in the same manner Pocan touches them each and every time she is with them.

George Harbison

George Harbison is retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad and a former deputy Sheriff. Though he is retired, Harbison makes the time to give back to his Missoula community.

Harbison has been volunteering his time at the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office since 1994. You can find him working sometimes as much as 3 hours a day, 15 hours a week on various projects for the organization. One special volunteer project he has worked on while donating his time is a history book. He finds newspaper clipping of past and current events and keeps the clippings in a large bound book. This will be important community documentation that can be utilized by generations to come, and to date, he has filled a number of these books.

Harbison also assisted in another special project that is priceless to the office staff. He completed inmate prisoner jackets. This entailed separating and enveloping mug shot images and documenting them accordingly. Harbison is dedicated to the task, no matter how small or how tedious.

Through this and other projects, Harbison has persevered; even though he has been battling a number of serious illnesses. When Harbison has bad days, he continues to work on the scrap book at home, and keeps the department up to date on his other projects. The Missoula, Montana community is proud to call George Harbison one of its own and hopes his dedication to service is an inspiration to many.

325th Maintenance

During the hurricane season, the proud members of the 325th Maintenance Company dedicated their time and lives in support of the hurricane relief during September 2004.

During this challenging time the men and women of this organization ensured that food, medical, water, ice and all other needs to relive the suffering were distributed immediately upon demand. They worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week in this operation that was conducted from Palm Beach. The efforts supported all counties on the East coast from Brevard to Key West.

The accomplishment and response to their achievement ensured that all counties in their area of responsibility were supplied with immediate relief which had a positive and immediate impact to bring the hardest hit areas back to life. Thousands of citizens of Florida lined the streets for help and the 325th Maintenance Company came to their rescue and assistance to bring food, water, ice and smiles in this time of distress.

The dedication and service without hesitation to help people in distress is the moral and courage that the men and women of this organization possess every day. They all shine everyday but showed their true bright and proud colors when they left their homes and families for an extended period of time and fill the needs of the hurricane victims. No other small organization was more willing to volunteer first, be the first on the battlefield to help the cause to assist the Hurricane victims, and still until this day willing to help further to the end.

Robert Mann

Robert Mann served on the Mountain Home Board of Directors for 2 years and recently retired in order to spend more time at his favorite sport, golf. The problem is, Mann is so committed to Mountain Home and the Missoula community, that he continues to volunteer with the organization at least as much as he did as an official Board Member. He is affectionately known as “Bob the Builder” by the staff and girls at Mountain Home and none of them believe that he is seventy years old.

The Mountain Home Board of Directors is fortunate to have a volunteer as dedicated as Mann. It is remarkable how he came to serve with the Home. In 2001, Mann could be found spending his time helping young men from a nearby group home just because he wanted to. Now, Mann does not believe in handouts, he believes in teaching as he helps. On this particular day in the summer of 2001, Mann was helping a young man who happened to be a sibling to one the girls at Mountain Home. To Mann’s unexpected surprise, the young man backed Mann’s truck into Mountain Home while he was helping his sister move into her new apartment. Well, let’s just say, that is where Mann “ran into” Mountain Home. The young man was required to “learn” how to repair the damage to the building’s siding under Mann’s direction. His work to help the youth of the community did not stop there; he found out then that the agency needed so much help, and he has never left.

The following are just some examples of Mann’s volunteer efforts both for fundraising and other assistance he provides to Mountain Home. First, as a volunteer, Mann saved the program a bundle through his new title of “volunteer maintenance man”; in his first year they spent $500 on repairs and maintenance versus the budgeted amount of $5,000. He also has connections in Missoula that he used to call in favors on behalf of Mountain Home. The home has benefited from free oil changes for the girls to a free backhoe, and the free plumbing services from his son. Second, as a board member, Mann continued to provide invaluable service to the organization through maintenance, teaching life skills such as screen repair and care maintenance to the girls, assisting with the annual fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, running the vehicle donation program and helping to oversee the building of Mountain Home’s new addition in 2003.

Finally, as a friend of Mountain Home, Mann continues to help out whenever they need assistance. Just yesterday he helped rescue one of the girls whose car had broken down. Though Mann may not have raised millions of dollars, the time and commitment he has given to Mountain Home feels like it. Mann continues to share his precious time in retirement with Mountain Home, and to that, they say, “Bob, you are the “Mann”.

Angel’s Place

Since 1984, Angel’s Place, Inc. a nonprofit, non-denominational agency, has provided the opportunity for single low-income student parents to complete their education, secure satisfying employment, establish careers and become self-sufficient, responsible citizens.

With three locations in Pittsburgh, Angels’ Place offers services at no cost to their client families. Their services include early childhood education, child care, parenting classes, counseling, tutoring, career exploration, job placement assistance, and assistance with practical needs such as food, clothing and nursery furniture.

Two of the three centers have recently been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAIYC). In addition, Keystone Stars, the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Child Care Quality Initiative, has awarded both centers the highest rating of Four Stars. It is expected that the third center will reach the same prestigious recognition in 2006.

The need for Angel’s Place and the services they provide cannot be overestimated for at-risk children and their parents. In 2003, the Allegheny County Health Department reported that 4,266 babies were born to unwed mothers. These young people are at an increased risk to have more stressful life events, limited resources, and other demographic disadvantages that accompany single parenthood.

Such circumstances can, of course have a devastating effect on the children that these young parents are trying to raise. However, children living in poverty who had the opportunity to attend high quality, early childhood programs had a significantly higher graduation rate, fewer criminal arrests and higher earnings than non-participants according to the recent High Scope study.

Angels’ Place provides the children of the student parent clients with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program. Such a program can predict academic success, adjustment to school, and reduced behavioral problems for children in elementary school. Angels’ Place also seeks to actively encourage and advance high levels of scholastic achievements of our student parents while fostering a greater understanding of self, family and community.

Each student parent makes an individual commitment to maintain satisfactory progress by earning passing grades and attending classes regularly on a full-time basis, give two hours of volunteer service per week to Angels’ Place and continue to develop parenting skills through participation in center programs and weekly support meetings. In addition, each student parent is given support and direction in his or her efforts to define, clarify and achieve academic, personal, professional and family goals through a comprehensive Family Support Program.

The program serves the community by providing a practical, progressive and compassionate approach to the problems associated with single parenthood, school dropouts and welfare dependency.

Elizabeth Fulton

Elizabeth “Betty” Fulton has been volunteering at the Missoula Public Library since 1990. She co-ordinates a team of over 10 senior volunteers who come on a regular schedule to shelve paperback books.

When there’s a vacancy, she recruits from friends and by word of mouth. Betty arranges the team’s schedule so that there is always one volunteer per day. In addition, she substitutes when other volunteers are unable to come. This important job saves the staff hours and hours of time.

Betty is one of those volunteers who loyally and quietly works behind the scenes. Yet her contribution to the library service is very important. She has had a variety of interesting volunteer positions over the years. She was a member of the first Girl Scout Board and formed the first Girl Scout Troop in Missoula. She’s served in the Medical Auxiliary and directed several March of Dimes Drives.

When she lived in Richland, WA, Betty was volunteer assistant to their library director. Currently, Betty is active in her church organization and PEO Chapter. Betty looks forward to coming to Missoula Public Library, and is still an enthusiastic reader. When asked what she likes about volunteering, Betty replied: “I’ve always had a book in my hands. I enjoy libraries.”

Marie Bergan

Marie Bergan was born in Fort Peck, MT and for the past seventeen years has lived Seeley Lake, MT. The family lives on The Double Arrow Residential where a considerable number are retirees. She is known by most in Seely Lake because of her generosity; she gives freely of her talents, abilities and time.

Bergan has been a member of the Double Arrow Landowners Association for 12 years and has been on the Architectural Control Committee for six years. She has been an active member of The Senior Center for 10 years. Many of those years, she has served as a board member in different positions. These include committee chairman of Fund Raising, Social Director, and at present Nutrition chairman.

Bergan spearheaded a special fundraiser. The Seeley Lake Cook Book had recently been published. Bergan advised every one of the importance of selling your share or purchasing some. Because of her dedication, almost $3,000 was raised to benefit the general fund for needed repairs and maintenance.

One of Bergan’s favorite programs has been helping first graders with their early attempts at reading as well as praising their advancement at the end of the year. She enjoys spending time with the children and being able to nurture them and aid them during the formative stage of their development.

The local food bank is another area where she spends many hours. She distributes food for those who are in need for themselves or/their families. For the past two years she has been co-chair of The American Red Cross blood drive in Seeley Lake. This is a bi-annual project.

Bergan has a good deal of friends who are inspired by her service. She is eager to help them, also, if they are in need. Bergan and her husband have been known to spend many hours at the bedside of friends who are experiencing health difficulties. She could gather a committee in a hurry to arrange for memorial which sometimes included a lunch. This could be for deceased members of our organization, friends and acquaintances. Bergan is a proud member of Seely Lake who is always “on call” to help!