HOWARD ELLIS

Staff at the Morgan-Lawrence County Chapter of the American Red Cross would not know what to do without Howard Ellis. Every Wednesday for the past six years, Ellis has volunteered a full 8-hour day, managing the Red Cross CHERS (Chapter Environmental Resource System) database. An Emergency Services volunteer, Ellis enters into the system all fire cases and military cases opened in Morgan and Lawrence Counties. In addition, he audits the casework of all volunteers, ensuring consistency of casework and accuracy of disbursing orders prior to payment.

To better interpret the forms with which he works, Ellis willingly attended disaster classes. Trained in disaster family service casework, even though it is not his primary role, Ellis has stepped in as a volunteer caseworker whenever needed, interviewing families affected by fire and helping them determine their immediate, emergency needs.

In addition, he troubleshoots computer and software problems, installs new programs, compiles statistical reports, set up an Excel spread sheet for payroll, and completes a weekly back-up of computer files. Annually Ellis compiles statistics and files the Red Cross FOCIS report.

Ellis is the Chapter’s CHERS computer software “expert”, and was the first to volunteer in the chapter to learn the program. When a 3-day training on the CHERS software was offered in Montgomery, Ellis was eager to participate and become knowledgeable in the software. Since then, he has trained volunteers and staff members on the software. He is always there to answer questions. He also helps as needed as a disaster caseworker working with fire victims, and assists with special blood drives and fund-raising projects. In addition, Ellis is a regular blood donor!

The impact of Ellis’s service on the smooth operation of the Chapter is considerable. In an organization where service is a priority, it is easy to get behind with computer work and record keeping. Ellis keeps the database up-to-date, with information and statistics at his fingertips. Many Red Cross chapters have had a difficult time using the CHERS software because is not a very user-friendly program; however, Ellis has made it all possible for the Morgan-Lawrence Chapter.

Maintaining a database is extremely time-consuming. Because Ellis enters disaster and military cases weekly, the Emergency Services Director can concentrate on managing the program and providing direct service to clients. Last year, he entered 90 new disaster cases and 84 military cases. A disaster plan is very important to any nonprofit or business and particularly to the American Red Cross. Part of that plan is regular back-ups of the computer files. Ellis backs up the files at the Red Cross weekly and takes the disks home with him. In addition, when the emergency services director and on-call case workers are unavailable, he picks up the slack and handles cases.

Ellis is their unsung Wednesday hero- here every week behind the scene, making it all possible. He is a very reliable and conscientious volunteer, willing to help in all service areas. What he does weekly for the community is not visible or evident to most people, but Ellis is right here in the background, quietly doing his part, using his computer expertise to help emergency services run smoothly at the American Red Cross.

CHERYL CROWLEY

Cheryl Crowley has been most successful in achieving a consistent media campaign that continues to raise awareness of the adult and children’s literacy needs in one of Florida’s largest counties, Palm Beach County. As a result of Crowley’s volunteer service to the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition and her outstanding public relations to promote literacy, she has raised the public’s awareness that illiteracy is everyone’s problem. People now understand that it causes so many of society’s social problems, and that everyone’s involvement is needed to help solve the problem.

Crowley was responsible for all media and public relations for the 2002 and 2004 Read Together countywide reading campaign which resulted in 20,000 – 30,000 people in Palm Beach County reading the same book at the same time. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1993 and served as Board President from 2000-2002. Crowley has chaired and continues to serve on the Communications Committee, Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee Committee, Nominating Committee and Executive Committee. She is currently acting as co-chairperson for the 15th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon that typically has close to 800 guests each year. Crowley also chaired the 1997 Love of Literacy Luncheon that featured Former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Crowley’s partnership with the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition to promote literacy awareness and services has opened up whole new worlds of opportunity for those who have called the Literacy Hotline and received help. She continues to volunteer her time to serve as the Literacy Coalition’s media specialist. Crowley also plays a strong role in the planning and promoting of all major literacy events. She is responsible for frequent contacts with the major television, print and radio media and helps coordinate their efforts so that a cohesive, coordinated program of public relations and communications will be delivered to spread the message of literacy to the widest possible audience.

As a result of Crowley’s media outreach for the Literacy Coalition over the past decade, an excess of 13,000 adult learners and more than 6,000 volunteer tutors have called the literacy hotline and received information on literacy programs. In addition, 20,000 – 30,000 people participated in Read Together Palm Beach County – One Book, One Community, which was noted as the most successful countywide reading campaign in the state of Florida.

Crowley’s work in bringing together other media professionals through the Communications Committee to promote literacy in Palm Beach County has brought awareness to thousands of adults, children and families about the many programs available in the community.

FAITH BEYOND WALLS

Faith Beyond Walls is the only interfaith service organization in the St. Louis region. Since 2001 they have mobilized nearly 1,600 volunteers to participate in community improvement projects in low-wealth neighborhoods in St. Louis City and County, as well as Southern Illinois. In 2005 alone, a total of 963 volunteers completed 47 community projects

The volunteers come primarily from faith-based institutions throughout the St. Louis region and cover a broad age range from six-months to senior citizens. Because most of their projects occur on the weekend and involve landscaping, cleaning, painting and general beautification efforts, they are often appropriate for all ages.

Of their1, 382 active (participated on at least one project since 2001 and requested to remain in our database), 562 are individuals and the remaining 819 make up approximately 220 family units (spouses, domestic partners, parent/child and/or siblings). Thirty-six percent of the family units (79) are repeat volunteers (volunteering on more than one episodic project). Forty percent (31) of families have participated on a project together more than three times.

In order to recruit and retain families, they provide the following to make projects as family-friendly as possible: 1) Age level recommendations in all their materials, 2) A safe atmosphere where families can feel comfortable bringing younger children, 3) Detailed project information sheets including driving instructions, recommended attire, and contact information for each Site Coordinator, 4) All necessary project materials, including smaller work gloves for children and 5) Refreshments and restroom and shelter access in case children need a break or snack.

Their organization seeks projects with immediate, measurable and observable community impact. All of their projects focus either directly or indirectly on revitalization of low-wealth neighborhoods in St. Louis City and County. Together with their community partners, they are forging the path to revitalization by erasing evidence of neglect and leaving neighborhoods with clean and useable parks, litter-free and landscaped streetscapes and enjoyable public areas.

Many residents and community organizations in low-wealth neighborhoods are working diligently toward revitalization but lack financial resources or people-power to improve their neighborhoods. Faith Beyond Walls volunteers provide much needed people power to those neighborhoods, and equally important the civic engagement connects volunteers and collaborating agencies to the community and provides coalition building and advocacy, which are key elements of neighborhood revitalization.

One successful project that utilized volunteers of all ages includes an ongoing partnership with the City of Kinloch, one of the poorest communities in their region. Beginning in September 2005, over 500 volunteers worked to rehab apartment units for 6 Hurricane Evacuee families. Another successful partnership has been with the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. Since 2000 a total of 550 interfaith volunteers have delivered 2,750 meals to the homebound elderly and disabled on Christmas morning. In addition, they have also partnered with St. Louis Children’s Hospital on their Healthy Kids at Play initiative to build 4 playgrounds in low-income neighborhoods.

ANNIE WATTS

John F. Kennedy said, “Our nation is judged, not only by the people we choose to lead, but also by the people we choose to honor.” In reviewing the life that Mrs. Annie B. Watts has lived, it is easy to see why this nation has remained the shining example of strength and hope in the world where so many people and so many nations seem lost. The strength that comes from helping those in need is a very powerful force. The secret is that it cannot be legislated or forced; it has to come from the heart. That is why community is so important to Watts. The gift she gives to the people of Northeast Mississippi cannot be bought; it is, in the words of MasterCard, priceless.

Most people sit back and complain about how things should be, expecting the government to fix them. Her community in Northeast Mississippi has, instead, has a great history of working with the government instead of waiting for the government to start programs that make a difference. Watts has been a trailblazer in her community for helping those in need. Over the past 40 years, she has dedicated her time to the North Mississippi Medical Center.

In 1965 when Watts began her service at North Mississippi Medical Center, it was just a simple two-story building. She was assigned to deliver mail and run patient errands. Learning how to navigate around the Medical Center was a challenge in the beginning, but it was something Watts was determined to master. She always loved meeting new faces and was excited about forming new friendships; and that is exactly what happened. She began to be such a resource to the Medical Center that they asked her to staff the information front desk. Every Tuesday, Watts began to assist and direct individuals and families to the location where their loved ones were being cared for. This one-on-one contact with patient families was “just what the doctor ordered” for Watts.

Forty years later, the North Mississippi Medical Center has become one of the largest nonprofit medical centers in the United States, boasting six stories, and countless programs, medical units, and hundreds of staff members. Its change in appearance has progressed tremendously over the years. Even though the Medical Center underwent a major facelift, there was one constant fixture – Watts. She has continued to volunteer every Tuesday at the information desk. As volunteers began to grow in numbers, the Medical Center and Lift Inc.’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program called upon her to become the Volunteer Coordinator for the RSVP Volunteers.

With her new position, Watts began to chart all volunteer hours for individuals 55 and older who were enrolled in the program. She also began training other interested volunteers in operating the computer station at the information desk. She has also orchestrated book and magazine drives in the community so that patients may have reading materials during their hospital stay. As the holidays approach, you can always look forward to Watt’s colorful decorations that enhance the atmosphere when entering the Medical Center. She has always taken her volunteer duties at the hospital seriously and has rarely missed a Tuesday.

In early 2005, Watts suffered a broken ankle and was determined to not just sit home; instead, she insisted that her son escort her into the hospital in a wheel chair and she never missed one Tuesday during her eight-week recovery. At 87 years old, she also manages to stay fit and active by walking the hospital halls and visiting staff and patients.

Taking only one “baby” aspirin a day, Watts also fills many other roles in her community. As a member of her neighborhood watch group, she never misses a meeting and always stays alert to potential crime in her community. She is also an active member of the Eastern Star Glad Club, where she serves her community through friendly visits to the sick and shut-ins, often baking casseroles, and making friendly phone calls. As an RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, she oversees 21 senior citizen volunteers who log at least 300 volunteer hours each month and who have recently earned a Gold Presidential Award as a volunteer group for their hard work at the Medical Center. Watts has also won a Silver Presidential Award for performing 312 volunteer hours in the past year.

Kristin Hunter said, “First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.” Mrs. Annie B. Watts has reached out her arms and touched so many lives; she has healed so many with her warm smiles and gentle touches. Watts believes in “fighting the good fight’ and choosing not to sit home and watch the world go by, but by getting off the couch and making a difference.

DR. LILY DEBLIEUX

Lily Deblieux believes in empowerment and uses her time to empower others. She has been a mentor for a Cuban female. This young lady comes from a low socioeconomic background, but she wants to succeed and Deblieux has continued to mentor, nurture and guide her through her college graduation. She has also mentored a student in Take Stock in Children for 5 years. That youth recently graduated from high school and was especially proud because she is the first high school student graduate in her family.

Deblieux also has a strong desire for everyone to get a great start, and she believes education helps to provide just that. She has served on The Education Foundation’s board, as a mentor, with the Men of Distinction committee (raising funds for student scholarships), and with the assistance of book collections for the students of Collier County. She serves as a member of the ABWA on the Scholarship committee and fundraising for Women in History. In addition, Deblieux is involved with the PACE Center in Immokalee and also serves as a mentor there.

She is Vice-Chair of the Catholic Charities in her area and volunteers in many activities helping those who are less fortunate. Deblieux is an active participant of many Chambers of Commerce and mentors business owners. She is also a member of The Alternative Board, meeting with local executives to improve businesses in the area. Deblieux serves on the Economic Development Council of Collier County helping recruit members to work towards the economic development of Collier County.

Because of Deblieux’s commitment to youth and education, those who she serves go on to become productive members of society and can, in turn, help someone else to do the same. She works with a diverse population and demonstrates that we can all work together regardless of our race, religious belief or ethnicity. In addition, her commitment to making her community a better place to live by leading and recruiting others to take part in the economic growth of their community ensures that all residents have an opportunity to enjoy living and working in a place affordable to all.

In addition to the above, Deblieux is also an active supporter of Relay for Life and the American Red Cross. The scope of her service is broad, and she is an excellent example of what one person can accomplish. She was named 2005 Hispanic Woman of Distinction with the Cystic Fibrosis Organization, and she has been named a leader with the Leadership Collier Class of 2006.

JEWEL FREEMAN

Decatur Youth Enrichment sponsors a tutorial and reading program during the summer. Jewel Freeman is a part of this program and uses her skills and abilities to help others. Freeman participated each day, and the children benefited from this greatly. Her efforts and dedication gave the participants a great foundation for the school year.

Freeman had a calm demeanor and a sincere desire for the children to learn. Many of the participants under her teaching became more enthusiastic about learning. She was one of the first people that was able to make them see that learning could be fun. Freeman has a philosophy of working hand in hand with the schools and educational institutions because it takes a village to raise a child.

In addition to serving as a tutor, Freeman was also in charge of the summer student workers; and this benefited the students as well. Freeman observed the student workers and was able to target their strengths and weaknesses. Once the participating children were gone for the day, she would identify various skills and skill sets that the student workers need to develop and work with them to do just that. This encouraged the student workers and strengthened their abilities.

Freeman gave of other resources also. If a child had a need that was not met, she would reach into her pocket and make sure it was taken care of. She also generously gave of more time for those who were not involved in extracurricular activities and would provide them with opportunities they may not otherwise have. Freeman was comfortable with participants of different cultures and made sure all the children feel very comfortable. She spoke to the children about diversity but also lived it everyday in her actions – and not in a patronizing way.

Freeman brought more promise to the lives of the students served in the summer program and Decatur Youth Enrichment looks for the same results each year. Freeman is an excellent classroom teacher, and she takes it upon herself to bring this child to the center and work with them one on one. Because of this, not only to the children learn, but their self-confidence soars; and the parents, families and student teachers benefit also.

ALAN ABRAM

Alan Abram lives with scleroderma, a chronic, often progressive autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and can cause thickening and tightening of skin, as well as serious damage to internal organs. He was diagnosed with scleroderma in 1994; however, he did not let the diagnosis keep him from community service.

Abram has volunteered in the South Florida Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation since October 1994, when he and his wife moved to Florida. Abram has served not only as a member of the board of the southeast Florida Chapter, but as Vice President and President as well. At the present he is serving a new term as president.

In addition to his other service to the Foundation, Abram, with the help of his wife Dorothy, has planned an annual fundraiser, Have a Heart for Scleroderma. Abram prepares letters of solicitation and invitations for the event as well as chairing the event. He also recruits organizations to donate items for the event. This last year was the 9th annual event, and the past nine events have totaled $500,000 collected for research for a cure for scleroderma.

Because of his first-hand knowledge and experience with scleroderma, Abram has had a separate phone line installed in his house so he can take calls anytime of the day or night from people newly diagnosed with scleroderma, or people wanting information about the organization.

Abrams suffers from other chronic health problems in addition to scleroderma, but he does not complain about his infirmity. Instead he works to find innovative ways to help others and raise money for research and a cure. Abrams is a well of information for those calling him, and a caring ear for those who need to talk about their illness or need assistance finding medical care. This attitude is remarkable in general, but more specifically because Abrams recently turned 75 years old. He is at an age where many look to relax, but he looks to overcome an illness while still helping others.

JOHN HILL

In January of 2005, Phil Sontag, a senior high school student in Erie Pennsylvania, collapsed during a CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) basketball game and later died from sudden cardiac arrest. The parochial school gymnasium where Phil was playing was not equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Like most of the parochial schools in Erie, there simply was not enough money available to provide for this lifesaving device.

John William Hill believed that if the St. George School gymnasium was equipped with an AED, Phil’s life might have been saved. This motivated Hill to begin thinking of ways to raise money to purchase an AED for St. George’s School. Hill was fortunate to receive some publicity to create more awareness for his cause, and in February 2005 a local television station interviewed John regarding his endeavors.

Hill made 200 DVD’s of the television segment. He sent them to family, friends, and local business owners along with a letter, in which he offered to contribute 10% of his summer wages earned by life guarding at a local pool, busing tables for a local restaurant and working for a caterer. He asked individuals to match his contribution so the goal could be met.

Through his innovative and compassionate efforts, Hill raised in excess of $16,300 to buy nine AED’s for Erie’s Parochial Schools. When the local paper reported the story, Hill’s quote reflected the self-effacing compassion he has exhibited throughout his life. Hill said, “That machine could have saved Phil’s life. I don’t want anybody to have to go through that kind of tragedy again.”

Because of his dedication and untiring efforts, Hill has been nominated for numerous awards. St. Vincent Hospital, the local hospital coordinating the purchase, installation and training for the AED’s awarded John the first ever Young Philanthropist of the Year Award. Hill, along with Phil’s father is happy that something positive has come from the sudden loss of this young man. Through Hill’s efforts, there are now nine permanent AED’s in local parochial school gymnasiums. The entire Erie community, including the student athletes who utilize the facilities are safer as a result of Hill’s service.

THE VIOLENT TRAUMA AWARENESS PROGRAM (VTAP)

Violent Trauma Awareness Program, formerly Victims of Work-Related (VOW) Violent Crime Foundation was created in 2002 as a result of a horrific ordeal. After a thirteen year career in banking, Michelle Renee, and her young daughter were kidnapped and held hostage for nearly fourteen hours by three masked gunmen. The captors put bombs on their bodies and duct taped them. Their lives were threatened if Michelle did not rob the vault of the bank she managed. The trial was lengthy and quite an ordeal. Michelle was left to fight for her reputation and suffer an unexpected re-victimization.

So many of the services Michelle and her daughter needed to recover from their ordeal and face criminal trial proceedings were not available or offered to them. Through prayer, determination and courage combined with the heart felt desire to help others, The Victims of Work-Related Violent Crime (VOW) Foundation was birthed and later re-named to the Violent Trauma Awareness Project in 2003.

Since the inception of VTAP, their original, singular goal of assisting violent crime victims has expanded. They focus on three core programs: violent crime victim recovery; youth leadership development and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness. They have assisted many violent crime victims during their recovery; conducted youth outreach expressive art workshops and recently formed the Youth Against Crime Club; donated personal alarms to assist victims in regaining a sense of safety and control again; conducted PTSD awareness training sessions for the San Diego District Attorney’s Office; University of So. California-Criminal Justice Students; San Diego National Bank and others; held fundraising events; participate in victim’s rights activities; and more.

They wanted to meet a need in the community and continue to heal personal hurts. The founders of the organization experienced violence first hand and wanted to help others so they would not have to endure those same trials. VTAP was a vehicle not only to help others, but to help the various members of Michelle’s family to come to the aid of other victims of work-related violence. Her brother, Dave created a Young Warrior Program. Her mother began volunteering at the youth and fundraising events, taking grant-writing classes and volunteering in the office every week. Soon other family members, Eric and Mike along with their families joined in to purchase and donate art supplies and volunteer their time a the events as well. In addition, Linda’s granddaughter, Breea started an after school program called Girls against Crime. Breea and her friends now raise money specifically for crime victims and tell others to say no to crime.

The truly inspiring portion of VTAP is the fact that it is a positive response to trauma. Michelle and her family have turned tragedy into triumph and have moved into life of joy and service. This family continues to grow together and show others that one family can make a positive difference in this world.

PAULA MORRIS

In the fall of 2001, Paula Morris was working on a committee at The Salvation Army (TSA) in Salisbury, MD to better improve their Learning Center. Students were required to attend the Learning Center to bring up their GPA in order to play sports. Once their GPA reached the required level they left; the committee wanted to come up with a program that encouraged them to continue to reach for success and thus Kids of Honor was born. Once the committee work was complete, Morris took on the challenge to encourage these and many other kids to achieve success.

Kids of Honor “catches” kids doing something right and recognizes a monthly winner for basic skills such as attendance, behavior, cooperation and preparation. At the end of the year, one monthly winner is selected to become the annual Kid of Honor and receives a check for $500. The catch? The money is invested on the child’s behalf and the winner may not receive the funds until he or she graduates from high school. Morris spent two years working to make this program work on her own, investing countless hours and funds towards the program. In 2003, Morris enlisted the help of a formal board, which she oversees as Chairman.

In 2001, 40% of people in Wicomico County did not have a high school diploma. In fact, about 35% of people living in Maryland do not have a high school diploma. The drop out rate in Wicomico County is just under 10% for African-Americans and averages around 3% for all other races. Kids of Honor is aimed at middle school-aged children and focuses on keeping them in school long enough to receive a high school diploma.

Not wanting to lose the Kids of Honor after they had been “caught,” Morris recently came up with the Engagement Program. Morris designed this program to bring the Kids of Honor together six times a year; three times for a community service project and three times for a fun activity. Morris wants to show the kids the importance of giving back to the community and teach them to become responsible citizens while showing them adults do care about them.

Kids of Honor was never meant to leave TSA, however when Morris saw the kids catching on and becoming better students and acting more positively, she could not sit back and leave it alone; she had to let it grow. Morris turned Kids of Honor into a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization that is currently serving 23 youth programs on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Kids of Honor is truly an innovative tool for youth programs. One of its Board members describes Kids of Honor, saying, “We are not another program, we are a way of making your program better.” Unlike stand-alone programs, Kids of Honor links and leverages community resources to enhance existing programs working with struggling kids.