Katherine Anne Sullivan

Katherine Anne Sullivan’s community dedication reflects who she is, a caring and hard working person who enjoys doing for others. At the age of 14, Katherine gives to many, including animals, children and the elderly. She interns at the Humane Society for 2 year snow. She’s very active in community service events with Girl Scouts for over 9 years, she has a Therapy Cat, she volunteers at her school as a math tutor, she is the President of the Student Council, she’s on the Band Advisory Board and she also baby-sits and referees soccer games.

As an intern at the Humane Society she walks the dogs and cleans the cat cages. She socializes the cats so they’ll more adoptable. She educates the public on an alternative to de-clawing. Her favorite part of the job is helping people find an animal that they will appreciate forever. She also volunteers at their children’s event. Katherine was a finalist in the Humane Teen of the Year Award in 2006 for her work in alternatives to de-clawing cats. Katherine just became certified with the Delta Society so she can visit Nursing Homes with her Therapy Cat. Katherine has also forgone birthday presents for herself and instead asked for items to be donated to the Humane Society by her party guests. She inspires others to do the same at their party.

In Girl Scouts she is a Program Aid where she leads/assists at Girl Scout events. Here Katherine can be a leader and a role model to younger girls. She earned her Silver Award in February 2007 by coordinating the planning of a Friendship Dance for over 400 people where she and her troop also collected items for charity – New Beginnings. She helps cook meals for the homeless, collects items in need for any charities. She inspires other troops to also give to the community.

Katherine’s work with her peers is very diverse and has begun a long time ago and continues today. Katherine became a Peer Mediator in Ventana Vista Elementary School in the 4th grade. Here Katherine would give up her lunch hour and recess to walk around the school to assist in conflicts among her peers. Fellow students would know they could approach Katherine because all Peer Mediators wore a Peer Mediator T-shirt that identified them as a student who was trained to help. Katherine found the job very rewarding and looked forward to being of assistance to her peers.

Katherine continued to work with her peers in Esperero Canyon Middle School. This school did not have a Peer Mediator Program, but Katherine found other avenues that she could work with her peers. Katherine joined many school related activities so she can get to know many students and be a friend to all. Katherine believes the best way to help others is to lead by example. Teens do not like to be told what to do, so she feels if she is a good role model others will mirror her behavior. Katherine belief has proven correct, she has been recognized by her peers as a person they admire and look up to. Katherine is the President of her Middle School Student Council. As the President of Esperero Canyon Middle School Student Council she coordinates many school and community functions. Katherine’s many hours of community service benefit her school in greater safety in the parking lot as a result of painting directional lines, raising money for Diabetes, Animal Shelters, Tsunami Relief victims, less fortunate schools, etc. She was also selected by her teacher to be on the Band Advisory Board. Katherine volunteers after school to tutor students. It’s Katherine’s work ethic and desire to help others along with her strong academic grades that made her an ideal tutor.

Katherine spends her weekends working as a soccer referee. Katherine played the game for 8 years and when she heard that there is a shortage of referees in Tucson she decided to take the 17 hour training class to help out. She was the youngest person in the room, but that did not bother her. Katherine wanted to help out. It is not an easy job when you have coaches always feel their team is right, but Katherine stands by her “calls”. She again is a role model for others.

Katherine believes in leading by example, so her strong Community Dedication inspires others to take an interest in their community too. Many children didn’t know they could help, but after seeing all that Katherine does on the weekends they too are helping in areas that interest them.

Fay Woolrich

Fay meets a real community need by providing meals to frail homebound seniors disconnected from their community, through Kalamazoo’s Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Often times, Fay is the only person the recipient interacts with on a daily basis. Her visits also serve as a daily “check in” to make sure things are all right. Because of Fay, many seniors are able to stay in their own home and not have to move to an institutional setting.

Fay also spent twenty years transposing textbooks into Braille and driving visually impaired individuals to state meetings. She has been a Scout Leader and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She loves to be matched with college students to show them the ropes in an effort to ensure the continuation of her work, and clients love to see a young face! She also coordinates a church group, which provides yard clean-up for seniors and others in need.

Fay delivers meals to homebound seniors. Because of Fay, many seniors in Kalamazoo have been able to remain at home surrounded by their pets and possessions. Fay also gave rides to visually impaired individuals so they could participate in state meets in Lansing and Detroit. She also greets clients at Loves and Fishes food pantry and makes them feel comfortable and welcome.

For 35 years, Fay has driven the same 24-mile route once a week (not counting the 2 miles it takes to get to the MOW site) to provide nourishing meals to frail homebound seniors. She also serves as a substitute driver for additional routes. She is a role model and leader for MOW and has inspired others by example. She has volunteered for Senior Services since 1972 and, now 82, shows no sign of stopping.

One big impact is illustrated by multiplying 35 frail homebound seniors by 52 weeks a year, by 35 years, which equals 61,880 meals delivered by just one person! According to Ann Wesselholf, MOW Director, Fay is a “great ambassador for the program. For over thirty years she has been a wonderful example of the tremendous impact one person can have on a community.”

First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) has been supporting public education in many ways throughout the years. One major impact that First United Methodist Church has been involved in for the past 5 years is their involvement with Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS).

First United Methodist Church has recruited over 100 volunteers for Volunteers in Public Schools’ Everybody Reads program. Everybody Reads provides individualized reading assistance to 1st-3rd grade students in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System who are reading below grade level with the goal of getting them reading on grade level by the end of the school year. Volunteers called “Reading Friends” provide one-on-one reading tutorial assistance to the students. Everybody Reads, a reading tutorial program of Volunteers In Public Schools is an ongoing tutorial program. The program runs during the school system, starting in August and concludes in May.

Reading Friends demonstrate that the people of East Baton Rouge Parish care and take action when it comes to education. By helping children learn, and love to read, First United Methodist Church is doing something to positively reinforce the need and importance of education. It is reported that 51% of all fourth grade students in Louisiana cannot read at basic level, well, First United Methodist Church is diligently working towards the change that’s much needed in the school system. By working closely with Volunteers In Public Schools, First United Methodist Church has partnered with Magnolia Woods and Bernard Terrace Elementary schools. First United Methodist Church volunteers faithfully in volunteering their time and efforts by being a “Reading Friend” to help children in 1st-3rd grade who are reading below grade level.

First United Methodist Church also reaches out to Magnolia Woods and Bernard Terrace elementary schools on a regular basis by: Everybody Reads program (Volunteers In Public Schools) – 100+ volunteers tutoring students School Supply Drive every July/August Uniform Drive each summer Host programs at First United Methodist Church for Bernard Terrace FUSE (First United Student Enrichment) – a summer program with students from Bernard Terrace or Magnolia Woods who need a little extra love, support, and tutoring 12-14 children each Tuesday for 5 weeks. Support Bernard Terrace and Magnolia Woods annually with $3,000 Financial contribution to Volunteers In Public Schools (2004-2005), $5,000 Collect Community Coffee, Campbell, and Swanson product labels to benefit their schools partners The Giving Tree members of the Church given children from their partnering schools Christmas presents each year Funds given to Magnolia Woods to help teachers with classroom supplies.

Cathy Berse

Cathy Berse has been volunteering for 12 years at New Smyrna Beach Middle School as a mentor and an artist. Her efforts have changed the lives of students she has mentored and offered unique art enrichment opportunities for hundreds of students.

Through Cathy’s ideas and talents, New Smyrna Beach Middle School students created three murals, one for Environmental Awareness, one to bring a new science textbook study to visual form and the Centennial of Flight mural for Aviation Day.

Cathy developed a new program partnering the school and the Atlantic Center for the Arts to bring art appreciation to art classes. Cathy recruited local artists to help students study art history and create works of their own. Cathy’s work has created valuable partnerships for the school and opened doors for enrichment opportunities for the students.

Cathy Berse was nominated by New Smyrna Beach Middle School for the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards presented by the United Way’s Volunteer Center of Volusia-Flagler Counties, FL, and Bright House Networks. Because of her work with the students at New Smyrna Beach Middle School, Cathy was chosen as the winner in the Education Category.

Wendy Wilson

Wendy Wilson volunteers 80-100 hours per month in helping others in her community even though she is blind and diabetic. Very active in leadership with the Lions Club, she became the first woman and first blind president of the DeLand Lions Club.

Wendy has added new working members to the DeLand Club through her networking skills and assisted the DeLeon Springs Lions Club in getting restarted. Through the Lions Club's vision screening for preschoolers, children with problems were identified. Wendy made sure these children and their families received the assistance they needed. As Braillest Chairperson for Florida Lions District, she was instrumental in collecting over $10,000 to assist in the printing of Braille educational books. Wendy, who also volunteers with many other community groups, is a guiding light in her community and never says no to a person in need.

Wendy Wilson was nominated by the DeLand Lions Club for the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards presented by the United Way's Volunteer Center of Volusia-Flagler Counties, FL, and Bright House Networks. Because of her work with the blind, Pamela was chosen as the Runner-up in the Adult Volunteer Category.

Eileen Bennin

Eileen exemplifies the values Glenkirk embraces and has inspired people inside and outside our organization to make a difference in the lives of the developmentally disabled. Eileen addresses real needs and concerns by bringing awareness to every person she meets with an energetic compassion that is contagious.

Eileen Bennin founded Glenkirk’s Annual Benefit Brunch in 1997 to help raise needed monies for services and programs specifically impacting the developmentally disabled. The first year Eileen was the sole committee, raising $25,000. In 2006, the brunch had grown into a $175,000 sold-out event. Eileen created a strong foundation by engaging the efforts of four co-chairs and 18 committee members. They worked to produce nine successful Benefit Brunch events, raising $667,000. Eileen encourages volunteers to generously give of their time, solicit donations, and familiarize people with Glenkirk. Using press releases, partner advertising and this year’s awareness bracelets, she has raised the profile of her event.

Since 1997, Eileen and her volunteers reached out to family, friends, and businesses. Resources have been leveraged and attendance has grown each year. An astonishing amount of volunteer hours have been contributed to make the Glenkirk Benefit Brunch an ever-increasing success. We estimate that more than 50,000 volunteer hours of phone calls, e-mails, solicitations and meeting attendance, have been contributed in the effort of this successful annual event.

The results of Eileen’s vision for the Brunch are evidenced by the growing numbers of participants, donations, and partnerships developed along with the smiles on the faces and in the hearts of the attendees. The immediate impact for Glenkirk has been in both financial and human capital.

Funding has been used to support Glenkirk’s Next Generation Services: Career makers provides job seeking skills and training in preparation for community-based employment. Foundations for Neighborhood Living provides apartment living with intermittent support. Full Life and College for Living offers classes geared to continuing education and life-enhancing activities, such as wellness, citizenship, creative arts and entrepreneurship.

Glenkirk’s Individual and Family Therapy, Education and Development programs promote personal growth through therapies and psycho-education classes conducted by Glenkirk therapists and clinicians. Each year Eileen makes it her personal challenge to exceed last year’s goal by bringing more people and companies into the event. She has never failed and makes things happen with a sense of determination and savvy. Challenge is a word that runs away when Eileen is involved.

While Eileen is the mother of two sons with developmental disabilities, she is a tireless supporter of all her children in the Glenkirk family. In honor of her support for Glenkirk, we recognize a level of commitment and caring that knows no bounds. When it comes to the developmentally disabled, Eileen doesn’t know the meaning of the word “NO.” We hope to honor her with a resounding “YES” for all her efforts.

College of William & May Project Phoenix

Project Phoenix is a youth tutoring/mentoring program coordinated by a group of dedicated student volunteers at The College of William and Mary. The students established the program six years ago. They recognized the opportunity to make an impact the lives of middle school youth who are not currently achieving to their fullest potential and noted a responsibility to serve as effective role models. Each week students tutor at three local middle schools, working with approximately 20 students at each school. Volunteers tutor students individually followed by an educational program that is conceived, organized and facilitated by volunteers. Volunteers also organize weekly Saturday education programs. Program areas include Career Exploration, Civic Responsibility, Culture/Education, Life Skills and Health and Fitness. A sample of programs include: a demonstration at the local fire house, an annual etiquette dinner, a trip to the Virginia Living Museum, historical scavenger hunt and trips to local museums.

As a result of participating in various educational activities, college volunteers motivate and inspire middle school students to want to succeed. The interactions build confidence in middle school students and expose them to experiences they would likely never have an opportunity to take part in.

Project Phoenix works in partnership with guidance counselors from each middle school. Students who are not currently achieving academically and/or socially are offered an opportunity to participate in the program. Counselors discuss the program with each student’s parent or guardian and determine whether Project Phoenix fits the student’s needs prior to being accepted into the program. Periodic communication with guidance counselors and family members is integral to the success of the program.

Project Phoenix has approximately 60 volunteer who serve as tutors and mentors. Each year 12 students accept leadership positions on a volunteer executive board. These students plan each tutoring session and weekend activities. In addition the volunteers coordinate transportation, orientation, training, team building activities and program evaluation, among other responsibilities. These volunteers are integral to the function and success of the program. Without their tireless efforts, the program would not exist. The corps of volunteers gives more than 10,000 hours each academic year to make the program a success. Since the inception, approximately 600 students have volunteered an estimated 50,000 hours to the program and the community.

Project Phoenix has touched the lives of college students and local middle school students. Coming together weekly, the students recognize the similarities among them and educate one another. For many middle school children the interaction with volunteers is the highlight of their week. They are reminded that people indeed care about their well-being.

The program literally changes lives. Middle school graduates of the program have gone on to accept leadership positions in high school and now some of the graduates are attending college. The students involved with Project Phoenix make a conscious choice to make a difference in the lives of children.

Denise Roundy

Denise has facilitated the “Grizzly Pride” program for the Grandview Elementary School for the past five years. The goal is to promote social competence and develop skills that will help the students become contributing adults.

Grandview Elementary School has identified certain social skills the students need to possess such as “How to resolve differences, how to accept responsibility, how to show appreciation” and others. Each month the teachers teach the specific steps for these skills. Denise arranges a parent to come in and teach a home lesson. The students hear this lesson and then go home and teach it to their families. This has created some wonderful connections in the community. The skills and lessons have even been used over the pulpit in one local church.

To reinforce the application of the skill the school has praise notes that are written when a student is “caught” practicing the skill. Denise comes every week and gathers a copy of each note for data keeping. She makes a copy of several for the principal to read over the intercom with announcements.

The school has attempted several things to encourage note writing. Charts, hall decorations, banners in the lunchroom, all with students names that have had a praise note written to them. Denise has written hundreds of names on “sticky notes” to post on displays to recognize student success.

The staff meets monthly to discuss the program and what can be done to promote and encourage character development and social competence. Denise comes every month and participates in these meetings also.

Joe Casassa

For the past 33 years, Joe Casassa has served the EPS industry not only through employment but by serving on several boards and volunteering his time unselfishly. To begin, Joe currently serves on three boards as Vice Chairman. On these boards, he assures that the industry is providing information to consumers and manufacturers on the benefits of recycling and utilizing EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). As a member of the EPS Air Quality Task Force, Joe works tirelessly on issues that protect air quality and public health. Working with the EPA, he makes sure that the Clean Air Act and amendments are being adhered to.

In addition, Joe has been a longtime advocate and supporter of the molding community. With his knowledge and expertise in Expandable Polystyrene, he has been recognized by consumers, peers and third-party agencies as the go-to-guy when using these building materials to make a difference in a homeowner’s yearly energy bill. Involved in a few regulatory code committees, Joe has rallied to ensure that the environment we live in is free of air contaminants.

Last, Joe Casassa has been a longtime volunteer of Habitat for Humanity. Joe has not only built homes but has assisted by offering technical information on the types of building insulation to use on various homes which resulted in reduced cost. His input can easily add five years or more to the longevity of a home. In addition to building homes, Joe is involved in recycling efforts. Pushing for a better recycling system, not just curbside recycling, Joe played an integral part in AFPR’s National Mail-Back Program that allows consumers who cannot recycle EPS on the curbside because the program is not available to now having the option to mail in their EPS rather than it ending up in the landfills.

Joe’s tremendous efforts and time has enabled us to breathe easier knowing that someone has our best interest at heart.

Molly Motley

Molly Motley’s nickname is “the general.” Molly is a volunteer coordinator for Covenant United Methodist Church. Her efforts ensure there are volunteers for the more than 20 different ministries of the church, which include Halifax urban Ministries, Family Renew, Society of St. Andrews, Children’s Home, Seville Outreach and more. Molly is the point person for most of the activities that take place at Covenant United Methodist Church. A wonderful motivator and a self-starter, she is always looking for things that need to be done and then finds the volunteers to make sure it is done. She is described as a person who doesn’t just give her time, she volunteers her heart.

She oversees many church activities such as the Faith In Action Care Teams that provide food, baby baskets, physical and emotional support to those in need. Molly’s personal touch greatly enhances the effectiveness of the church and its ministries and mission for those in the surrounding community.

Molly Motley was nominated by Covenant United Methodist Church for the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards presented by the United Way’s Volunteer Center of Volusia-Flagler Counties, FL and Bright House Networks. Because of her efforts working to coordinate volunteers in her community, Molly was chosen as the Winner in the Senior Volunteer Category.