June Young
When people are looking for volunteer projects, they don’t usually consider caring for an AIDS patient or watching television with someone who’s dying of cancer. However, that’s exactly the kind of task that Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteer June Young chose to do when she was searching for a rewarding volunteer opportunity.
After June received training from Hospice of the Chesapeake as a patient care volunteer, she was assigned to care for a 52 year old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. Although the patient was unable to speak, he enjoyed having June read and pray with him and looked forward to her visits because they were comforting and helped ease his fears. The relationship wasn’t one sided, however. Although this patient was eventually discharged (as patients do graduate from hospice care), June has continued to be a shining star and comfort in the lives of many terminally ill persons throughout Prince George’s County who are currently living with a variety of illnesses ranging from HIV, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon and lung cancers to name a few. She has also been available at a moment’s notice to sit with patients who are in their last hours and minutes of life, often holding their hand, singing a soothing song or a prayer to comfort them. June has truly made an impact in the lives of the patients she has served by helping individuals live out their last days to the fullest while fulfilling her calling as a Hospice Volunteer. As June so eloquently stated, “Being involved with Hospice is not depressing, it’s actually a calling from God sending me to be with His angels”.
In addition to working full time at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and volunteering with Hospice of the Chesapeake; June also volunteers at the Church of the Epiphany and the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and continues to play an instrumental role in sharing her experiences with prospective hospice volunteers in and around Prince George’s County.
June is truly a volunteer who comes to Hospice of the Chesapeake with an open mind and a big heart for giving back to the community.
June provides support to Hospice of the Chesapeake patients through weekly visits in addition to making telephone calls to bereaved family members following the loss of their loved one. June has made an impact in the lives of Hospice of the Chesapeake patients as she has helped individuals live out their last days to the fullest while fulfilling her calling as a Hospice Volunteer. June checks to make sure that families are coping adequately and appropriately with the death, and let them know that bereavement services are available to them. June brings a quiet compassion and dignity to the position—she has offered prayer to distraught family members and a kind voice at the end of the telephone line to all with which she contacts.
Holly Thomas
Holly Thomas has devoted countless hours of her personal time forging stronger bonds between the Korean and American cultures through a number of volunteer activities. Holly emphasized to others the importance of good community relations and strived to portray the United States and the United States Army as a companion of South Korea.
Her selfless dedication and efforts included getting soldiers involved in a number of community activities. Holly frequently volunteers at local Orphanages, including the Haesimwon Children’s Orphanage. She dedicated time to plan, coordinate and arrange for soldiers of the battalion to attend the Orphanage and participate in a clean-up day and to play with the children.
Her efforts were recognized by the orphanage staff and once again served to strengthen the ROK/US alliance. During the Holiday Season (2005, 2006, and 2007) Holly planned and executed the Haesimwon Children’ s Orphanage Christmas Party in which soldiers brought gifts to the needy children, ensured that the children enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and felt needed and cared for.
For the past two years, Holly has been host to three Korean Students during the USFK God Neighbor English Camp, and remains in contact with those students. Holly dedicated a great deal of time with the 501st BDE Korean Augmentees to the United States Army (KATUSA) Soldiers during preparation for the 2007 KATUSA Friendship Week Talent Show, in which American and Korean soldiers came together to perform. Holly volunteered to be the Battalion point of contact for the Seobingo Elementary School English Class support, in which soldiers of the battalion and brigade visit school to teach children English and share American cultural aspects weekly, her participation ensures a better understanding of both cultures, and improves ROK/US relations, not just now, but for future generations to come. Holly began volunteering at the Daejon Animal Shelter to assist in the care and adoption efforts of over 150 animals. Most recently Holly single-handedly planned an Easter celebration for the Children at Haesimwon Orphanage in which the children had an Easter egg hunt and painted Easter eggs. This showed the children how Americans celebrate this holiday and broadened cultural understandings. Holly has always made it a priority to volunteer her time towards the Korean and American communities and has bridged the gap between two very different cultures.
Holly is fine representative of the United States and the United States Army and her personal contributions have created a very tangible and lasting impacting on both Nations. Her actions were more than warrant her recognition and serves as the model for all soldiers, DA civilians and Army family members to emulate.
Doug Singleton
Doug Singleton and the Miracle League of Montgomery are connected hand-in-hand. Without Doug there would be no Miracle League as we know it today.
Doug brought the Miracle League to Montgomery. He has worked tirelessly, year-after-year, giving his heart and soul to help others less fortunate who are mentally and/or physically challenged to be all that they could be and to experience life to the fullest through physical activity.
Many of these physically and mentally challenged children and adults may never have the ability to win first place in regular competition. Because of Doug Singleton and his contributions through the Miracle League, these children and adults will feel the joy of jubilation when they hit a ball from their wheelchair and when a blind child runs the bases to experience their first homerun. I challenge anyone watching these participants not to feel God’s love from this expression and the love given to these children by Doug Singleton and the many volunteers that Doug has recruited in helping their loving parents and caregivers give them their moment in the sun. Doug Singleton is a unique individual. He doesn’t have a child who is handicapped and who needed a place a place to play. In fact, he was a star baseball player at Huntington College when he was first moved to help handicapped children.
Without fanfare, Doug Singleton has continued to improve the Miracle League field by promoting fundraisers and giving speeches to anyone who would listen to convince people to support building a safe place to place for our communities physically and mentally challenged children.
Meredith Rowe
Meri has dedicated herself to assisting and befriending the children, parents and staff at Ronald McDonald House in Memphis, TN.
Certainly in and of itself, this is not uncharted waters for many community servants, but what sets Meri apart from others is her commitment to those in need at such a young age. Starting her freshman year in high school, Meri has spent four years preparing monthly meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.
As she has visited and grown to know countless families and staff members who have called Ronald McDonald House home for various periods of their lives. Meri has developed an understanding of the subtle and often overlooked needs of not only children but parents as well.
Over the past Holiday season, Meri acted with remarkable acumen as she not only donated gifts for the children but answered the needs of the children by donating gifts for the children to give to their parents.
Though Meri has volunteered in numerous capacities for numerous causes through her communities, her determination to put a smile on the weary and anguished faces of parents struggling to find an answer for their children or touch the hands of a frightened and confused child not knowing what their future hold is a testament to the impact she has on the lives of her fellow man. Meri possesses a compassionate wisdom beyond her years and her humble yet altruistic nature has served and will continue to serve her community for years to come.
Shelle Winkler
Shelle Winkler is a bubbly, enthusiastic and inspiring person that has more to give than she knows. Her volunteer work and attitude towards children are a perfect fit for the Chemo Pal Program at the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)
The Pediatric Chemo Pal Mentor program for children and teens breaks through the isolation, chaos and loneliness of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments by providing trusted, dependable and carefully matched mentors. This program’s purpose is to provide a supportive relationship, ensuring that each child maintains self-esteem and confidence throughout the emotionally isolating and physically difficult. The Chemo Pal volunteer provides support and guidance through dependable visits in the midst of the lonely battle against cancer. These mentors visit hospitals, clinics and homes to play games, take walks, read, do art projects or share hobbies.
Shelle has been matched twice: with two-year-old Naomi and most recently, with three-year-old Douglas. Shelle’s nurturing personality was what originally drew her to CCA and she loves the positive energy she is able to give to the children. When Shelle was matched with Naomi, Naomi would refer to her as “teacher” and they enjoyed playing with stick-on dolls, Play-Do and art activities. Douglas is a three year old twin, so Shelle often plays with both boys. They are very mechanical and enjoy anything with wheels, building structures and playing in the park. Shelle now knows more about cement mixers than she could have ever imagined! Douglas asks for her whenever he goes to the hospital and his face lights up when she walks into the room. She is just the special friend that Douglas needed during this difficult time.
Though she is directly making an impact in the lives of two young people, the staff and other volunteers are inspired by the compassion and genuine concern Shelle has for the children as well as her dedication to the Chemo Pal Program.
Justin Resnick
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of this neurological disorder, which affects the functioning of the brain, is characterized by the absence of the innate ability to learn and communicate. It is more prevalent than childhood cancer, Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. Autism receives less than 5% of the funding of other less common disorders and there is no medical detection or cure.
This information staggered Justin Resnick and he provided an idea that developed a benefit 3 on 3 basketball tournament. This fundraiser, “Alley Oop for Autism,” promotes a greater awareness of Autism and raises money for the specialized education necessary for children living with Autism.
Statistics tell us that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism and about 67 children are diagnosed every day. Boys are 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed, 1 in 94 boys are diagnosed with autism. More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S., autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year and it is expected to double in the next decade.
Justin was elated that the first event hosted more than 300 players. In addition, Alley Oop for Autism raised awareness and over $101,000 for charity. Most importantly Justin created an opportunity for community mobilization and for other young people to serve.
Justin Resnick’s dedication and innovation inspired hundreds of teens, parents, and major corporations to lend their support. In 2008 Justin maintained and expanded his ongoing involvement and for his 2nd annual Alley Oop for Autism. He also invited other High Schools to get involved.
Justin’s interest and success has made a real impact on High Schools, families battling Autism, and his community needs at large. Justin donated 100% of the proceeds to his event totaling over $200,000, to Ascent: A school for Children with Autism.
Robert “Bob” Ramsey
Robert “Bob” Ramsey utilizes his skills and talents to mobilize resources to make his community of Montgomery, AL a better place.
Leading the community in its United Way effort is no small undertaking. Bob met this challenge wholeheartedly while never shirking his duties as Senior Executive Vice President of Sterling Bank.
The work ethic he brings to the bank everyday was also evident as he worked tirelessly to achieve the goal of raising $6,000,000 for the United Way. He not only met this goal, but exceeded it.
This is not the first time Bob has offered his time and energy to the United Way with great success. As a 2006 Pacesetter Campaign Chair, he signed up the largest number of pacesetter companies in the history of the campaign and raised a record $2,000,000 to kick start a regular campaign.
In 1993, Bob and his family moved to Montgomery when he accepted a position with Sterling Bank. Since that time, he has shown his commitment to his new hometown in so many ways. He has served as President of the Montgomery Rotary Club, the National Kidney Foundation of Alabama and the Montgomery Area Council on Aging. He has served on the boards of the Montgomery Academy, the Dexter Avenue Memorial Church Foundation, the Montgomery Ballet, the Montgomery Country Club, the Girl Scouts of South Central Alabama and the YMCA Soccer Board. In addition, he is a past member of the Administrative Board of First United Methodist Church and the Advisory Board for the Junior League of Montgomery. For 11 years he coached his two daughters’ soccer, basketball, volleyball and softball teams.
Christen Picot
The Pediatric Chemo Pal Mentor program for children and teens breaks through the isolation, chaos and loneliness of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments by providing trusted, dependable and carefully matched mentors. This volunteer program’s purpose is to provide a supportive relationship, ensuring that each child maintains self-esteem and confidence throughout the emotionally isolating and physically difficult. The Chemo Pal volunteer provides support and guidance through dependable visits in the midst of the lonely battle against cancer. These mentors visit hospitals, clinics, and homes to play games, take walks, read, do art projects or share hobbies.
Christen Picot has the enthusiasm, eagerness and warm heart that are needed to make a successful mentoring relationship.
Christen is instantly welcoming with her big smile and bubbly attitude. She is sure to light up any room she is in, especially if that is a hospital room. She has most recently been matched with six year old, Robert, and they are extremely close. They had an immediate connection and became buddies within 15 minutes. They can spend hours playing a game that they call “stinky feet game”, where Robert gives his foot to Christen and she tells him it smells.
Although this may not sound like a great friendship to many of us, Robert laughs hysterically and does this routine over and over again. They also like to go out to eat together and joke around. Because of this relationship, Robert now associates the hospital with having fun, instead of fear and pain. Christen has seen this as her calling, and is on a mission to make Robert laugh—which she succeeds in constantly. She is a tremendous asset to the Chemo Pal Program and CCA.
Donna Persson
Donna Persson is an active participant in the Orange County Probation Department’s Volunteer in Probation (VIP) program. She has been assigned to the department’s Youth Guidance Center BREAKTHROUGH program since March 5, 2001 and has volunteered more than 1,220 hours. Over the years, Donna has dedicated her time, talents and energy to helping troubled teens redirect their lives by considering their choices and weighing the impact of those choices.
More than 500 volunteers assist the Orange County Probation Department each year by serving with the VIP program. Probation officers and deputy juvenile corrections officers generally work with large caseloads and volunteers play an important role in supporting their efforts. VIPs work in a variety of assignments and assist at five juvenile institutions. The VIP program offers Orange County residents an opportunity to actively engage in reducing the threat posed by convicted criminal offenders.
In 1997, Donna began volunteering as a guest speaker for the BREAKTHROUGH program at Probation’s Youth Guidance Center (YGC). YGC is a juvenile institution that offers substance abuse rehabilitation for minors ranging from 11 through 18 years of age. The facility provides centrally located accommodations to meet the commitment needs of the Juvenile Court. BREAKTHROUGH is a therapeutic community for youth recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Participation is voluntary and it normally requires from 9 to 12 months for a minor in custody to progress through all residential phases if the program. Deputy probation officers provide intensive supervision of participants for a minimum of six months after their release from YGC.
In 2001 Donna expanded her volunteer involvement by becoming a member the VIP program. As a VIP, she offered to coordinate guest speaker in addition to leading the discussion groups. Over the years, Donna has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the Orange County Probation Department, and her dedication remained strong even when several programs decided to discontinue service at YGC. Rather than consider that option, Donna agreed to continue her presentations and group meetings on a weekly basis.
One of Donna’s most recent accomplishments is the development of a unique program activity for the BREAKTHROUGH residents. It involves instructing the youths in conversing with each other and sharing their personal experiences as they relate to the BREAKTHROUGH program. Initially, the juveniles did not have a clear understanding of the importance of what they were learning; however, through Donna’s hard work, patience and encouragement, the young people are gaining a better understanding if the significance of substance abuse rehabilitation.
Donna epitomizes the importance of volunteer involvement especially in providing guidance and positive role modeling for at-risk youths. She is an exceptional mentor for the BREAKTHROUGH participants and a valuable resource for staff. The Orange County Probation Department is honored to have the support of this very dedicated individual who is an integral part of the VIP team.
Alana Mailes
As a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, Alana recently completed her senior year at La Cañada High School where she excelled in every academic subject. In fact, her cumulative GPA was 4.38. In addition, she participated in numerous community service activities and was an active member of Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, an international recognized youth music organization that regularly performs with Los Angeles Opera and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Motivated to mentor other children who do not have access to music, Alana founded her own choir of 15 children who were part of an after-school program for at-risk youth in Pasadena, CA. Without Alana, the children would have no access to music. Alana originally started this choir in fulfillment of her Girl Scout Gold Award. Although she received that award three years ago, she realized that without her being there, the children would have no music in their lives. When the organization that ran the after-school program lost its funding, Alana arranged to continue to conduct the choir in the same neighborhood, but directly through the local elementary school, Madison Elementary, as part of the school’s own after school program. She sought out a volunteer piano accompanist and borrowed music from Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.
Madison has very little money, no other music program and is composed mostly of immigrant children. She met with her choir every Friday afternoon. Although only in high school, Alana selected the repertoire, conducted the chorus and taught basic music theory.
Alana has reached out to build a bridge to children who have no access to music at school. The arts community of greater Los Angeles is unknown, unfamiliar and virtually unreachable by most of the families at Madison who cannot afford to attend music events and concerts, or obtain music lessons for their children.
Recently, Alana identified children in her chorus whom she encouraged to audition for Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. Last May, she mentored them through the process by familiarizing them with the songs they would be asked to sing for audition, and by arranging for a scholarship to pay their $50 audition fee. Two children were admitted this fall, with full tuition scholarships. It will significantly change their lives, bringing them into contact with a wide range of people and places, and an art form that will help shape and influence their intellectual growth. It goes without saying that Alana has taken her own opportunities and knowledge and used them in a creative and innovative way to serve as a mentor to underserved youth. Although only in her first semester of college as a double major in music and English, Alana has already begun planning the start-up of a new choir at a local public school in the Berkeley area for this January.
Alana conducts herself with poise and grace, and maturity beyond her years. She is a thoughtful and compassionate person, as well as a natural leader, who has achieved more in her short life than most people in a lifetime.
