Casey Sokolovic

What began as a third grade school field trip in 2005 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center evolved into a passion for service and an exciting journey of discovery for Casey Sokolovic.

Impacted by her visit to the rehabilitation facility, Casey established Love a Sea Turtle with a mission to raise awarenessand find effective ways to protect these endangered creatures. Casey’s movement began in the kitchen, where she baked and sold turtle-shaped sugar cookies to raise money for the sea turtle hospital and other ocean conservation organizations. Over time, her mission grew into an educational outreach program for at-risk youth featuring a year-round calendar of service learning opportunities including a marine debris awareness and prevention project, plus outdoor environmental summer science camps that trace the path of fresh water to the North Carolina coast. Over a span of four years, Casey has raised $370,000 to protect sea turtles.

When she’s not safeguarding sea turtle habitats, Casey dedicates her energy to helping more young people discover nature by participating in conservation efforts, or simply experiencing the open water on a kayak. Casey created the Upstream Downstream Connection camps for local at-risk youth to attend for free. Participating youth spend time outdoors, with opportunities to try watersports activities for the first time, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Campers also enjoy doing math and science through hands-on learning activities, trace the path of fresh water to the coast, participate and talk about the impact of human actions, good and bad, from land to sea.

Casey has found other innovative ways to keep young people involved in service learning opportunities when her camps are not in session. Throughout the year, and with the help of many volunteers, Love a Sea Turtle has provided service learning activities around MLK Day of Service, Earth Day, Global Youth Service Day, Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids and National Make A Difference Day.

Overall, thousands of volunteers have helped remove hundreds of pounds of trash from land and rivers, assemble and distribute 4,500 monofilament fishing line recycling containers and fund three new Love a Sea Turtle chapters in two states, plus provide four years of free camps for more than 700 at-risk youth. What started as a small baking project in Casey’s home evolved into countless hours of volunteer workand youth engagement for a better planet. Thanks, Casey, for making a difference from sea to shining sea.

Know someone like Casey doing amazing work in his/her community? Nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award today!

Lorain County Health & Dentistry

For National Health Center Week, Points of Light in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers honors health center volunteers, vital team players who help reach out to and serve their uninsured neighbors.

Started back in 2010, Lorain Lions identified a need, locally and in their 10-county district, for affordable, accessible vision care for the most vulnerable population in Lorain, Ohio. At the same time, Lorain County Health & Dentistry (LCH&D), a Community Health Center serving low income, uninsured and under-insured children and adults at 4 sites in Lorain County, identified optometry and eye care as an unmet need among its more than 11,000 primary care patients. Soon enough, the two joined together with a single mission to build a comprehensive and state of the art vision center.

By May 2013, the two groups had raised a stunning $257,000 in donations, grants, and corporate funds from local businesses, which was enough to purchase clinical equipment to examine and treat patients of all ages. Since opening in October of 2013, LCH&D has had 1,765 patient visits. They project, in the 2nd year of service, to have 3,000 vision patient visits, increasing to 3,200 in 2016.

The LCH&D team saw many patients who have never had their eyes examined or who were wearing the wrong eye glasses because they could not afford care or a new prescription. The group was able to solve these issues through their care.

LCH&D continues to improve the community’s health and access to vision care by referring residents in 10 counties to LCH&D, by personally driving them to the vision clinic for care, and by paying for patient’s care, including eye glasses when necessary. There is no other vision clinic available that accepts uninsured individuals and discount fees, based on poverty guidelines, in any of these 10 counties. LCH&D strives to make sure these communities are treated with unbiased care and that they are healthier and happier with their new eyes.

The organization is a wonderful model of community collaboration. A devoted organization, Lion Clubs, partnering with a Community Health Center, has succeeded in making a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people for generations to come. The group was able to undertake the largest ever volunteer fundraising effort by Lions in the state of Ohio and turn it into something that has changed the community significantly.

Elia Salazar

For National Health Center Week, Points of Light in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers honors health center volunteers, vital team players who help reach out to and serve their uninsured neighbors.

While serving as an AmeriCorps Community HealthCorps Member with AltaMed Health Services, one of the nation’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers that prides itself on its patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model, Elia Salazar was able to experience the synergy between a health corporation, clinical interventions and programs, and community partners.

In order to do something about these pressing issues, Elia, during her first year of serving with the Health Education Department, established health education services at the West Covina clinic. By participating in this development, it further allowed Elia to closely interact with doctors, nurses, public health professionals, promoters being community health workers, Electronic Health Records systems, health insurance plans, and policy advocates.

During her second year of service, she served as Program Coordinator for the pilot childhood obesity prevention program in the East Los Angeles community under the mentorship of the Chief Medical Officer and the Boyle Heights Clinic Administrator. Elia was the liaison between the clinical interventions and community programs addressing childhood obesity and our patients. Elia also hosted a "Teen Summit,” which was an all-day conference for teens and their parents at a local park in the East Los Angeles community where about 100+ family members participated. The goal was to educate teens and their families on obesity and ways in which prevention can be made.

Elia learned that although the prevention and self-management of chronic illnesses can be accomplished through health education, there is still much more needed at the local and state levels to help alleviate the stress and injustices these communities experience on a daily basis. Patients were able to confide in her and she was able to connect with them on a personal level, as she also experienced firsthand the frustrations this community feels when advised to make healthy lifestyle changes, but are hindered by the lack of local supermarkets that carry fresh produce and safe parks in their neighborhoods.

Elia’s experiences and observations further reinforced that her experiences as a child with limited access to health services transcend into the larger scope and the need to allocate more accessible resources in all of the low-income communities. Her career objectives include obtaining a Masters of Public Health to ensure that through the skills and theories of program implementation, policies will be created to positively affect communities where health disparities are most prevalent.

Wounded Wear

Service men and women sacrifice so much to protect our nation. Sadly, sometimes these sacrifices are permanent and overlooked. Navy SEAL, Former LT Jason Redman knows this all too well, who while undergoing his own reconstruction and recovery recognized two key issues that were not addressed by other organizations. He struggled with his massive injuries to find clothing he could wear around the medical devices necessary for healing and he noticed that most people never assumed that his injuries occurred on the battlefield fighting for our Freedom.

These issues inspired him to create Wounded Wear, which provides fashionable clothing and clothing modifications to America’s wounded warriors and American citizens, to promote awareness throughout the country of the sacrifices these men and women made in the name of freedom. Wounded Wear promotes awareness and empowers wounded warriors through multiple events throughout the country designed to provide opportunities for citizens and local and national businesses an opportunity to support, meet, and understand the Wounded Wear mission. Major annual events include A Toast to the Heroes, a formal beverage tasting and silent auction fundraiser, Jumping for a Purpose, an empowerment event taking wounded warriors skydiving while enjoying local musicians, food, and beverages, and Hold Em for Heroes, a Motorcycle Poker Run and Live Auction.

Wounded Wear makes multiple trips throughout the year to Walter Reed National Medical Center handing out clothing kits and providing clothing and uniform modifications to wounded warriors. Wounded Wear also ships clothing kits and pays for clothing modifications to wounded warriors who contact Wounded Wear directly. Lastly, Wounded Wear has created a clothing line for anyone to show their support of our warrior's sacrifice; clothing for Patriots. Wounded Wear has provided over 750 Clothing packages and modifications valued at $300,000 and has provided opportunities for over 150 Wounded Warriors at Wounded Wear events since 2009.

Wounded Wear believes that the sacrifices that built this country should never be forgotten and that those who have endured that sacrifice should be eternally recognized, honored as the heroes they are, and provided every opportunity to accomplish their American Dream, that which they sacrificed so much for, so that other Americans could accomplish theirs.

Former LT Jason Redman is truly a Point of Light for us all. Supporting those who gave so much to our country, protected our freedoms, and ensured our safety is a cause we can all recognize and support. Please support Wounded Wear and their amazing efforts today at http://woundedwear.org/support.

If you know someone or an organization lifting up and supporting service men and women, like Wounded Wear, nominate them today for a Daily Point of Light Award at https://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/recognition/dpol/nomination!

Kristen Malfara

When Kristen Malfara’s son Morgan was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal neuromuscular disorder titled Leukodystrophyshe, she quickly discovered that home was the best place to care for Morgan even though it came with many challenges and extreme difficulties.

After caring for Morgan at home for three years, she founded the MORGAN Project after Morgan’s 3rd birthday to support and assist families also caring for medically fragile children with special needs, at little or no cost to the families. The organization serves children with physical disabilities as well as sensory processing disorders, like autism, by offering information on financial resources, used equipment exchanges, and much more by an interactive website and newsletter. Not only has Kristen carried out most of the work and development of the MORGAN Project while caring for her children, but she has proved the worth of the home-based care program in the most compelling way possible by keeping Morgan alive and well after 12 years of at home treatment.

In its 12th year, the nonprofit exists because of a small group of committed volunteers uniquely familiar with the needs of families that choose to care for their chronically ill, disabled children in their homes, despite personal sacrifices, financial burdens, stresses to the rest of the family, and emotional strain involved in doing so. The MORGAN Project serves family caregivers nationally. Most service recipients find the organization online, and many recipients have gone on to become volunteers.

The organization also operates Morgan’s Place, a therapeutic play center for children with severe disabilities. It has been designed to provide a safe environment for parents to bring their children with special health care needs and physical disabilities for hands-on therapeutic play, as well as creative and fun activities. Additionally, they offer caregiver and advocacy training, seminars on the various issues related to caring for children with special needs, navigating the medical and emotional hurdles, finding financial assistance, caregiver support, legislative issues, and much more.

Kristen has gone above and beyond for years with her determination and love for what she does. Morgan, who was told by doctors that he may never see his 4th birthday, is now almost 17 years old after Kristen’s hard work. Kristen believes that the MORGAN Project allowed her to become a better advocate for him because of being an advocate for others. Despite her own complications, she never failed in helping others. She hopes to help light the way in raising awareness to the disease, while inspiring other parents who desire to follow in her footsteps.

If you are inspired by Kristen and Morgan’s story, read more here on how you can volunteer! http://www.themorganproject.org/help-us/

Erin Dinan

Erin Dinan, a photographer and humanitarian, wanted to create change in her community, but was unsure how much change she could make on her own.

One day, hungry and rushing to make her train at Grand Central Station, Erin stopped to grab a sandwich. As she headed to the platform, a homeless man approached her asking for money to buy food. Without thinking, she handed the man half of her meal. Shocked and grateful, he accepted it.

Later, as she sat next to her fellow commuters, she could not get the interaction out of her mind. How hungry must he have been? When would his next meal be? She realized that creating change could be as simple as that — helping someone get their next meal. That was something that Erin, with just her two hands, could do.

She soon teamed up with friends George Kontogiannis and Katherine Mackanin in 2011 to create a charity, One Sandwich At A Time, with a simple and powerful mission: that change is possible. What began as a personal project of Erin’s, on a mission to raise awareness about homelessness on the streets of New York, has now blossomed into an altruistic, community-based organization that has fed more than 30,000 homeless and hungry individuals in the city.

One Sandwich At A Time brings Erin's community together to feed the growing homeless and underfed population in America – one sandwich at a time. With the help of volunteers, the organization puts together peanut butter & jelly and ham & cheese sandwiches at monthly sandwich making events, bagging them up and delivering them to areas in need, including food pantries, homeless shelters and food distribution centers serving victims of natural disasters, like Hurricane Sandy.

Erin has inspired others to volunteer and has taught them how big things can happen when a community joins together. With a goal towards feeding more than 100,000 homeless and hungry in New York City, Erin and One Sandwich At A Time are determined to spark a movement across the United States and help homeless men, women and children get their next meal.

You can find more information on Erin's website and get involved with the sandwich making project at http://www.onesandwichatatime.org/#twohands

Know someone who is doing amazing work like Erin to prevent hunger? Nominate them today for the Daily Point of Light Award at https://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/recognition/dpol/nomination .

St. Louis HELP

Laura Cannon-Singer spearheaded the founding of St. Louis HELP and is an integral force in the success of the whole operation. Laura, a successful business woman, read about a North Dakota volunteer program that delivered used wheelchairs to the elderly in rural communities. Knowing most home medical supplies and equipment end up rusting in landfills, Laura decided there must be a way to salvage them in St. Louis for reuse by needy people. By August of 2008, she had collected 60 items and distributed 23 of them out of her garage in her spare time. She quit her job and founded St. Louis HELP.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies don’t always cover the cost of renting or buying home medical equipment that people so desperately need to live independently but cannot afford to rent or purchase. Often people are left with inadequate equipment causing further stress on an already taxing situation. Even more frustrating, Hospitals and medical facilities are constantly cycling through equipment and discarding items that are no longer of purpose. Landfills overflow with medical supplies and equipment that could be vitally important to people trying to make do with and manage their illness.

St. Louis HELP (Health Equipment Lending Program) was founded to connect people with various illnesses in need of medical supplies with recycled equipment and other necessary materials. The program provides free use of donated wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower chairs, tub benches, grab bars, portable commodes, hospital beds, lift chairs, stair lifts, gait belts, van lifts, pediatric equipment and more, for as long as necessary, to any person, caregiver or family that needs it. All of the recycled materials have been cleaned and repaired by a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to provide these things to those who need it most. St. Louis HELP provides immediate tangible aid that rescues thousands from a life of dependence and immobility or simply helps them maintain their dignity by making physical challenges easier. On top of that, the program is helping divert tons of used equipment from wasting away in a dirty landfill to assisting those in needy places.

Dozens of local volunteers have enlisted with St. Louis HELP and are now participating in one of the most meaningful efforts they have ever encountered. Some volunteers began as recipients of equipment or supplies but are now giving back to the very cause that helped them regain their independence and their health. The organization has established a network of local health organizations that can either donate surplus equipment generating a sufficient supply of materials. In 2013 St. Louis HELP loaned 4,330 medical items valued at a total of $1,267,470 and an additional 13.5 tons of equipment and supplies was shared with partner charities valued at $892,713. St. Louis HELP is able to do all this by leveraging the devoted volunteers and partners they have in order to meet the needs of any person dealing with health issues.

St. Louis HELP creates a safety net for the uninsured, the underinsured, and individuals lacking the coverage needed. Keep updated with St. Louis HELP and find ways to help this incredible cause by visiting their website http://stlhelp.org/

Know a person or organization, like St. Louis HELP, assisting people to receive the health services they so desperately need? Nominate them today for a Daily Point of Light Award.

Pamela Wray

As many know or have personally experienced, transitioning away from incarceration is a particularly challenging and disorienting process. Often times, individuals find themselves facing homelessness, difficulties with employment, addiction, mental illness, and so much more. Pamela Wray, through the creation of The Lighthouse for Recovery Ministries, believes in the power of individuals changing for the better, and she is determined to do whatever it takes to help others facing challenges.

Pamela Wray, who has received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal in 2013 for performing exemplary deeds of service, possesses an ongoing mission to open the door for recovery, restoration, and hope to the returning citizen and its family members which will empower, enrich, and promote positive change and strength in the fabric of our communities. Pamela, through her organization, assists to build new lives through service programs shaped by the particular needs of her clients. The service model is based on more than twenty five years of experience working with people with criminal records. Pamela has found that without a solid foundation in core skill areas, too many of these individuals resort to the self-destructive choices that result in crime and incarceration.

After going through the services that include workshops, educational seminars, family based services, housing services, health care services, substance and abuse services, and so much more, minds are changed from a greater education of what it means to be back in society. Uniquely, The Lighthouse for Recovery Ministries promotes public safety by holding offenders accountable for their actions and reducing the risk of future criminal behavior by working with each individual to formalize their transitional and community reintegration needs into a solid plan for their lives.

This program is designed to assist offenders in preparing for and accomplishing a successful return to the community. Operating statewide in Alabama, The Lighthouse for Recovery Ministries has developed liaisons with service providers in the community and is able to provide on-going assistance in locating and accessing resources responsive to the needs, including food, shelter, clothing, education, medical services, as well as emotional support and encouragement.

Amazingly, Pamela plans and conducts all workshops, classes, and special events. She secures and picks up donations and delivers them to the appropriate venues. She is insanely active in all of the special events and programs from wrapping Christmas gifts, baking goodies, and the repair and remodeling of the transitional houses to all marketing and management duties with the assistance of 140 volunteers, businesses, agencies, and corporations who help make Pamela’s vision come to life.

In 2014 alone, Pamela and her organization are working towards four new Transitional Housing Programs for men, four new Transitional Housing Programs for women, an At-Risk Youth Center to house over 200 teenagers, and a Family Transitional Housing Program to house 100 families with children.

Interested in reading more on Pamela and her organization? Read more here: http://www.thelighthouseforrecoveryministries.org/default.html or know someone who is doing amazing work like Pamela? Nominate them today for the Daily Point of Light Award.

Sydney Kamen

Many of us take for granted the basic sanitation available to us around every corner. Its almost standard to see a bottle of hand sanitizer at a reception desk now and soap is a necessary and underappreciated commodity. However, there are those living in areas were sanitation is not a standard, but a luxury. Sydney Kamen has committed herself to finding solutions to the countless issues that plaugue our world, but she became increasingly concerned about the sanitation and illness epidemic along the Thailand-Burma boarder villages and refugee camps. Too many have been subjected to illness and disease when basic sanitation could have decreased their risk of exposure. Sydney found this unacceptable and racked her brain for a solution.

Her solution was SOAP (So Others Are Protected). SOAP takes donated, used, or previously discarded soap from luxury hotels in South East Asia and recycles the shards into new bars of soap. Populations of refugees and underprivileged families live in cramped and unsanitary quarters. The spread of disease is rampant and lethal, as there is limited access to medical care, and little to no access to sources of sanitation. The soap bars go through an extensive process of cleaning, melting, and reshaping in order to provide a sustainable source of sanitation in communities and for individuals where sufficient sanitation products are not available. Locals oversee this process, but Sydney is the mastermind behind it all. Sydney works with local Thai and Burmese educators and healthcare professionals to figure out the best ways to recycle these products and the best ways to implement her vision. They work to create an immediate positive health impact that can be sustained for the rest of their lives while supporting local economies, and without creating a dependency. This is consolidated with the help of the service recipients and participators and local community organizations whom serve as mentors of the health initiative.

Sydney is a dedicated civil servant and the definition of a point of light. Her passions have driven her to opposite ends of the world and fueled her capacity to master the Thai language. Her mission has last two years now and has allowed her to work on the grounds in Thailand to bring her services to those in need. She has engaged and educated hundreds of mothers, children, and elderly people on how to be safe and sanitary to reduce their risk of illness. SOAP is continuously growing and expanding as international interest and support cultivates. Access to basic sanitation is a right everyone has, and thanks to Sydney more and more people are living healthier and longer lives with access to proper sanitation.

Sydney is bringing healthy living to the neediest in Thailand and Burma. Do you know someone helping others receive the healthcare they desperately need? Nominate them today for a Daily Point of Light Award!