MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS
When Kathy Meadow's started looking for volunteer projects that her son could be included in during the year, she realized that activities for children were not as easily present. That is when Kathy got the vision for MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS and founded a chapter in Plano, Texas in 2003.
MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS is a volunteer-run organization that empowers kids to change the world by helping others and changing themselves in the process. It uses a spy concept that captivates the kids’ imaginations so they become “special agents” on top secret missions to change the world, particularly helping the homeless, hungry, and the hurting. They are given specific hands-on mission projects to help their communities and individuals worldwide, specifically helping over 1,000 different charities and non-profits.
Together MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS in 35 states have helped 1.8 MILLION people in need in our communities. The habit of "doing", the way kids learn best, instills in them a discovery of their own potential which spills over into their academics and every aspect of their lives, while creating a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS is the only organization that provides a regular way for elementary-aged kids to plug in and make a difference, not just in their own communities, but in towns and villages around the globe. It is not about them raising money but instead about hands-on projects they do to help people in their own communities and beyond. Give a child an opportunity to help a child on the other side of the planet and they begin to see the sky is the limit to what they can accomplish. These are only a few qualities that make this organization so unique.
There is too much unmet need in the world, more than can be met by government resources and more than can be met by our current level of volunteerism. MISSION POSSIBLE KID’s vision is to build a much larger and more capable volunteer base both now and in the future, by starting with America's kids.
Kathy’s goal with MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS is to create a society where service is the norm by starting a national movement of kids who want to, not “have to,” change the world, thus affecting the kind of people the children grow up to be. In the process, kids are learning about community and world needs while, most importantly, learning that they are never too young to make a difference.
Inspired by Kathy’s story? Find out how you can personally start a chapter in your hometown to continue the legacy of MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS! http://www.missionpossiblekids.org/pages/startchapter.asp
Oral Lee Brown
Back in 1987, Oral Lee Brown adopted an entire first grade class of students from Brookfield Elementary School in East Oakland, California and promised each of them a chance to receive a college education if they were to graduate from high school. After annually saving and investing $10,000 of her own money and establishing the Oral Lee Brown Foundation, she sent 19 of the original 23 first graders to college.
Amazingly, she has also made the same promise to five other classrooms, adopting a new group of students every four years. In a world short of heroes and dedication, Oral Lee shows it is still possible to change lives for the better.
The Oral Lee Brown Foundation helps impoverished families break the cycle of poverty through education. The students are often the first to graduate in their families.
The organization’s activities reflect a unique approach to meeting the community’s problem of high school drop-out rates in the low income areas of Oakland. Oral Lee works to bridge the gap between under-privileged students and provides mentoring, tutoring, counseling, and other services to help students break the cycle of poverty.
Oral Lee has an unending desire to make a difference and has made a huge impact on children. Her pledge to students was not without great personal sacrifice, but her commitment to helping kids reach college has turned her life upside-down for the better. She has developed a strong emotional attachment to the children she helps and serves as a consistent, positive adult figure in their lives.
Oral Lee continues to do amazing things by also providing after-school programs and Saturday school for under-privileged, low-income students in the Oakland area.
The foundation is not just about giving away money for college, but it is about enriching the lives of the students through programs such as mentoring, computer training, college touring, monthly meetings, grade and attendance monitoring, and so much more. Oral Lee and the Oral Lee Brown Foundation have made amazing strides in improving education, and that is why Oral Lee is a Daily Point of Light.
Matthew Nalywaiko
Struggling single mothers sometimes need an extra hand. They do so much to provide for their families, but often things such as a leaky sink or overflowing gutters get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Matthew Nalywaiko firmly believes in the idea that you don’t need to much to have huge impact on someone’s life. That is why he started the organization Serve A Little which pairs volunteer handy-men and women, mechanics, and construction workers with single mothers to complete the odd jobs these women might not have time to get to. These seemingly simple tasks greatly alleviate the stress that can surround a single-parent home. Thanks to Matthew, low-income single mothers who are either working, enrolled in job training programs, or attending school in order to further their education and secure employment can sleep a little easier knowing these problems have been taken care of at little to no cost.
Since its conception in 2009, Serve A Little has been working tirelessly to service over 200 single mothers and wives whose husbands are away serving in the military. Serve A Little is based on the idea that it’s just a matter of looking beyond your own world to see your ability to impact another person’s life. In a matter of hours a mechanic can repair a car, a lock can be replaced on someone’s front door, or a leaking shower can be fixed. As a population that often does not get the respect they deserve, single mothers could use a helping hand from time to time. Matthew, and his team of volunteers at Serve A Little, are proving this service to mothers who already provide so much for their families. By working to empower the working, low-income single mother and women whose partners are deployed elsewhere, Serve A Little is breaching the void in respect for these women. Matthew urges everyone to do their part, no matter how small, because we can never predict the impact our service can bring. Please support the mothers out there doing everything they can by supporting Serve A Little and their mission.
Canine Commandos
In Melbourne, Florida the animal shelters are overflowing with pets in need of a loving home. Too often animals are overlooked for adoption because of preexisting behavioral issues. Virginia Hamilton saw an opportunity to engage her diverse group of students in a meaningful service project that would benefit these animals, as well as the students. Canine Commandos recognized the need to find a unique way to help find homes for the dogs and cats stranded in the overpopulated shelters. The Commandos realized pets were being passed up because they lacked the training pet owners desired. Adopters may overlook dogs that are jumping at the cages or barking uncontrollably, deeming them unfit for adoption. This is where the Commandos step in.
After studying up on some basic animal training techniques, Virginia and her students took to the animal shelters of Melbourne to lend their services. Their methods aim at changing behaviors through daily training sessions to increase their likelihood of being adopted. They start with the basics, “Sit” and “Stay”, but then move on to more intermediate training, which includes a socialization process for cats! The students went on to make a training video for their website so pet owners could continue the training process. Through grants and donations Canine Commandos has members from 18 schools in the area, allowing for over 250 gifted and at-risk students to participate in the daily training sessions. Virginia Hamilton has committed her life to teaching but says Canine Commandos “teaches my students to care about all living beings and our environment because one day soon, I will be looking to these students as my leaders and if I can help one student put others needs before theirs then I feel I have made a difference.” Throughout her work she has seen firsthand the impact that service work has on students. Virginia firmly believes students engaged in service work have a boosted self-esteem and have a deeper understanding of the importance of kindness. Students grow very attached to the animals and are sad to see them go, but they feel much better when they realize they just saved an animal’s life. The Canine Commando’s ultimate goal is to get all animals adopted in to loving homes, but also to spread the word to other schools looking to involve their students in the community. Connecting young adults to the community is vital, and Canine Commandos encourages all youths to find a cause they are passionate about. Please lend your support to Canine Commandos and learn how you can be a successful pet owner.
Kennedy Hubbard
Kennedy Hubbard was diagnosed with a rare disease, Lymphatic Malformation, at a young age. This potentially fatal condition causes fluid-filled cysts to swell her face and threaten her airway every day. Kennedy was born with lymphatic malformation, but this did not slow her down or impede her growth. In fact, it helped fuel her determination to reach out to others affected by lymphatic malformation and spread the message of inner beauty. Through her organization, Kennedy’s Cause, and with the help of family and friends, Kennedy has been able to touch the lives of so many individual living with the same disorder. Kennedy’s tireless efforts are matched with meaningful success as she paves the way for others dealing with lymphatic malformation.
At the core of Kennedy’s Cause is a clear and powerful message, “Let your inner beauty SHINE.” Everyone involved in the organization is committed to spreading this message and as well as raising awareness of lymphatic malformation. Kennedy and her team hold fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for research that will hopefully lead to better treatment options. Kennedy also designs bracelets, necklaces and other merchandise engraved with their motto “Shine” to raise awareness of lymphatic malformation. A beacon of strength, Kennedy also reaches out to individuals and families affected by this disease and offers her seasoned advice and support. Her efforts seem to be working as two-time Emmy winning violinist Damien Escobar jumped at the opportunity to play with Kennedy at her fundraising event to help raise awareness and funds. Kennedy’s Cause has raised thousands of dollars for researching treatment and a cure. But almost more important that than, Kennedy Hubbard and the team behind Kennedy’s Cause is reminding everyone to “let their inner beauty SHINE” because that is what truly matters. Kennedy inspires us all as everyone faces challenges in their life. Please support Kennedy’s cause as they spread the profound message of inner beauty and strive to end lymphatic malformation.
Heather McHugh
Heather McHugh's passion for nature and the arts shaped the course of her life as a teacher and poet, for some 40 years. But in 2011 the birth of her godson's first child, a specials-needs daughter, inspired Heather McHugh to imagine forms of respite and reinvigoration for lifelong family caregivers—and so CAREGIFTED began.
Mobilizing artists, nature-lovers, business-leaders and philanthropists to acknowledge and relieve weary long-term family caregivers, CAREGIFTED celebrates the gifts made to society by millions of such caregivers, and helps lift their dispiriting isolation.
The organization awards full-time, unpaid family caregivers through all-expense-paid getaways, while also aiming to raise awareness about caregivers who have given a decade or more of their lives to serve the basic needs of those who cannot help themselves. Often isolated or ignored, caregivers give their days and nights to assist others constantly, and Heather has made it her personal mission to make sure these individuals are properly acknowledged and thanked.
Full-time caregivers of the severely disabled have sacrificed their own resources and ambitions to serve those unable to serve themselves. Such acts of love sometimes go largely unnoticed because these caregivers are generally confined to their homes.
Heather has successfully created a program that is honoring 10 families a year with vacations to Maine, California, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Through scenic vacation spots, Heather hopes that caregivers can refresh their perspectives and record their views in words and images, ultimately returning home better rested and represented.
Uniquely, CAREGIFTED distributes the caregiver’s vacation stories through their blog, videos, and other publications, which bring everyone together who share similar battles as a moral support system, an awareness session, and a sharing process. Caregivers have a common understanding that the giver is gifted, and Heather has done amazing things to make sure this statement is a continuous lifestyle for many.
Are you a caregiver yourself? Check out Heather’s resources here which offer additional tips and advice: http://www.caregifted.org/miscellaneous-resources/ or are you simply inspired by her mission? Read more about how you can help here: http://www.caregifted.org/help/
Dena Hammerstein
In order to honor her husband, a prominent Broadway theater director and producer, and to bring joy to chronically ill children she got to know through her previous volunteer work, Dena Hammerstein founded Only Make Believe in New York, New York. The now 15-year-old non-profit creates and performs interactive theater for children in hospitals and care facilities who are too sick to venture out into the streets of New York City and Washington D.C.. Only Make Believe is dedicated to the principle that freeing a child’s imagination is a valuable part of the healing process, and Dena is determined to touch as many lives as possible.
In general, the organization sends a team of professional actors into hospitals to perform original, interactive plays with the kids. The children dress up, play roles, and become the stars of every show that is produced. The plays are performed against a simple backdrop with a trunk filled with costumes and props used by all. The painted trunks, all different and all painted by the volunteers, stay in the hospitals as a permanent gift to be enjoyed by all long after the actors have finished their performances.
Now aided by thousands of volunteers, Only Make Believe has successfully touched the lives of more than 35,000 children through engagement in over 50 hospitals, and, by extension, their parents, who see their kids participating and enjoying themselves. Additionally, the nonprofit brings life into the hospitals and gives staff a unique opportunity to expand upon their relationships with the children by interacting and participating in the excitement.
The children that Only Make Believe serves constantly face overwhelming challenges. They struggle with physical and emotional pain while often feeling isolated from their peers and families. Through Only Make Believes interactive shows, the group gives children the change to laugh, play, hope, and imagine while helping them additionally rebuild their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Dena has always been dedicated to share the magical joy of theater with children in hospitals and care facilities. Even after 15 years of production, the organization is still fully booming and Dena is still 100% engaged. If you are personally inspired by Dena’s story, read more here https://www.onlymakebelieve.org/donate/ on how you can become more involved in her mission or even attend a show!
Jennifer Leary
Emergency responders are brave and necessary beings that take on risk to save and help others. Unfortunately, their services can only reach so far and often our furry friends are neglected in the midst of emergency situations.
Jennifer Leary, a Philadelphia firefighter and American Red Cross emergency responder, left too many disaster scenes panged with regret as she wished she could do more for the family pets. In 2011 Jennifer founded Red Paw Emergency Relief Team which provides emergency transport, shelter, and veterinary care to animals involved in residential fires and other disasters. Their mission is to assist displaced pets and their people 24/7, free of charge and to ensure that ALL family members are taken care of during a disaster in their home.
On average, there are three to four residential fires every day in Philadelphia. Pets are often in need of emergency services, and Red Paw provides food, shelter, transport, and emergency vet care to animals displaced by disaster free of charge. Red Paw is available 24/7 and in its first year responded to nearly 200 calls and helped over 350 pets.
Animals in Red Paw care were spayed/neutered and vaccinated at no cost to the owners. But the real success is that 75% of rescued pets are reunited with their families and the remaining 25 % are adopted to loving homes. There are no similar organizations addressing this need, so Jennifer and the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team are doing a tremendous service.
The Red Paw team is always looking for support and we hope you will find a way to contribute to this cause. People have the fire department and Red Cross for times of help in emergency situations, pets now have the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team!
Alexis Werner
When Alexis Werner was 15, her stepfather returned from combat duty in Afghanistan suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. While Werner empathized with him, she was confused and distressed to see someone she had known to be a strong man suffering from severe psychological problems.
Alexis Werner“It was very rough,” says Werner, of Pittsburgh. “I didn’t know how to act. My stepfather wasn’t himself. He was having anxiety attacks, fight-or-flight responses to little things and had trouble leaving the house. He had a very difficult time readjusting.”
Werner says that for her, the experience was initially scary and depressing. Fortunately, she began to meet with a high school counselor who was trained as a psychologist. Among other advice, he told her to try to find “the positive” in what she had experienced.
“At first, I didn’t believe there could be a positive side to what my family was going though,” says Werner.
But as she learned more about PTSD, she discovered the positive side in volunteer service. In 2010, while she was a high school freshman, Werner founded the school group Seeds of Hope with the mission of helping veterans who were affected by PTSD and other mental illnesses.
Throughout her four years of high school, Werner served as director of Seeds of Hope and led the group in raising more than $46,000 – mostly by way of hosting spaghetti dinners and 5k run/walks – to aid returning veterans and their families and to educate both students and adults about PTSD and other veterans’ issues.
Under Werner’s leadership, Seeds of Hope funded the creation of seven victory gardens to produce food for veterans and their families in the Pittsburgh area. Working in partnership with the Fisher House Foundation, Seeds of Hope funded eight more victory gardens around the nation. To date, the gardens have yielded more than 2,100 pounds of crops.
“In the U.S., one in every five homeless men is a veteran,” says Werner. “The victory gardens were Seeds of Hope’s first project. The most direct effect was to aid veterans, but the project was also personally therapeutic to me and other volunteers.”
Werner and two other students also collaborated on writing, editing and illustrating a children’s book, “The Beginning,” about volunteerism, nutrition and appreciation of veterans. The health care provider Highmark Inc. donated $1,000 to fund the book and also paid for the printing of the first 1,000 copies. Werner was invited to local elementary schools, where she read the book to almost 700 kids.
“The first thousand copies were given out pretty fast,” says Werner, and Seeds of Hope has partnered with local food banks to reprint another 2,000 copies this year – half of which will be given to kids at an annual blues festival and half distributed directly by food banks.
Werner is also in the final stages of producing a film, “Our Way Home,” about the effects of PTSD on veterans. The film includes interviews with psychologists along with veterans of every war in which the United States fought since World War II. Werner has already worked to get local high schools interested in showing the film to social studies students and hopes to have it aired on PBS.
Aside from these projects, Werner has been invited to tell her personal story to thousands of people at more than 50 Veterans Affairs events and many other functions in Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington, D.C.
For her community service efforts, Werner – who has volunteered an average of 10-15 hours a week for the past four years – has earned scholarships from several organizations, including the national Anne Frank Foundation and, locally, the Glenshaw Century Club. Today she enjoys a good relationship with her stepfather, who now works for the VA.
This fall, Werner will enter Temple University, where she plans to study business and sustainability. Her long-term goal is to build a career in the nonprofit sector.
“I found my passion for volunteerism in unfortunate circumstances,” says Werner. “Now I know this is what I love doing and I want to do it the rest of my life.”
Scott Dewey
Scott Dewey, owner and operator of Retrieving Freedom, Inc. (RFI) in Waverly, Iowa, has consistently dedicated his life to working with dogs. Previous to his new field of work, Scott owned Rock River Retrievers, a field trial training kennel that produced dozens of champion dogs. Now, Scott has made the decision to direct his talents toward the service industry by training dogs with special purposes for returning disabled veterans and autistic children.
Retrieving Freedom, Inc. breeds and trains chosen dogs with the specific traits needed in order to serve veterans and autistic children. Special schedules are created for each dog throughout the twenty-four months needed for training to meet the standards that RFI sets for a successful placement. Specifically, RFI makes it known that they are not a “one dog for all” type of organization. The service dogs are tailored to meet the precise needs of the individual with whom they will be placed.
When specifically dealing with veterans, the service dogs are tailored to assist with disabilities and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Examples of service abilities the dogs possess are orientation to any prosthetic limbs that will need to be retrieved, the ability to brace and support the weight of their veteran, training on pulling and stopping wheelchairs, reduction to heeling speed to one step at a time, specific everyday tasks like opening and closing doors, and so much more. Soldiers suffering with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are no longer in danger, and that is where the service dogs come into action to provide love, comfort, and support. RFI specifically trains their dogs to be the hands, legs, and friends of these veterans, providing companionship while coping with an emotional overload.
Nationally, the service dog industry is unique in that the need for these dogs out paces the supply available. Locally, Scott Dewey and RFI are working hard in an area that has an even higher demand for dogs and a lower supply than the national statistics, making his job a tough one. However, these statistics do not hold him back from doing amazing things and providing special friends to those in need, and that is why Scott Dewey is a Daily Point of Light.
Inspired this 4th of July week by Scott’s story? Learn about how you can personally help Retrieving Freedom, Inc. and veterans around the country. Read more here http://retrievingfreedom.org/how-to-help/ and support our heroes!
