Shelly Nerdahl
Shelly Nerdahl is a skills-based volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland. Initially, she signed on for a short, six-month data clean-up project at the Minneapolis-St. Paul-based foodbank. Instead of packing her bags once that project was done, she asked “What’s next?” Two and a half years later, Shelly’s ongoing commitment to keeping Second Harvest Heartland’s database running smoothly has been integral in helping the organization run efficiently and be more responsive to community needs.
Heather Olson
Heather has been a dedicated Art Buddies volunteer for more than five years. She has provided one-on-one creative mentoring during fall and spring programs-sometimes working with two children when short on volunteers. Not only has she volunteered as a mentor at all three of their partnering schools, but also sits as a Governing Board member, and is an active fundraiser and event worker throughout the year. Her ongoing advocacy and social media promotion has helped raise awareness about Art Buddies in the community and is always eager to cultivate prospective volunteers and donors. Her passion, involvement, and efforts to always go above and beyond are truly valued and set a positive example for others.
Tara Nierenhausen
From a young age, Tara Nierenhausen would bring “puppies, kittens, and people in need” home. “I was born with it,” she said. “I’ve just always cared. I see the good in people and I want to bring the good out in people.”
This spirit and passion has followed her throughout her career, which she said is no longer just a career but her whole life.
As the executive director of Community’s Child in Lomita, California, Tara has spent the past 12 years helping women and children successfully move from shelters to transitional living facilities, supporting community outreach programs, and helping lift up disadvantaged families in the community.
When she moved to California in 2001, Tara started working at a crisis maternity center and quickly realized there was no second step for women after they left the shelter. They were going back on the streets – and this time with a baby. She knew she had to take action.
“I stepped out in faith and knew this is what I needed to do,” Tara said. She went to California State University, took a nonprofit management course and started fundraising. In 2005, she bought a small house in the area and set up a transition home. Community’s Child was born.
Ellena Zimmerman was living in an emergency shelter when she was referred to Community’s Child. “I was pregnant and had an older child, and it was the only place that opened its doors to us. Tara made me feel so comfortable; she has an open heart and is there with a hug or advice when you need it,” Ellana said. “She’s like a mom to me now.”
Through Community’s Child, Ellena was able to flourish, working with Tara on graphic design for Community’s Child’s events. Her work helped her get a scholarship for college and an internship at Toyota Financial Services, which is one of Community’s Child’s biggest sources of volunteers. Those employees have been so inspired through their experience that Toyota Financial Services nominated Tara for the Daily Point of Light award.
“I feel like I’m the conduit, and the Toyota Financial Services volunteers are the points of light,” Tara said. “They are the ones who come together under Community’s Child to have this huge impact on the community. The impact is incredible – because of them we help 4,000 to 6,000 children a year.”
Working together, the impact of Community’s Child and Toyota Financial Services is much larger. When Tara was presented with the Daily Point of Light award, it was announced that Toyota Financial Service’s volunteers and Community’s Child had served more than 20,000 children in their time working together.
“That was the ‘wow’ moment for me,” said Tara. “It was the recognition of what we can do together.”
The events Tara runs through Community’s Child infuse service and support with dignity and humanity. “We don’t believe in hand outs, you have to give these families a hand up,” she said.
Programs include large events, like a recent Christmas celebration that served 300 families and 700 children. Staffed by 250 Toyota Financial Services volunteers, families were able to get a photo with Santa, make cookies and do crafts together. Parents were able to stuff stockings for their children, and get educational and support service information while the kids were entertained, and go home with a bag of toys so Christmas miracles could come true.
Tara also works with a variety of community partners to help better the lives of people all year long. She works with a local hospital to set up annual health screenings and identify issues and gaps that Community’s Child can’t fill.
Four years ago, the health screenings revealed a high level of anemia in children who were from disadvantaged families. Tara immediately went to work.
Now, the Healthy Bags program collects healthy groceries that are delivered to schools on Fridays, so children can take them home and have food throughout the weekend. Not only does the program improve the children’s health, but it’s increased their attendance and engagement in school. More than 500 bags are distributed on a weekly basis.
“I believe that a community is only as healthy as its weakest link,” Tara said. “And I believe we have a social responsibility as a community to make sure that our entire community is healthy. I think a community gets stronger when everybody is involved in participating and making sure that we’re all healthy and taken care of.”
Her spirit and enthusiasm are contagious.
“Tara’s passion has inspired me to want to work with the community,” Ellana said. “I’ve seen how the work impacts the community from a different aspect. That’s what guided me to go into community relations. A lot of people want to do better and give back because of her.”
Tara encourages everyone to volunteer in any way they can.
“I believe every volunteer has something that they care deeply about,” she said. “We’ve had children from the shelter who got to go out and learn to surf, because that was someone’s passion. We’ve had people come in and teach baking, because that was their passion.”
Most importantly, she says don’t be afraid to get involved. “You will always get more than you ever give. You will be so fulfilled, it’s just amazing.”
Judy Jarman
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is honored to have Judy Jarman as one of its most outstanding, kind, and dependable volunteers. Since 2009, Judy has contributed almost 1000 hours of volunteer service in a variety of roles at the museum. Judy first began to volunteer at the Museum in 2009 as a Story Time/ Imagination Corner Volunteer. Each Tuesday morning, she comes in to read stories to children; she makes the experience interactive, engaging both the children and adult visitors. She sings songs along with the stories and encourages the children to join in. Judy also develops her own interactive literacy program from hundreds of choices that will last a half an hour, making changes to programs already in place as well as creating new ones for staff to use.
In addition to being out on the floor, Judy also works as an administrative volunteer in the volunteer services office. She has been helping in volunteer services longer than most of the staff, making her an essential member of the team. Judy helps with the volunteer onboarding process, data entry, and volunteer recruitment. Since 2009, Minnesota Children’s Museum has counted on Judy to not only help out on the floor educating children, but also behind-the-scenes advancing the volunteer services department and its staff and they are lucky to have her!
The Miracle League of Palm Beach County Inspires Kids with Disabilities to Swing for the Fences
Ten years ago, Julia Kadel let her husband Jeff have control of the remote. He landed on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” The show included a segment on The Miracle League, a nonprofit committed to providing opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball. The Kadels instantly knew they wanted to start a team. But, there were a few hurdles. Like many families, they had very little extra time. Julia held down three jobs, and Jeff two, while they parented three young boys. And, neither had any experience working with kids with disabilities. What they did have, however, was a deep desire to be changemakers in their community.
“Our very first game, we had absolutely no clue,” Julia recounted. Only ten people showed up, though 30 were expected. “We were like, did we screw this up? We thought, maybe, we’re not part of this community.”
What Julia soon discovered was that families may move a little slower because of challenges related to readying and transporting children with disabilities. Soon, word began to spread about The Miracle League of Palm Beach County and attendance grew. In the early years, the league played on the infield of a local baseball school. By 2010, the Kadels had successfully raised $500,000 to fund the construction of a new field through bake sales, t-shirt sales, homerun derbies – and assistance from the city of Delray Beach, Florida.
The games are a family affair. Julia serves as master of ceremonies and Jeff coaches, while their children have assisted players as able-bodied buddies over the years. Currently, there are 120 registered players, six teams and a cheerleading squad.
There are countless stories of how The Miracle League of Palm Beach County has positively affected the lives of players and their families. Julia recalls her husband, Jeff, practicing week after week with Michael, a severely handicapped boy who could barely hold a ball in his hand. At the end of the season, Jeff asked Michael to throw the ball to him while his father watched. After a few attempts, Michael was able throw it three feet. “His father was in tears. He never thought he would be able to play catch with his son,” Julia said.
The players aren’t the only ones reaping benefits from being involved in the league. Ava Goldstone, a high school student, became a volunteer after attending one of the games. “I was a fan in the bleachers,” Ava said. “I wandered into the dugout to see if I could be helpful…. I saw a young boy in a wheelchair, and we made eye contact. When it was his turn at-bat, he rolled up to the plate, and I was able to join him.” That player was able to stand with a walker for the first time, and hold the bat to hit the ball with Ava’s help. Ava describes the moment as “life altering.”
With every smile that lights up the faces of players as they roll, walk, or run over home plate – the Kadels and the volunteers of The Miracle League of Palm Beach County are reminded of why they answered the call to volunteer. “There is no greater joy than finding out what your God-given talent is, and being able to share it with others,” Julia said.
To find opportunities to give back in your community, visit All For Good.
Three Chicago Doctors Risked Their Lives to Save Civilians in Aleppo
Courtesy Zaher Sahloul
Samer Attar, John Kahler and Zaher Sahloul at a hospital visiting a fellow doctor, who was killed in a Russian airstrike.
A Syrian child was asked to draw a picture of what his life in Aleppo looked like. If you asked a child living in the United States, you might expect to see a picture of the child with his family and friends or maybe playing outside. But what Samer Attar saw was different.
“This child drew a picture of his friends dead and bleeding, dismembered,” said Attar, a doctor who volunteered in Syria. “His house was being bombed by helicopters.”
Courtesy Zaher Sahloul
Picture drawn by a Syrian child, depicting his life in Aleppo.
And at the center of the drawing was the child, crying.
This sort of scene is the everyday reality for the civilians of Aleppo, and this past summer it was the everyday reality for three Chicago doctors – Samer Attar, John Kahler and Zaher Sahloul. Through the Syrian American Medical Society, they traveled to Aleppo to help save the lives of Syrian civilians in an underground hospital called M10.
Attar and Sahloul first visited Aleppo for medical missions in 2013.
“The first time, it was similar to any other city,” Sahloul said. “The streets were full with people and traffic. … The fruit markets were full with food and vegetables. Hospitals were working as usual with no shortage in supplies.”
But in late 2013, the Syrian government started deploying barrel bombs, which are improvised explosive devices. That was when the real damage started happening.
“They’ve been using it within the communities of Aleppo, bombing neighborhood after neighborhood, forcing people to flee,” Sahloul said. “And also targeting hospitals … more than 750 doctors and nurses were killed in Syria. More than 260 hospitals were bombed.”
Now, Sahloul can only describe Aleppo as a post-apocalyptic scene you’d see in a movie like “Mad Max.”
“It’s a catastrophe,” Kahler said. “You rarely find a building that hasn’t been damaged and the hospital we were in, M10, was underground because it had been bombed three times. … About two weeks ago, with the intensive bombings and use of heavy ordnance, M10 was actually bombed out of existence.”
Courtesy Zaher Sahloul
Kahler, Sahloul and Attar in front of a building destroyed by a barrel bomb.
There are only 30 local physicians left to treat Aleppo’s remaining population of 300,000.
“It’s a level three emergency, as we call it, where you have an influx of a large number of patients, but you aren’t able to save all of them because of the limited resources,” Sahloul said.
Attar remembered stepping over patients because there was nowhere else to put them except on the floor.
“In Chicago, I see one patient at a time,” Attar said. “In Aleppo, you see 30 people all at once and it is overwhelming, but I was surrounded by local Syrians that have been doing this unfortunately for years. I followed their lead and did the best I could to help them and assist them.”
For background noise, the doctors had the sound of helicopters, jets, bullets and bombs.
“That was like cars honking and birds chirping in Aleppo,” Attar said. “You just get used to it.”
Bombs were constantly being dropped near the hospital, sometimes just 100 feet away. But instead of fearing for their own lives, the doctors focused on saving the patients in front of them.
“I remember one night, it was when I was first there, there was a child brought in from an airstrike by strangers,” Attar said. “He was a total mess. He wasn’t breathing. He wasn’t conscious. He had a hole the size of a football on the inner side of his thigh, and his femoral artery, [a] major blood vessel, was torn open. … When you hear about a case like that, you might think it’s hopeless, but everyone there played a role. One surgeon was holding his artery with his bare hands, holding it shut. Someone else was doing chest compressions. Someone else was putting in an IV.”
After a successful surgery, the child woke up and was able to give the doctors his name. The doctors found his father and Attar remembered seeing the father sleep underneath the child’s bed so he could be close to him.
“You do see a lot of suffering and death, but it only takes one experience like that to keep you going,” Attar said.
Courtesy Zaher Sahloul
Sahloul taking care of a 3-year-old boy who was shot by a sniper in the “Corridor of Death,” a path connecting east Aleppo to Western Aleppo.
Aleppo is now completely under siege. No one can get in or out. Attar, Kahler and Sahloul are back in Chicago, living their normal lives, but Aleppo is still on their minds.
“You know [bombings are] still happening and you know that you have friends and colleagues and patients that are still suffering,” Attar said. “You feel kind of powerless and helpless because you can’t stop it and you know it’s still going on.”
With the lives of these innocent Syrian civilians on the line, Sahloul said that awareness is not enough.
“I think the most important thing is for people to speak up and advocate and have a sense of urgency of the situation,” Sahloul said.
“It’s more important what you do for other people than what you do for yourself,” Kahler said. “And this is a major need.”
What can you do?
Donate money to organizations that are specifically helping Syrian civilians, refugees and doctors such as the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, Save the Children, or Doctors Without Borders.
Volunteer domestically with the International Rescue Committee to mentor refugee families and help them develop job skills. Consider volunteering with your local HandsOn Network volunteer center or search for local volunteer opportunities at All for Good.
For more about how to help, check out this article from The Guardian.
Paying It Forward: 9/11 Widow Channels Grief into Giving Back
No other event in the history of this generation of Americans has left a more indelible mark than 9/11. The very mention of the date conjures up memories of pain, anguish and despair for a travesty that left 2,996 people dead, more than 6,000 injured, and an untold number emotionally scarred by the events of that fateful day.
For Christie Coombs of Abington, Massachusetts, one life lost on September 11, 2001 was very precious. Her husband, Jeff, was on Flight 11, the plane that flew into the first World Trade Center tower. In an instant, Christie’s life changed forever. She became a single parent to three young, grieving children, Matthew, Meaghan, and Julia, while dealing with her own overwhelming shock and sadness. Yet the outpouring of love and generosity expressed in those initial days following Jeff’s death by friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers brought solace and comfort. Christie and her children realized they needed to do something to “pay it forward.”
Just two months after her beloved husband’s death, Christie started the Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation with funds donated in honor of his memory. To date, more than $800,000 has been raised and distributed to Massachusetts families facing unforeseen challenges.
During the first post-9/11 holiday season, Christie set out to help the families of victims who had worked at the Trade Center’s famed Windows on the World restaurant complex. Many of the workers and their families were immigrants and/or uninsured, so they weren’t eligible for death benefits associated with their loved ones. “We had a huge yard sale and raffle in November 2001 and raised $50,000 for these families,” says Christie. “It was heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces when we presented them with their donations.”
Soon afterwards, Christie was approached about a road race for the foundation, and the Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race was created. On September 18, 2016, the 15th annual road race will take place on what would have been Jeff’s 58th birthday. The race is one of the more popular events of its kind in the state, with more than 1,000 runners participating.
The extensive list of requests, grants, and programs funded by the Coombs Foundation is astounding. These include counseling for children who have lost a parent; payment of bills for families in financial crisis; group outings for grieving families; support for families whose loved ones were killed while serving in the military; trips for families of terminally ill loved ones; scholarships totaling $45,000 for graduating seniors; enrichment programs at Abington schools; new books for the local library; care packages sent to hundreds of service men and women; ramps for children who use wheelchairs; an annual holiday party for military personnel and their families in Gillette Stadium; and much more. “If we can put smiles on the faces of a grieving family, even if for a short time, we will give them a memory that will last a lifetime,” says Christie.
Understanding what it was like to grieve allowed Christie and her children to be more innovative in their approach to supporting others. “One of the most difficult times after Jeff died was the dinner hour, so getting gift cards to restaurants really helped,” says Christie. “We’ve given lots of gift cards through the years!” Daughter Meaghan, who shared her father’s love for music, found solace in learning to play the guitar. As a teenager, Meaghan started an annual Summer’s End Concert, and in its five-year running, the concert raised $25,000 for the foundation.
“Jeff was such a giving person,” says Christie. “He believed in doing things for others, and he taught our children to give a helping hand and expect nothing in return. Emulating his spirit of generosity allowed his memory to live on in our hearts—and in the lives of others.”
Volunteer Inspires Teens With Passion for Service to Others
When it comes to volunteering, Christine Jump has done it all. Christine is a lifetime volunteer and she has inspired others to dedicate themselves to a lifetime of volunteering. Her son, Tyler Jump, started his own non-profit when he was just 8 years old. Tyler’s Tabs started by collecting soda pop tops and turning them in for cash to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Christine continues to serves on his board.
With the leadership of Tyler and Christine the non-profit has grown leaps and bounds and is about more than just collecting can tabs now. They organize meals, supply drives, and cleaning days at Ronald McDonald House. They have helped the Ronald McDonald House tremendously and they do not show signs of stopping anytime soon!
Christine has also used her passion for helping others by encouraging teens to succeed and make a difference. She works with teens by encouraging them to volunteer, setting up volunteer activities, helping students prepare college applications and by giving them interview lessons. Christine is the driving force behind many of Orange Park High School’s student activities including Students Working against Tobacco, Orange Park High School Volunteers at the Memorial Day 5K Run Fundraiser, organizing SWATs Education Events, collecting undies for Dignity U Wear and scheduling volunteer days at the Ronald McDonald House. All of the events that she has facilitated have been a huge success and have continued to get more people involved in our community.
Christine Jump is a kind hearted person who exemplifies how a selfless leader should act. She leads by example and her drive to see kids succeed in whatever path they decide upon is an inspiration to all. The Jacksonville area is a better place because of volunteers like Christine.
O, The Oprah Magazine Features Point of Light Honoree Samantha Peterson
At sixteen, Samantha Peterson underwent spinal fusion surgery to correct a 60-degree curvature of her spine due to scoliosis. The surgery gave her a second chance at life – and a purpose. She co-founded SHIFT Scoliosis to ensure that all children are regularly screened for scoliosis and have access to medical care. Samantha has co-led five medical outreach trips that have impacted 21 impoverished or geographically isolated communities and has screened 4,000 children for the medical condition. She has educated 10,000 people about the signs and symptoms of scoliosis. Now, she is developing medical technology that will forever change the way scoliosis screening is conducted and, once developed, will help hundreds of thousands of children annually.
To learn more about Samantha’s story, check out the January issue of O, The Oprah Magazine – on stands December 6th.
Taylor the Chef: How She is Baking for the Better
Ten-year-old Taylor Moxey is just like any other ordinary kid. She loves to shop, hang out with her friends, and dance. But when you add a bustling business, a TED talk and a published book, Taylor isn’t your typical kid.
It all started just a few years ago in a Target on a Sunday after church. It was a usual weekly trip to go to Target and look at Taylor’s favorite things: Barbie dolls. But when it came to buying the dolls, Vernon and Fabia Moxey, Taylor’s parents, proposed an idea that she find a way to gather enough money to buy her own.
“I used to be homeless,” Vernon said. “So I wanted to teach Taylor the value of a dollar.”
Vernon created an impromptu contract on a napkin at the Starbucks they were sitting in and along with a loan of $40, Taylor was left to her own devices to find a way to make money. However, not only did she make enough money to pay her parents back, she made almost four times the amount — all from baking cupcakes from an easy bake oven she received one Christmas.
“She surpassed our expectations and instead of choosing to buy the dolls, she started her business and gave,” Vernon said.
Fast forward a few years, and Taylor’s baking business is called Taylor the Chef; a digital company run by her and her parents.
“My favorite [thing] about baking,” Taylor said. “Is that you can use different things and combine them into one little itty bitty cake and experimenting.”
Taylor the Chef has made thousands of dollars, and of that, 30 percent has gone to a dyslexia foundation, in honor of her father who has the learning disability. “I wanted to do everything I could to help other people that have it,” said Taylor. “I love my dad and it would be cool to help every other person out there with dyslexia. You know, it may take a while,” she laughed.
Her earnings also go to her nonprofit foundation called The Taylor Moxey Foundation, whose mission statement is to “promote and encourage early childhood literacy, entrepreneurship and community service for young girls between the ages of seven to twelve.”
Taylor also uses her money to fund big projects, like her libraries. Taylor’s first library started as a summer project when the Moxey family went on a vacation to the Bahamas. Taylor,who immediately got bored on the trip, thought of fun things she could do. That’s when she noticed there weren’t any buildings or libraries around.
“That kind of shocked me because we have all those necessities here,” Taylor said. “But some people don’t have it in other places.”
Taylor had the idea and got her parents on board to make one happen. Instead of having an actual brick and mortar building, they utilized a trailer and converted that, with a help of artists, into the library. Books were donated from Taylor’s hometown of Miami by the bucket load.
“It’s something that [these children] never had before,” exclaimed Taylor. “So it’s great.”
The library became the center of Andros, Bahamas. Locals in that part of the island have access to it. The town surrounding even ended up being named after Taylor; called Moxey Town.
But Taylor thought something was missing. She wanted the first book in her new library to be her own. So with her parents’ support, her book was published, called The Adventures of Taylor the Chef. It’s about her own success story and how she’s helped others.
Taylor is currently working on a second library, to be opened in her hometown area of Miami in January of 2017.
She also gave a TED talk when she was just eight; becoming the youngest person to ever do so.
It is no wonder how many of have been inspired by Taylor, but her family has been first and foremost her number one fans.
“Just to see that pure imagination,” Vernon said. “It makes you want to live better and dream more.”
In the future, Taylor plans on having her own bakery and expanding her baking career. She also wants to become a professional dancer on the side. But in the meantime, Taylor has a message for children and adults alike:
“You always want to give back because you never know if you can change the world with just that penny or just that dollar, whatever you want to give back. You never know if you can make a difference in their lives or in the lives of many other people.”
To find opportunities in your area to volunteer, check out All For Good.
