After Personal Loss, Teen Founds “Rally” Chapter at College to Battle Childhood Cancer

As her babysitter, Hannah Posthauer had a close relationship with a little girl named Hailey. Watching Hailey battle and eventually lose her fight to cancer, the now 22-year-old Hannah realized she wanted to take action on a larger scale on behalf of the 28 children diagnosed with cancer each day. 

Launching a chapter of the Rally Foundation at Georgia College, Hannah was able to organize and fundraise on her college campus through Rally Foundation, all in the name of funding research for children fighting for their lives against cancer.

Having raised over $5,000 and hosting over 18 events, Hannah is making a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer victims and research, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Hannah to learn more about her work with Rally Foundation at GCSU.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Helping children. I like to be able to serve people in many different ways, knowing I’m making a positive impact.

Describe your volunteer role with Rally Foundation at GCSU.

As I’ve recently graduated, I handed off leadership of the chapter – they are doing great. I am doing most of my service work through Rally Foundation’s young professionals group. Our goal is to raise $50,000 by March of 2019 through a series of events.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Encouraging others to be passionate about volunteerism and fighting pediatric cancer in general. For these individuals, who didn’t start off knowing about Rally or the statistics on pediatric cancer, to see them get involved, and begin fundraising, was something I really enjoyed. Not just making a difference myself, but empowering someone else to make a difference as well.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Rally has just made me much more confident and willing to go after things that I wouldn’t normally do. I’m super introverted, but Rally has given me the opportunity to take on leadership positions and accomplish more than I ever thought possible.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we’ll be planning several events around that month. Please watch our website for more information: https://rallyfoundation.org/.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Any sort of volunteering or getting involved really encourages personal growth. Service makes you a more well-rounded person, and people find strength they wouldn’t have seen in other ways.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

We are small but mighty. It doesn’t take a ton of money, or people, or energy to start something that you’re passionate about.

What does the word “rally” mean to you?

A chance for other treatments. A chance for a cure.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Hannah Posthauer? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

In Wake of Violent Protests, U.S. Veteran Promotes Giving Back

Christopher Mastromarino remembers the feeling of shock during the violence that took over the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017. In the wake of the protests, the Charlottesville resident and U.S. Army veteran brainstormed what he could personally do to heal the community’s pain.

Drawing from his experience as a soldier, the current elementary school music teacher decided that launching community service projects for his community was a way he could contribute positively to Charlottesville. Launching the MeetUp group Charlottesville Gives Back, Christopher started guiding others in his community who wanted to give back through service wherever and whenever it was needed.

Through working with local and national organizations including Boys & Girls Club of America, CureSearch, Live Arts, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Charlottesville Emergency Food Network, Arc of the Piedmont, SPCA, UVA Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, CvilleUnited and Girls on the Run, Christopher is making a difference in his community one service project at a time, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Christopher to learn more about his work with Charlottesville Gives Back.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I see what good can come from service, and I hope it will inspire others to see this positive result and spark a flame in them to do the same. As a professional, I spend my time teaching children and I want to leave behind a positive legacy for this future generation that will hopefully inspire them to continue doing good.

Describe your volunteer role with Charlottesville Gives Back.

I am basically the CEO, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Gopher, webmaster and volunteer (laughs). In reality, I founded the organization using an online platform and went from there. When I’m not busy preparing lessons or music for my students, I spend my free time doing a lot of research. I spend countless hours researching local charities, volunteer organization and making contact with many of them to see if they have a need for some extra volunteers for major events they are holding. I use my platform to post information about the event and members sign up if they are free and interested. It’s a lot of work but I enjoy it.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The work we do for kids. Cooking meals for the Ronald McDonald House is incredibly rewarding. These are lower income families that are going through very difficult times as their child is being treated for a serious illness at the University of Virginia Hospital. It’s nice to know that we are able to provide a warm meal to help them in their time of need. It is one less thing for the families to have to worry about.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

Volunteering gives me the opportunity to gain confidence, step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I’ve met new people from all stripes and backgrounds through volunteering, and it makes me feel part of something greater than myself.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

There is a huge need in our community for volunteers and so many organizations are sadly short on the help they need. It was a sad reality that I just did not know before taking on this adventure. I assumed, like so many others probably do, that there are already people out there doing the work, so why would they need me? I was wrong. There is a need, and I hope to fill some of that need the best I can.

Are there any future partnerships you have coming up?

Charlottesville recently received significant rain, and as a result the Rivanna River flooded. We’re working to organize a trip for our volunteers to go clean and maintain the river in partnership with a local group. We are also going to be helping the Ishan Gala Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to the fight against pediatric cancer, with their upcoming Splash for a Cure 5K and the local community theater called Live Arts with their yearly fundraising gala.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Because there’s a need. Some people simply believe that the government, churches and charities are the answer to solving the problems of the world. It’s true they can all do only so much, but it takes each and every one of us. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind to one another.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Christopher Mastromarino? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Wisconsin Woman Combats Homelessness in Community Through Gospel of Matthew

As a pharmacist by trade, Maureen Culhane ensures wellness for those seeking medical help. When not at work, Maureen is focused on the wellness of her community, specifically the homeless.

According to the Shawano, Wisconsin resident, watching a movie describing the growing issue of poverty in the U.S. compelled her to take action and examine what kind of help her own community needed. When Maureen realized her community would benefit from an emergency shelter, she started SAM25 in 2014 alongside several individuals from area churches and businesses. Its’ mission is designed to support the homeless in their community and help improve the circumstances of the individuals and families.

Dedicated to helping those affected by poverty, Maureen is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Maureen to learn more about her work with SAM25.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I feel like every one of us needs help at one time in our lives in different ways. We’re just called to help each other in those tough times. Personally, we had a child who struggled with cancer and the community surrounded us with help and support. We learned a lot from that.

What does SAM25 stand for?

SAM25 stands for “Shawano Area Matthew 25.” There is a quote from Matthew’s gospel that says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Our mission to help the poor and homeless living in our community is in the spirit of this verse.

Describe your volunteer role with SAM25.

I currently serve as the president of the board. I oversee the operation of the shelter and help the organization run day-to-day. In addition to volunteering at the shelter, I do a lot of outreach in the community to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and fundraise. Our community has been very generous, people make meals for dinner donations to help keep us afloat. 

Homelessness in more rural areas is different than in cities. Explain.

The homeless are very visible in big cities because they’re actually out on the streets. It’s a little different in a rural setting. It’s easy to go about your day and not realize people are struggling. That’s why setting up this shelter was so critical. Our guests are just like you and me, they’re just going through some difficult times.

Explain how you worked through challenges in launching SAM25.

We tried to do our homework, and we shared the hard statistics with our community about people who seek help and are actually turned away by other shelters because they don’t qualify for one reason or another. To the folks who said that they didn’t want or need a shelter, we promoted education and shared information about safe shelters. Overall, people have been really supportive and very generous with their time. 

What’s your personal motto?

One of my heroines is Blessed Mother Teresa who is now Saint Teresa. She would always say, “We cannot do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” That sentiment certainly been demonstrated by what everyone in our community has done to make SAM25 work.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Over half of our guests from the past year have found permanent or temporary housing. It’s been amazing for me to watch what each person does within our organization to help support our guests. Everybody does a little piece of the puzzle and it all fits together and works well

What do you want to do for the future?

We have a mentoring program to help folks with whatever they’re struggling with, even if that’s filling out job or housing applications online. We want to get the homeless out of the cold and help them get back on track so that they can be independent. In the future, we’re hoping to open a community clinic to provide affordable healthcare for all those who are in need.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

That’s what we’re called to do. It lifts my spirits to be able to lift someone else up and give someone else hope.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

There’s a big stigma still attached to homelessness. They’ve hit a rough spot in their lives, and just need a little encouragement. Homelessness does not discriminate; it could be me and it could be any of us. We could be an illness or a job loss away from losing everything. Everybody is an individual and they’re all valuable, everybody deserves a break.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Maureen Culhane? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Volunteering is a Family Operation with “Small Acts Big Change”

According to Lauren Dundee, volunteering is a family business. When the then 12-year-old Los Angeles resident decided with her 7-year-old sister that there was a vacuum regarding opportunities for children to give back to their community, they created a change with Small Acts Big Change (SABC).

SABC’s mission of inspiring students to make a positive impact in the world through kindness and service has resulted in community outreach projects and partnerships helping children, animals, the environment and others in need throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Since 2012, SABC has helped thousands of people through clothing, resource and food donations and has created change within the community.

The now 18-year-old, who is heading off to Harvard University in the fall, is making a difference in her community by serving as an inspiration to others, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Lauren to learn more about her work with SABC.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I grew up in a house where volunteering and helping others was just something you did. Each person in my family has a cause they’re really passionate about. I’ve focused on helping bullied children. Volunteering at a hospital for children and making connections with the patients there is what has inspired me.

Describe your volunteer role with Small Acts Big Change.

I do a lot of our writing and I am the head of all of the organizations within SABC that have to do with people (i.e. serving the homeless population, others in-need, foster children). My sister manages volunteer support for animals within SABC.

How can people pass on small acts of kindness?

My grandfather recently passed away and we didn’t know what to do with all of his clothes. We donated his clothes to homeless people as a part of our comfort kits. People can start small just by donating things they can’t use or need.

Tell me about your “Suitcases for Smiles”

Suitcases for Smiles is a program designed for the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California that provides resources for children in the Shriners program. The children are sometimes alone and far from home when they are being treated. I assemble backpacks full of comfort items to help them while they’re hospitalized. We also distribute these suitcases to foster children to make their transition into foster care a little bit easier.

What does it feel like to help a child who is in need?

It can be as simple as a smile from the child, but we oftentimes follow their stories. There have been homeless people I’ve helped and we keep in touch. It feels good to know that now they’re in a home and on their feet again. We have gotten a lot of tears from people we’ve helped, which has made me tear up!

What’s your personal motto?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

At Huntington Hospital we met a child in the Shriners program who came to the hospital from Mexico, and she’d lived through difficult conditions at home. Her home had no floors, she was living in the dirt. She had a heart problem and was very sick. I was able to give her donations I’d picked out in person, one of those items was a Barbie. She’d never seen a Barbie doll before. When I told her she got to keep the doll, it was the most amazing reaction I’d ever seen. A reaction like that from a child in need puts everything in perspective.

SABC encourages acts of kindness and service across the community. Give me some stats:
I started my charity on January 5th, 2012. Since then:
We have provided 1090 people with a complete outfit of clothing.
We have given 1051 children in need a complete set of school supplies.
We have fed 1703 people a full meal.
We have fostered or rescued 142 animals.
We have planted 1632 trees.
Currently we are putting together the 24th “Suitcase of Smiles” since delivering the first one on October 26th, 2017.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

That kids can change the world. People would say that it was “cute” for a 12-year-old to start a charity, but you can make a big impact no matter your age. I think we’ve made a big impact. It’s been cool to see SABC grow and meet the people we’re helping.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Service is the only way for the world to become a better place. It just starts with one person, and eventually becomes a ripple event. You need everyone working together to really make a change.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Lauren Dundee? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Teen Gives Siblings of Critically Ill Children “Heartfelt Hugs”

Wanting to provide support for others like her, Madelene launched Heartfelt Hugs by Madelene Cares in 2014, an organization committed to helping siblings of children suffering from critical illnesses. By hosting fun events and activities for children whose lives are significantly impacted by critical illness in the family, Heartfelt Hugs has grown to about 125 participants aged 8-16, and offers children the opportunity to develop friendships with other siblings facing similar situations.

Today, her brother’s cancer is in remission and the two support each other as Madelene continues to advocate for siblings just like her. The now 16-year-old is making a difference in her community by reminding healthy siblings that they are special and important, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Madelene to learn more about her work with Heartfelt Hugs.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I love being involved in the community because I meet so many amazing people. It also makes me feel accomplished that I’ve started this organization and we are able to help people.

What’s your personal motto?

If you want something to change, you have to do it yourself.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

I’ve seen situations that are way worse than mine. We have had some families who have come to our events, and throughout their time with Heartfelt Hugs, their sibling has passed away. One of my best friends has experienced that loss. Experiencing that personal loss has taught me that there are bigger problems in life than the small things we deal with each day. It’s taught me to be really appreciative for the people I have in my life.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

In general, running my organization has given me an appreciation for volunteers. Heartfelt Hugs has also taught me a lot about motivation, determination and respect. I happened to learn some of these qualities sooner than most of my friends because of what my family went through and how I’ve grown through Heartfelt Hugs.

If a reader knows a family that has a sick child, what should they say to the sibling?

I would have liked someone to say, “I know what you’re going through and I know I can’t fully understand, but if you ever need anything or need anyone, I’d love to be there for your family.” Or if it’s someone in the same situation, just offer to talk. If someone had asked me to talk, that would have changed everything for me. The sibling needs a shoulder to lean on. It’s totally fine to ask about the sick child, but make sure you ask the sibling how they’re doing too.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

When everyone gives, that’s what makes a community. You get things from giving, and people help you if you help them. If you find yourself in a hard situation like my family did, you will never be alone through that network of giving.

What’s the future of Heartfelt Hugs?

Our next sibling event is in August, we’re holding our annual summer party. For people who are interested in volunteering or would like to donate, please visit our website for more information: https://heartfelthugs2015.weebly.com/ or email us at [email protected].

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Madelene Kleinhans? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Hitting the Slopes with Underserved Children, Skiier Teaches Joy of Sport

In 2015, two of Cory Gorczycki’s grandparents passed away. While coping with the grief of losing two close family members, Cory turned to skiing. Hitting the ski slopes was an activity he’d always enjoyed, but one he was able to find true solace in during a difficult time.

Inspired by his grandparents’ legacy of community service, the now 17-year-old Franklin Lakes, New Jersey resident started Ski4All, an organization that provides opportunities for children in need to ski. Ski4All offers these children, who may never be exposed to such a costly winter activity, the chance to try a new sport, participate in healthy exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Giving more than 100 children across multiple states in the Northeast the opportunity to learn how to ski, Cory is making a difference in his community and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Cory to learn more about his work with Ski4All.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’m interested in nature and the environment, and that relates to my passion for skiing. I wanted to be able to help out younger kids and spread the joy I get from being out in the environment. When you’re volunteering, you have the ability to share your passion with other people, and that inspires me.

Describe your volunteer role with Ski4All.

I spend my time calling different ski mountains checking availability for our workshops and contacting organizations who will donate to us. Mountains will provide us a discounted rate, or even free lift tickets, ski rentals and more. We hold clothing drives and receive equipment donations for our program participants.

Skiing isn’t a cheap sport. Did you face questions when first launching Ski4All about how you’d make it happen?

When I started this charity, it was hard to gain traction because people were a bit skeptical that Ski4All would work out. Trying to get funding was difficult; people think of skiing as a luxury sport, but I had passion for the project and knew that I could provide this experience. I was hoping I’d get a few ski days in for our participants over the season, but I didn’t think it would get to this scale this quickly and I can only see it growing from here.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

During the first year there was a moment when I was teaching the kids how to ski, and after seeing them free ski and seeing them just beaming while sliding down the beginner slope… that pure happiness on their faces made me realize that this program was working, and I needed to do more of it. Seeing them fall down and get back up… they had so much perseverance. I was so glad I was able to bring joy to these kids’ lives, and it made me want to do this for more people.

What does the future of Ski4All look like?

I want to expand with more resorts and more ski days. We can hopefully get more mountains on board with our program – we skied on six resorts across New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts last season.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Personally, I think that volunteering not only helps other people, but it really helped me learn what’s important in life. When I’m helping other people learn how to ski and providing them with that joy of learning something new, it’s just as fun for me as skiing on my own, or even better because you know you’re giving them with an opportunity they may have never had. Whether it’s through skiing or volunteering in your community, it’s important to give back.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to understand that anybody can start something. You may think there’s a small thing you want to try or a big dream. The important thing is to try, and really put your best effort forward. You too can make a difference, you just have to put your best effort in.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Cory Gorczycki? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Improving Quality of Life for Caregivers One Volunteer at a Time

58-year-old Donna Raibley has always been a caretaker in her personal life. First to her mother, and then informally to other family and friends. While providing relief to a friend whose husband was ill, the husband had one request of Donna: that when he got better, the two would start an organization that advocated for caretakers. Donna promised the man that they would do just that.

In 2014, Donna established One Source – Empowering Caregivers (OSEC), an organization dedicated to providing free, non-medical respite care for family caregivers. According to the Grass Valley, California resident, OSEC is a “divine calling.” The logo came to Donna in a dream, and its mission is one she has dedicated her life to with her community’s continuous supporting..

By advocating and improving the quality of life for an increasing number of caregivers, Donna is making an impact on her community as the country’s elderly population grows and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Donna to learn more about her work with OSEC.

What inspires you to volunteer?

When we visit homes, these caretakers are just so overwhelmed. When we leave and they realize our services were truly free, you see the hope in their eyes. That’s what keeps me going every day. It’s the hope that I see in their eyes that grabs my heart; to know we can offer them something so that they can have sustainability in what they’re doing while taking care of a loved one.

Describe your volunteer role with One Source – Empowering Caregivers (OSEC).

I interface with our community to make sure stakeholders are happy with what’s going on so that they continue to fund our efforts. We receive calls from caregivers all the time, so I work to schedule in-home appointments with registered nurses who donate their time. We offer volunteer support groups with a local doctor who also volunteers his time. We’ve trained about 45 volunteers so far, and 25 of those are currently assigned to caregivers.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

(Laughs) Gosh darn, “It’s all about love.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

When I see a volunteer come in and express their desire to give back to the community and tell us how much more they’re getting out of their service than they ever dreamed. We’re empowering everybody who comes forward to serve. That’s the most rewarding part; to see everyone step into their empowerment.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Intuitively, I’ve always believed that the only reason we’re here is to serve one another. Every occupation I’ve been involved in has been a service position. For me, that resonates really deeply. When we forget our duty to serve is when things go awry.

Are there any future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about?

We’re holding our second annual HeART and Wine Gala on October 20, 2018. Please check our website for more information:  https://empoweringcaregivers.org/. With respect to our programs, we’re trying to add an element of youth to our volunteer troops to break down some multigenerational barriers. It’s a way for youths to serve and gain exposure to the care field. We find that a lot of young people are intimidated by an older, chronically ill person, but then they discover that they are still a wonderful person who has a lot to offer. It changes their perspective on the entire situation.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

When you go out and serve someone else, you forget about your little problems, and we’re all connected through service. Whatever I do to serve you, it’s not just serving you, it’s serving everyone. Volunteerism has a ripple effect.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

If you feel like you can help in some small way and you have a dream in the back of your mind, just do it. Don’t think about any barriers that might get in the way. I wish I was 25 years younger to do more good. Your mindset changes as you get older; you don’t realize the potential in every one of us to go out and make a change. The smallest change has the hugest effect.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Donna Raibley? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Military Police Officer Makes it His Mission to Stop Drunk Driving

Franklyn Haviland says calls waking him up at 3, 4 or 5 a.m. in the morning don’t bother him because he knows the person on the other end needs help.

In 2013 after a spate of drunk driving accidents in the Washington state area, where he was stationed as a military police officer, Franklyn joined forces with his friend to combat drunk driving. By launching the Drunk Driving Prevention Program (DDPP), Franklyn helped lead a growing volunteer force through taking middle-of-the-night calls from service members who needed a safe way to get home.

The DDPP now totals around ten chapters nationwide, and is committed to getting those in the military, their vehicles and their friends home safely. Franklyn is on a mission to eradicate drunk driving accidents, in which 29 people die from nationwide each day, through his service and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Franklyn to learn more about his work with DDPP.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve been a military police officer for over seven years. Sometimes when you get called, you feel good about the things you do to help people. Sometimes you get called, you see the absolute worst in people. To volunteer and help the community ensure that one less person won’t drink and drive, and to stop them from hurting themselves and hurting others around them… that’s what inspires me to volunteer.

Describe your volunteer role with the Drunk Driving Prevention Program.

Day-to-day it’s a total volunteer organization. I am the national fundraising coordinator for DDPP so I find people the organization can partner with, either a military friendly organization or one that we share some type of values or objectives with. Each chapter of DDPP has a different demographic, so we tailor our events and fundraising based around the chapter. Hawaii is a party and touristy area, they have a larger nightlight so we have more calls from them. The Fort Leavenworth, Kansas chapter has less of a nightlife, so we program events that fit that community.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It’s when our volunteers call me and talk about the program. I have a team who is really a family that’s worked with me for a long, long time. These volunteers will call me up and I can hear the excitement in their voices about how the program is growing and how motivated they are. They know we are making a difference and doing something to help the community, and that’s really rewarding to me.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

There’s just so much that I’ve done. When I started working at Fort Eustice in Virginia in 2016, I realized that drinking and driving was a huge problem in the state. I decided I wanted to branch out and establish a chapter there. We put in a lot of hours, and last July we reached over 100 volunteers. The entire program has been a lot of work, but it’s definitely helped  strengthen my work ethic. When I was growing our chapter in Virginia, every Friday and Saturday I’d have my phone on loud. I’d get calls at 2 and 3 a.m., and it wouldn’t bother me.

You help provide safe transportation. What’s the ideal car you would want to be picked up in?

(Laughs) That’s a tough question. I used to valet cars back in the day. There are so many to pick from. My brother-in-law has been going on and on about a Corvette, but the problem is when you go to pick someone up, you end up picking up three to four other people they are with. I’d have to say a big truck like an Escalade, or something where you know you have a lot of room, and I’d get to relax for however long it’s going to take for me to get them home.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

I have always been passionate about ethical and civic responsibility. When people don’t feel like they have a voice in the country, they feel like the country is not going the way it should. We need more people to dedicate their time to civically giving back.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I never thought that my program would get as big as it is now, and I definitely never thought I’d be sitting on the phone doing an interview about the program. If you have an idea or something you think can make the world a better place, put it down on paper, put it into action and make it a reality.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Franklyn Haviland? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Legal Mitigator Welcomes Hundreds of Veterans to her “Home” Each Year

As a legal mitigator, Connie Lindsay was serving on the Judicial Commission for the State of Florida when she came across a defendant who’d successfully completed his program, but was facing homelessness. Finding housing for the sober veteran, who was just getting back on his feet, was nearly impossible due to a lack of public resources.

After digging deeper, Connie discovered that due to a lack of public resources available for returning veterans, many vets choose to embellish their struggles to receive services otherwise not available. Hillsborough County was overcome by homelessness, and the restorative justice program Connie served on was broken, according to the Tampa, Florida resident. In an effort to promote justice and maintain low rates of recidivism, the program emphasized honesty, and she wanted to provide resources for veterans without any conditions based upon sobriety.

As the founder of Liberty Manor for Veterans, Connie is providing critical support to veterans who may otherwise be homeless while they attempt to rebuild their lives. By supporting over a thousand veterans thus far and helping  drive down the homeless rate in the country, Connie is making an impact in her community. She is ensuring the future success of our country’s veterans, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Connie to learn more about her work with Liberty Manor.

What inspires you to volunteer?

My dad and my mother were my inspiration. After my dad completed his tour as a volunteer veteran in WWII, he continued his stewardship to our country by serving in public office. My family has always volunteered and both of my children volunteer. Volunteering is just ingrained in us; it’s something we have to do. You’re given so many talents, and service is a good way to impart our talents to our community.

Describe your volunteer role with Liberty Manor.

I serve as the Liberty Manor CEO. I’m in charge of ensuring that all their basic needs are met. Not only do we take care of them while they’re at Liberty Manor, but when they transition out we help them with furniture in their new homes and we stock them with food. Our support mirrors how we treat our children when we send them off to college. If they start to fail, we pick them right back up. We’re family; it’s a lifelong engagement with these veterans.

You make a promise to the veterans when they come to Liberty Manor. What is it?

I explain to our veterans when they come to Liberty Manor that when you serve in the military, you are at times hot, cold and hungry. I make a vow that this will never happen to them again.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

We had a young Army Ranger veteran come to stay with us at Liberty Manor, which was very unusual because they’re pretty high functioning. They jump out of planes and operate complex missions while serving. This former Army Ranger had been living in his car; service just takes such a toll. We brought him into Liberty Manor, and worked with him to get disability services he didn’t even know he was eligible for. Unfortunately, he died a couple of years ago, but he didn’t die homeless. He had a home with us and we were there to take care of him when he needed it most.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned that it’s a whole lot more important to be able to penetrate the lives of individuals because the impact of homelessness affects the entire family; it affects up to five generations. Homelessness does not just affect the individual, but their potential children, their potential grandchildren and that individuals’ parents and grandparents. If I can get a veteran employed or help them receive a disability check, then they have the ability to support their family members.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

We always have an event around Veterans Day. Please check our website for more information: www.libertymanor.org.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

“Trainwreck” (laughs). I didn’t have experience in housing when I started Liberty Manor. My experience was in legal manners. When I opened Liberty, I thought I could just open a house and help veterans. What I didn’t expect were the nuances owning a house and paying for treatments. Then we had bedbugs; it has been a process.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

If we didn’t, it would be our country’s demise. Non-profits couldn’t afford to pay for staff to provide service. Volunteers are critical to non-profits being able to operate.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I would encourage our communities to step up and help one another. We give a lot of aid to other countries, which is admirable, but we have enough communities and organizations in our own backyard that are suffering. I encourage everyone to give locally, statewide and across the country.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Connie Lindsay? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Teen Brings Passion for STEM to the Masses, Tutoring Underserved Students

18-year-old Rees Draminski has always excelled in school, and holds a number of leadership positions both in honor societies and extracurricular activities. When a fellow student asked Rees if he could spare some time to help with website design for a non-profit organization called TeCanal, which empowers underserved students through access to education, Rees was happy to volunteer his time.

But the work didn’t just end with the website redesign for this Ellicott City, Maryland recent high school graduate. After spending time tutoring TeCanal program students, Rees decided he wanted to be more involved, and now serves as the organization’s CEO. Aiming to tackle the issues of poor STEM education and lack of access to technology in low-income communities, Rees is making an impact in his community through the student-focused organization, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Rees to learn more about his work with TeCanal.

Explain TeCanal’s name to me – and how do I pronounce it?

TeCanal is a people-focused, student-founded non-profit organization tackling the issues of poor STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) education and lack of access to technology in low-income communities. As its name suggests, Te(ch)Canal aims to be a “canal”, or link, between technology and the communities that will benefit from it, connecting youth in all communities together in pursuit of a unified goal: STEM education for all.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Technology has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in a bubble of privilege, so I wanted to pay my community back. Baltimore has a large population of vulnerable youth – there’s incredibly high criminal and drug rates in the city. I wanted to expose students to STEM as a pathway to help them get them out of Baltimore and avoid these risks.

Describe your volunteer role with TeCanal.

As CEO, I’ll contact people soliciting donations, I also program games and other portions of our website. We have an initiative call S.E.E.D. (Supplying Educational Elementary Devices) Pack, which we give to rising 9th graders. The packs include school supplies and computers with a web browser, Microsoft Office and some educational games. We teach the students how to use the computer for school work, but it’s theirs to use for recreational purposes as well.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The hands-on tutoring sessions are most rewarding for me. The kids’ eyes light up when they get one of their programs to work on the computer. It’s like they all of a sudden understand this new concept about the world around them. I was all self-taught with computers, to have a resource like TeCanal back then would have meant a lot to me, so I’m happy to impart some knowledge to these kids.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned that you can’t make a kid learn, you have to lead them to learning by getting them engaged. In a practical sense, the STEM they’re learning with us today will help them with problem solving skills and boost their academics. But in the future, this education will help them with their careers and change how they interact with computers, and the world around them, in a completely different way.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

“Always questioning and always moving forward.”

Are there any future partnerships for TeCanal that you are excited about?

We’re working with Creative Alliance, which is an arts education program, and STEAM (STEM + art). We’re hoping to expand that partnership into more after-school programs. We work with 2 additional programs at two other locations in Baltimore.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

As a society, we value wealth and status, but living for others is definitely the better way to live. Keeping to yourself, you have less impact than helping others and keeping a legacy alive.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to know that they can build a community around getting excited about learning STEM. Just creating a self-welcoming environment that makes learning cool is something we’ve done – and others can too. Some of our students are raised in an environment where they may not value learning as much, and that’s what we try to bring above all else – the value of learning.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Rees Draminski? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.