Cambodian Refugee and Doctor Volunteers Supporting Veterans, Low-Income Patients in Her Community
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree SreyRam Kuy, who was a Top 10 finalist for the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award in 2017. Each year L’Oréal Paris and Points of Light recognize and celebrate Women of Worth who make a beautiful difference in their communities. Ten honorees each receive a $10,000 grant to support their most cherished cause, and an online vote determines one honoree who will receive an additional $25,000 grant. Nominations for 2018 are now open! If you know a woman who works to create lasting and significant change in her community, nominate her to be one of the 2018 Women of Worth.
SreyRam Kuy was barely 2 years old when she was injured during a bombing that took place as her family fled Cambodia during the horrific genocide carried out by the Khmer Rouge regime. Luckily, a volunteer Red Cross surgeon was able to save her life, and SreyRam made it safely to the United States with her family. Inspired by this experience, she pursued a career in medicine and eventually became the first female Cambodian refugee to work as a surgeon in the United States.
Today, whenever possible, SreyRam provides free surgery to low-income patients, treating everything from breast cancer to inflamed gall bladders. She volunteers tirelessly, raising funds to support her community to help wounded veterans learn business skills, fund a traumatic brain injury center for veterans, combat human trafficking of women and girls, and build a rural community center. Her compassion for victims of combat has also led her to partner with Dog Tag Bakery, a bakery in Washington, D.C., that also provides valuable business and leadership training to combat veterans, their spouses and caretakers.
“I come from a country where people were executed for the crime of being educated, where doctors were shot while escaping from the Cambodia killing fields,” said SreyRam. “I really, really value the freedom we have, and I’m very cognizant of the fact that our veterans fought for that. A volunteer surgeon saved my mother’s life and saved mine. I work pro bono doing volunteer surgery for indigent patients because for me, it’s really personal.”
Roger Reynolds
Ashland, Virginia resident Roger Reynolds, serves as marketing chair on the Market Ashland Partnership (MAP) board, a nonprofit that supports local businesses and helps nonprofits obtain discounted marketing assistance and monetary and material donations. Roger staffs MAP booths during events and often helps promote the organization’s events on radio and TV, and in print media. Roger also serves on the “Ashland Casino Royale” committee, a fundraiser for MAP and the Kiwanis of Ashland.
“Volunteering is therapeutic to the volunteer as well as those benefitting FROM the actions of the volunteer. It’s also incredibly necessary,” said Roger, who is the cofounder of CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation, which provides assistance to families of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. “Many organizations cannot function without their volunteers.”
Do you want to give back like Roger? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
Cedric Long
For the last eight years, Cedric Long has served as the chair of the board for Community Dental Care, a nonprofit organization that provides dental care for underserved populations. At Bethel University, Cedric serves on the Bethel Board of Governors and the Bethel Business Department faculty advisory council, which advises professors on business curriculum from a “real world” perspective. Cedric is also in his fourth year as a member of the business department mentor program, advising and encouraging business students on courses of study, business careers, and general life advice.
Last year Cedric, took part in the annual North Haven Church Operation Christmas Child, which helped pack 5,825 shoe boxes full of hygiene products, school supplies, toys, and clothing for children in need. Cedric also serves on the Board of Elders and helps run many of the church’s programs and activities.
Cedric is today’s Point Light, and Daily Points of Light spoke with him about his work and motivation to serve.
What inspired you to give back?
I have been blessed with many opportunities and I want to give back in ways that benefit individuals and the community. I want to use my skills and experience to help others. I enjoy being part of an organization like Community Dental Care that helps people that do not have a lot of resources and we make their lives better.
I also enjoy my roles in working with students and young people [at Bethel University] to give them some advice and encouragement based on lessons I have learned in my life and career, hopefully making their path a little bit smoother and encouraging them to work hard and achieve their full potential.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a volunteer?
The most important lesson I have learned as a volunteer is when I help others it ends up benefiting me just as much through the encouragement I get from getting to know other people, learning from them and seeing them do well.
Why do you think it’s important for other people to volunteer?
I believe that we are all at our best when we are working to help others and make our community better. I encourage others to volunteer because helping others is a blessing to both the giver and recipient.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Cedric? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
Nicole Wolfson
For the last two years Nicole Wolfson of Jacksonville, Florida, has served as president of Beaches Dial-A- Ride, an organization that provides homebound seniors transportation to help maintain their independence. The organization provides between 2,000-3,000 trips for seniors annually.
In addition to her role with Beaches Dial-A-Ride, Nicole has served on the Mayor’s Senior Services Council since 2005. Over the last 15 years, she has also volunteered with Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital, Autism Society, and Relay for Life.
As a young child Nicole was inspired to give back after witnessing her grandmother care for her great-grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. For 11 years, her grandmother also drove seniors to the grocery store and various appointments.
“I have seen the positive impact that helping serve others can make, not only on the individuals and community, but the impact it makes within yourself for knowing the difference you are making is priceless,” Nicole said.
When asked why she thinks it’s important for people to volunteer, Nicole said, “Giving back helps people take ownership in the community, and it encourages people to “be the change.”
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Nicole? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
Myra Chamble
Myra Chamble (far left) with children during an event at the Berkeley County YMCA/Courtesy Myra Chamble
Myra Chamble shares her love for the arts with underserved children and teens in Charleston, South Carolina as a volunteer dance teacher at the YMCA of Greater Charleston and local schools. The former New Yorker also coordinates college tours for high school students and teaches health awareness classes for the William Carter, Jr. College Enrichment, Health Awareness and Basic Skills Basketball Camp.
Myra is today’s Daily Point of Light, and Points of Light spoke with her about her commitment to service.
Describe your volunteer role.
Being a semi professional dancer, I teach dance classes at various schools, and I am the praise and mime director at my church. I also coordinate Teen Achievers’ out of state college tours. As a [leader] of the Beta Club, I help to promote achievement, service, and leadership skills to middle school students.
What inspired you to give back?
When I moved to Charleston from New York, I realized that a lot of the children in the afterschool community did not know much about being a ballerina or taking dance classes. Many of them needed help academically and more needed help deciding what college was right for them or how to apply for college.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a volunteer?
There is a lot of information for students/people in the world but they need to be inspired and taught how to seek the information that is right for them. Being here to help is an awesome experience.
Why do you think it’s important for other people to volunteer?
To gain new experiences, help others, create connections, build relationships – all which will help a person build career options
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Myra? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
First-Generation Graduate Mentors Underserved Youth for College Access and Success
Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Leanne Huebner, who was a Top 10 finalist for the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award in 2017. Each year L’Oréal Paris and Points of Light recognize and celebrate Women of Worth who make a beautiful difference in their communities. Ten honorees each receive a $10,000 grant to support their most cherished cause, and an online vote determines one honoree who will receive an additional $25,000 grant. Nominations for 2018 are now open! If you know a woman who works to create lasting and significant change in her community, nominate her to be one of the 2018 Women of Worth.
Raised on a farm in an impoverished rural community, Leanne Huebner saw first-hand the impact a college degree had on her own career opportunities. After earning her bachelor’s degree and starting a career in New York, Leanne — a first-generation college graduate — used her free time to volunteer and plan enrichment days at museums, ballparks, and other sites for underserved foster youth. While these days were fun for the kids involved, she wanted to do more, realizing that access to higher education was the key.
Leanne co-founded Minds Matter to guide deserving youth from low-income backgrounds towards college and improved life trajectories. The program works with high-potential high school students providing them critical resources — such as mentoring, tutoring, SAT and ACT test preparation, summer academic programs and financial aid application assistance — to ensure both college access and success. Today, the program has expanded to 13 cities nationwide, and more than 2,000 have participated in the program.
Nanelle Napp
Finance expert Nanelle Napp believes in using her talents for good. As a senior marketing and product manager for Bank of America, she co-leads the Bank of America Community Volunteers, Education Focus team in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nanelle’s team of volunteers help people of all ages prepare and manage their finances by supporting a variety of local organizations, including; Junior Achievement, Tutor Mate, Heart Math, Promising Pages, Discovery Place, Charlotte metro area public school systems, and adult education at McCreesh Place Public Housing.
Nanelle is today’s Daily Point of Light, and she spoke with Points of Light about her commitment to service.
Describe your volunteer role.
I personally volunteer with Junior Achievement teaching smart decision making and financial education to underserved middle school and high school students; Promising Pages, a book recycling nonprofit that collects and cleans gently used books for children who don’t have books at home; an adult education workshop held for those living in public housing; and with Bank of America employee networks, who are looking for financial education speakers. Also, I recruit volunteers for Junior Achievement, Tutor Mate, Promising Pages, Girl Scouts STEM programs, and Charlotte metro area public schools.
In the past few years, I have integrated Better Money Habits, which Bank of America developed in conjunction with the Khan Academy, into our financial education lessons for both middle school and high school students, as well as adults. This effort has been very successful because Better Money Habits teaches the “ins and outs” of personal finance in ways that learners of all ages and backgrounds can understand. I am a Bank of America Better Money Habits Champion, which helps me develop my personal financial instruction abilities.
What inspired you to give back?
My father has been integral to my “giving back.” He was a first generation American citizen, as both his parents migrated to the United States from Italy. When I was a young person, my dad inspired me to get a good education. A key reason that I have been successful in life is because of my education. I want to share my love of learning with others, who may not have a family member motivating them to stick with getting a good education.
[After the financial crisis] in 2008, I saw how a lack of a personal finance background can devastate families. I believe it’s important people of all ages get the background in personal finance so they can manage their money and make their money work for them. Volunteering gives me a way to support this goal.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a volunteer?
Everyone has a story. I have met so many fascinating people here at Bank of America who came from very diverse backgrounds – but who have in common that no one in their family encouraged them to take school seriously and, yet, they made the personal decision to achieve in school. And, they are grateful that they took that journey, and they want to help others experience the love of learning and the benefits of education.
Why do you think it’s important for other people to volunteer?
I believe that volunteering is a personal choice. I respect that many people have a challenge juggling their career and their family responsibilities. Personally, the joy I experience from helping a student see how to think about their future career, or the thanks I receive from people who better understand how to start a budget, is the gift I receive from giving.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Nanelle? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities
Victoria Graeve-Cunningham
Victoria Graeve-Cunningham donates her services as an organizational development consultant for various nonprofit organizations across the Omaha-Metro area. As the executive director of ThriVinci, a consulting group which helps empower nonprofit organizations, she supports a variety of causes through both skill-based volunteerism and direct service.
From being a foster parent for the Midwest Dog Rescue Network, where she has rescued over 55 dogs, to serving as the Vice President of the Board for the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, where she has helped fundraise and served on the Policy and Procedure committee – Victoria is known for being a voice for service in her community. Victoria is today’s Daily Point of Light, and she spoke with Points of Light about her motivation to give back.
Describe your volunteer role.
In addition to donating services as ThriVinci’s Executive Director, I also volunteer as an organizational development consultant for various nonprofit organizations (e.g., Veteran Outdoor Adventures, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, City Sprouts, etc.). In my role, I have facilitated staff and volunteer development training sessions and served as the subject matter expert during strategic planning and organizational assessment projects. Most recently, I am helping the United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska reimagine their event management processes to ensure success during fundraising events.
After serving in various roles within the Junior League of Omaha for seven years, I have been able to participate in amazing programs like A Book of My Own, which ensured over 80,000 children in our community had a book, and Project Hope Pack that provides backpacks full of necessities and comfort items to children taken out of crisis situations. Much more aligned to my strengths, I was lucky to serve on both the placement and training committees to promote volunteerism and the potential of women improving the community.
During my term on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Council, I have helped attract and retain talent in our community by hosting and promoting opportunities for civic engagement and advocacy. As a supplement to the Chamber hosting an annual YP Summit, I crafted the inaugural State of Our City community event and managed the development of the 2017 Diversity and Inclusion project.
What inspired you to give back?
Growing up with an abusive parent in poverty, not only made me resilient, but it made me want to return the blessings granted when I was in need. I had two amazing parents take me in, not just to their home but their hearts. Being a fireman and a teacher, my parents valued making our community a better place and they instilled a service-orientation in me since I was young. I remember in high school, driving into the city 45 minutes to volunteer at the Nebraska Humane Society and University of Nebraska Medical Center. I have worked hard to try to become the best version of myself and I give back so I can help others do the same. Whether it is serving meals at the church fish fry, delivering gifts to families through the Salvation Army, or facilitating a strategic planning session, I volunteer to make a difference just like others did for me.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through your experience as a volunteer?
I have had some pretty crummy things happen to me in my life, and if I am not careful, it is easy to stray into the negative rather than keeping a positive outlook. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how to engage in perspective taking. Volunteering helps to remind me what is important and what is not worth dwelling too much on. No matter how bad a situation can be, there are others out there who are going through the same thing, or possibly worse. Perspective helps remind me to take the time to be kind and to not take time sweating the small stuff.
Why do you think it’s important for other people to volunteer?
Volunteering rates are the lowest in the United States since 2002. We have to play our part in building safe and vibrant communities and it starts with service. Choosing to volunteer is committing to helping your community thrive rather than just survive. Volunteering enables each one of us to create a community we want to live in.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Victoria? Visit All For Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
Teen Creates After-School Program to Combat Gender-Based Bullying, Build Confidence in Young Girls
As a freshman in high school, Ina Bhoopalam found herself the target of bullying – simply because she was involved in, and excelling at, the same academic activities as her male classmates.
“People thought I shouldn’t be succeeding because I was a girl,” Ina said. The comments even spread to social media. “It didn’t make me feel good.”
Luckily for Ina, she had a support network of family and friends on which to lean on. When Ina’s dad told her that many girls don’t have that kind of support, she wanted to do something about it – and had the idea to start a program to address bullying, gender issues and building confidence in young girls in her own community.
“I had been through so much. I had people to help me through it. Some people don’t have that,” she said. “I wanted to do something to make a difference.”
In doing her research she came across an article about how, by the age of five, girls begin to think they’re less than boys. So, together with a group of friends, Ina created Like A Girl LPS – a curriculum developed to address the needs of elementary and middle school girls.
She created a pilot after-school program at Maxey Elementary School, in her community of Lincoln, Nebraska. On the first day it started with two girls and on the second day, the workshop had 10 girls and kept on growing.
“I want the girls to leave the program empowered, feeling like they can accomplish anything they want,” said Ina, now 17. “All girls are capable of doing anything they set their mind to. They should be empowered to dream and achieve what matters to them.”
Now, Ina has approval to expand the Like A Girl program, led entirely by youth volunteers, to 11 elementary schools, two middle schools and six high schools. In addition, the Like A Girl initiative is being offered through an after-school program at the Salvation Army.
Currently, Ina is working to register Like A Girl as a nonprofit and she would like to expand the program’s reach to all 40 Lincoln public schools, throughout Nebraska and into other states.
Ina hopes that Like A Girl will ensure no other girls have to face the same situation she went through. It wasn’t long ago that she experienced gender-based bullying herself, but starting Like A Girl has given her even more confidence.
“I have a purpose in what I am doing,” she said.
Teaching Youth to Believe in Their Future Through Art, Mentorship, Education and Service
In the early stages of his career, socially conscious hip hop artist Devine Carama began to notice that his Lexington, Kentucky, community was in need. He lost friends to gun violence. He saw at-risk kids who wanted to play competitive-level basketball, but who were unable to join a league due to the costs. Devine was driven to get involved and help those in need within the community.
He began with developing fundraisers to help kids reach their potential. With each step, he became more motivated to stay involved, and for a few years he did it on his own until he realized it was more than volunteerism to him. “This was what I wanted to dedicate my life to,” Devine said.
In 2014, he founded Believing In Forever with a mission to inspire and motivate young people through a combination of art, mentoring, education and community service. His organization also facilitates weekly tutoring sessions, where food, books and tutoring services are provided at no cost to youth in need.
Now, Devine travels the country going to schools and giving motivational speeches and presentations focused on the power of words. In the past four years, Devine has spoken to 40,000 kids across eight states.
“I want to plant the seed and change their perception,” said Devine. “A lot of young people limit themselves. I want to empower them to use their voice and act to do something positive.”
In addition to the programs offered, Believing In Forever facilitates an annual “A Coat to Keep the Cold Away” coat drive for youth in central and eastern Kentucky. Devine said that with the help of his girlfriend and her meticulous spreadsheet skills, they track the exact size needed by every child, and then provide each one with a brand new fitted coat.
This year the coat drive collected 2,700 coats. However, with the numbers coming in below their goal, Devine staged a 48-hour concert in downtown Lexington to raise awareness. His performance helped bring in another 700 coats.
In addition to the coat drive, Believing In Forever also hosts “Sons of Single Mothers” mentoring days, bringing together men from the local community to mentor boys who don’t have a male role model in their lives. The program offers monthly weekend outings, like attending a movie, visiting the aquarium or a local theme park, going to dinner or team building. The mentors also offer guidance and support to the boys on an ongoing basis.
All of this good work is having a positive effect. In fact, “We’ve seen a decrease in behavioral disciplinary referrals by 80 percent [for] the boys in the program,” said Devine.
Devine said his hope is that one day, Believing In Forever will be his full-time job. He also would like to expand its programs, including making the coat drive a statewide effort. In addition, Devine would like to continue to give empowering speeches by traveling more, and secure larger grants to help even more people.
“There are a lot of young people who are broken and unable to succeed at school or in relationships,” said Devine. “Our goal is to help kids use art, education and community service to help them heal.”
