Sharing Service Stories http://sharingservicestories.org Let your story inspire others Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:38:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Samuel Maugans: Providing Breathing Room For Families Living With Cancer http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/samuel-maugans/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/samuel-maugans/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:07:57 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=464 SamuelMaugans

Delaware's First Lady Carla Markell, Tricia Lyons, Senator Tom Carper, Samuel Maugans

For the past six years, Sam Maugans has devoted himself to the fight against cancer through his volunteer work with The Breathing Room Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strives to provide families living with cancer with a “bit of breathing room” from their daily struggles, with the hope that they can concentrate on regaining health. On average, Sam volunteers more than 60 hours per month, relieving the burdens of families living with cancer. In 2008 alone, Sam impacted the lives of 523 families. He was also elected President of the foundation for his many, hands-on efforts. Additionally, Sam leaves no stone unturned in fundraising or helping to expand the foundation’s capacity for service.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/samuel-maugans/feed/ 0 John Papazoglou: Committed To Serving The Homeless http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/john-papazoglou/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/john-papazoglou/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:41:00 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=474 John PapazoglouJohn Papazoglou is committed to serving the homeless in his Dallas community John has been successful in creating and leading an on-going program that serves meals to approximately 225 homeless men, women, and children each month, in partnership with ARAMARK client, Baylor University Medical Center. Once a month, John plans menus, secures food donations, arranges transportation and organizes a team of both ARAMARK and Baylor volunteers who prepare, deliver and serve lunch to the homeless through the Cornerstone Baptist Church Homeless Outreach Ministry. John actively recruits volunteers and works to make volunteers feel appreciated. Over the last eight months, this program has fed approximately 1,500 men, women and children. More than 140 people have volunteered in excess of 560 hours of time to this cause.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/john-papazoglou/feed/ 0 Susan Maxam: Passing on the Tradition of Public Service http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/susan-maxam/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/susan-maxam/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:24:56 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=469 Susan MaxamSusan Maxam’s commitment to helping the underprivileged and trying to safeguard our
environment began during her college years when she spent time in Latin America working in refugee camps, orphanages, prisons and shantytowns. She has since been engaged in innumerable activities to benefit many causes, both local and global, and has involved her family, students, and colleagues. At Pace University she introduced a mandatory service component into the curriculum, participated in ongoing projects benefiting the Westchester Women’s Shelter, led Earth Month activities, and co-founded the Peace and Justice Committee. She also volunteers for Jua, a nonprofit organization providing solar lighting to rural Kenyan schools. This summer, she’ll travel to Kenya with her family to work with Orphans International and Jua.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/08/susan-maxam/feed/ 0 Liz Pascual: Providing Medical Supplies and Support Overseas http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/liz-pascual/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/liz-pascual/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:16:22 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=479 PascualElizabethLiz Pascual is an operating room nurse whose core values and sense of being revolve around helping others. Liz is dedicated and committed to the Faith and Practice ministry. Their medical mission trips to Guatemala provide needed medical supplies and support to those who would not otherwise have such access. Since 2002, Liz has taken a mission trip each year, including two separate trips in 2008. Liz also volunteers 3 to 4 evenings per month at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, a free medical clinic in Garden City that provides volunteer medicine to the working poor. Liz is also extremely involved with the music ministry at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/liz-pascual/feed/ 0 Gino Rinaldi: A Burn Survivor Helping Others Recover http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/gino-rinaldi/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/gino-rinaldi/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:01:04 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=484 RinaldiGinoAs an apprentice lineman, Gino received a burn injury in 1982. As a result of this injury, he learned of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF), which enhances the quality of life for burn survivors and promotes burn prevention education. Gino became a donor to AARBF. He also began to volunteer with AARBF’s Ambassador Program, which helps raise funds through speaking engagements at companies. Gino then became a peer resource counselor for others who have gone through similar injuries, helping them in their recovery process. He serves as Vice President of AARBF’s Executive Board and in this role, is responsible for oversight of the foundation’s policies and plays a critical role in the financial health of AARBF.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/gino-rinaldi/feed/ 0 Emily Stinehart: Passing on the Tradition of Helping Others http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/emily-stinehart/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/emily-stinehart/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:50:34 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=489 StinehartEmilyEmily Stinehart became active in community service after her family was assisted during challenging times. She volunteered at countless events, including local coat checks, recycling drives, bake sales and library programs, while still in high school. As a University of Toledo student, Emily volunteers and provides leadership within the Circle K organization, a student based group that fosters volunteerism in tandem with a local Kiwanis Club. Currently serving as district secretary, Emily is running for lieutenant governor in the northwest Ohio district. Through her service with Circle K, Emily has interacted with the following organizations: the Josina Lott Center, Toledo Head Start Program, Cherry Street Mission and Six Cent Initiative.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/emily-stinehart/feed/ 0 Thomas Walters – Creating Life-Changing Experiences for Youth http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/thomas-walters-allstate/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/thomas-walters-allstate/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:03:20 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=494 WaltersThomasIn his local community, Wake Forest, Thomas Walters has been a city councilman and director of the Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the fire department, mentored the high school Key Club, sponsored programs that benefit non-profit organizations and sponsored hundreds of youth athletic programs – but his passion is the YMCA of the Triangle. For the past 11 years, he has helped create several programs that are helping local families. Thomas has been instrumental in making the WeBuildPeople program into what it is today- providing life-changing experiences for children, teens, adults, and families through YMCA tutoring, mentoring, camping, aquatics, sports, wellness and many other vital programs and services – assuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds.

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Salesianum School seniors Robert Liszkiewicz and Dominic Taglione became involved with the Jefferson Awards in 2006. Due to their leadership, and the support of Mrs. Dolores Ballintyn, Salesianum School is being honored as the Jefferson Awards National Recipient for Outstanding Service by a High School. In addition to recognizing those classmates who have gone beyond their call to service, the boys initiated many programs this year, including a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Salesianum, raising money and awareness for the Jefferson Awards. They also gave their own time volunteering with the Blue/Gold Foundation, the Ronald Mc Donald House and mentoring students at Nativity Prep of Wilmington. Their efforts to solidify the seven deliverables at Salesianum has shaped a strong program, dedicated to service in the Salesianum Community.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/salesianum-school/feed/ 0 Lake Brantley High School: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Orlando http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lake-brantley-high-school/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lake-brantley-high-school/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:47:38 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=517 LakeBrantleyHighSchool2Alyssa Smith, Tami Segal, Casey O’Grady, and Rachael Houston are Student Leaders in the Jefferson Awards program, Leadership class, and Student Government at Lake Brantley. Alyssa, a second year YSI leader, is active in various activities and will attend LSU in the fall. Tami is involved in crew, her youth group, and Darfur activism. Casey swims year-round, plays soccer and is a member of National Honor Society. Rachael is captain of the basketball team, writes for the school newspaper, and participates in drama. All are widely involved in the Central Florida community and their leadership within our school inspires others.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lake-brantley-high-school/feed/ 0 RB Stall High School: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Charleston http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/rb-stall-high-school/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/rb-stall-high-school/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:30:52 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=522 RBStallHSWelcomeDinner1Ja’Rod Foster, William Sanders and Vanessa Sorto were senior leaders for the Youth Service Initiative at RB Stall this year. These outstanding leaders have served their school and community by working to establish the Jefferson Awards program during its first year at Stall. Under their direction the program flourished and many students were nominated and recognized for volunteer service. Each of these students has also volunteered in their community. Ja’Rod works with student government and is a member of the School Improvement Council. As a member of the National Honor Society, William is a mentor to fellow students, helping them achieve academic excellence. Vanessa was a monthly winner of the YSI service award for her work with Habitat for Humanity.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/rb-stall-high-school/feed/ 0 St. Agnes Academy: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Memphis http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-agnes-academy/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-agnes-academy/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:09:57 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=534 St.AgnesStudentLeadersMemphis’ Student Leaders, Mary Kate Walsh and Mary Griffin Tate have excelled in driving the YSI program within their school. Since entering high school, each has become a proven leader and has taken an active role in the Memphis community including Habitat for Humanity. As President of the Habitat club, Mary Kate led efforts to raise $1,000 towards the cost of a home for a deserving family. She is a member of Le Bonheur Teens which helps raise money and help with the kids in Le Bonheur Hospital. In addition to implementing the YSI program, Mary Griffin is active in Bridge Builders and has been listed on the Summa Cum Laude Dean’s List the past three years. Bridge Builders is a two year youth leadership and diversity training program that focuses on bringing together young people from different segments of the Memphis community and providing shared experiences. Mary Kate and Mary Griffin display a sense of community and stewardship that should be expected from the rest of the Memphis community.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-agnes-academy/feed/ 0 Livermore High School: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in San Francisco Bay Area http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/livermore-high-school/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/livermore-high-school/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:44:18 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=539 Livermore High SchoolThe student leaders of Livermore High School (Audrieana Bammer, Danielle Harvey, Kathryn
Rambo and Brittani Thurlow) were chosen to represent the San Francisco YSI Bay Area Region based on the school’s success in rolling out a new healthy foods program and its engagement of faculty support. Concerned about high rates of childhood obesity and diabetes, the Livermore High School students focused on creating a program to improve health and nutrition at their school, with the goal of expanding the program to neighboring schools across the Bay Area. In partnership with nutritionists and the Agricultural Department, Livermore now provides two to three vegetable and fruit lunch selections per day, and it has instituted various measures to ensure that they meet healthy food guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/livermore-high-school/feed/ 0 Savannah Arts Academy: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Savannah http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/savannah-arts-academy/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/savannah-arts-academy/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:46:42 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=547 SavannahArtsAcademyCatherine Mulligan and Tilly Isaacson are honored to represent the student leadership team from Savannah Arts Academy. This is Savannah Arts Academy’s first year of participation in the Jefferson Awards program. The team has worked diligently during a short amount of time to spread the word about the Jefferson Awards to their fellow students. Catherine and Tilly are determined to encourage their classmates to take part in community service and motivate them to start their own projects. Catherine, a sophomore dance major, uses her talents by performing at nursing homes and other charitable events as well as teaching younger students. Tilly, a junior theater major, enjoys contributing to the community through student government groups such as Chatham County Youth Commission and Youth Futures Authority.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/savannah-arts-academy/feed/ 0 St. Francis de Sales High School: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Toledo http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-francis-de-sales-high-school/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-francis-de-sales-high-school/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:04:28 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=555 St.FrancisdeSalesHighSchoolThrough Leadership Toledo, the Youth Service Initiative was launched mid-year in four schools in the Toledo region. Samuel Evola took the reigns, leading the program to be the first school to recognize a student with the Jefferson Award. Samuel is involved in many school activities, sports and has volunteered countless hours. Jonathan Niese was the first award recipient from St. Francis de Sales and was chosen because of his more than 300 hours of community service. Some of his volunteer activities are service projects in Appalachia and volunteering as a spotter for “Lose the Training Wheels,” a program that teaches disabled children how to ride bicycles.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/st-francis-de-sales-high-school/feed/ 0 Thornridge High School: Jefferson Awards’ Student Leaders Making a Difference in Chicago http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/thornridge_high_school/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/thornridge_high_school/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:53:04 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=529 Thornridge High SchoolThornridge High School prides itself on the spirit of community service. These Student Leaders (Kiara Bishop, Markist Booker, Vincent Jones, and Shelby Rogers) strive to embody that ideal. Each has assumed leadership roles within their school, including serving on the District 205 Student Board of Education. Whether it be volunteering at local churches to feed the homeless, taking time to share activities with senior citizens, or simply lending a helping hand whenever possible they have truly lead by example. All four helped to orchestrate two major school projects: one to ensure their school cafeteria serves healthy food, and the other a school clean-up and beatification project in cooperation with Comcast. As a newly accepted Youth Service Initiative School, Thornridge serves as a role model for neighboring high schools, and will continue to build upon the strong traditions of leadership, service and philanthropy.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/thornridge_high_school/feed/ 0 Leonard J. Young, Jr.: Spreading the Word on Public Health and Wellness http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/leonard-j-young-jr-city-of-wilmington-de/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/leonard-j-young-jr-city-of-wilmington-de/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:43:30 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=499 Leonard YoungFor more than 20 years, Leonard J. Young, Jr. has passionately served the people of Delaware by promoting, educating and volunteering in public health and wellness initiatives. He strives to make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of others by encouraging his fellow man to obtain regular preventive health screenings and incorporate healthy practices into their daily lives. Mr. Young spends countless hours preparing for health awareness events and his leadership and participation in numerous public health efforts is extensive. He also educates the community and youth groups on the hazards of substance abuse, the need for responsible sexual behavior and how to detect and prevent violent behavior in personal relationships.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/leonard-j-young-jr-city-of-wilmington-de/feed/ 0 Robert and Kathryn Zufall: Extending Affordable Health Care to the Uninsured http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/robert-and-kathryn-zufall/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/robert-and-kathryn-zufall/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:15:46 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=346 zufallNearly 20 years ago, Dr. Robert Zufall and his wife, Kathryn, wanted more from retirement. The Zufalls decided to open the Dover Free Clinic. The medical clinic became a major provider of affordable health care. Operating one night a week Dr. Zufall, a retired urologist, treated patients while his wife provided administrative support. Almost instantly, the clinic attracted a growing patient base of mostly immigrant Latino and Asian families. Its popularity necessitated moves to larger quarters and expanded hours. Their tenacity for enlisting volunteers generated a core team of physicians, dentists, and support staff. Ultimate success came in 2004 when the clinic’s financial survival was assured by designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Renamed Zufall Health Center to honor the couple, it is now a full-time operation that last year received 22,000 visits by 8,200 patients. Most were uninsured.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/robert-and-kathryn-zufall/feed/ 0 Peggy Balboa: Spreading the Word for Sound Nutrition http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/peggy-balboa-university-of-illinois-at-chicago/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/peggy-balboa-university-of-illinois-at-chicago/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:23:50 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=356 Balboa

As a dietetics student at UIC, Peggy Balboa‘s philosophy toward her volunteer efforts is health and disease prevention through sound nutrition. She helped develop a pictorial “Food Access Guide” for Heartland Alliance Health Outreach – assisting newly arriving refugees in danger of poverty and food insecurity. She also developed a program to provide nutritional information training for men and women living with HIV/AIDS at Bonaventure House. In addition to these programs, Peggy volunteered as a SHIP counselor for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, working directly with senior citizens to help them interpret and choose the appropriate Medicare coverage for both their medical needs and prescription drug plans.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/peggy-balboa-university-of-illinois-at-chicago/feed/ 0 Lynn Falanga: Bringing Her Energy to Ending Hunger http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lynn-falanga-national-grid/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lynn-falanga-national-grid/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:30:39 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=366 Lynn FalangaLynn Falanga manages the daily operations of the National Grid Community Volunteers (Community Volunteers) and is the main contact between the agencies they serve, the community, and the volunteer group. In 2005, the Community Volunteers began a partnership with Island Harvest, the third largest food rescue organization in the U.S., to assist them in their mission to end hunger on Long Island. With an initial group of 10 employees, the Community Volunteers served as the bridge between those who have surplus food and those that need it. Today, 150+ Community Volunteers give up their lunch hours Monday – Friday to pick up surplus food and deliver to a network of community-based non-profit organizations that distribute the food to the needy.

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]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/lynn-falanga-national-grid/feed/ 0 Patricia A. Fennell – Helping Former Offenders Successfully Return to Society http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/patricia-a-fennell-peco-energy-an-exelon-company/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/patricia-a-fennell-peco-energy-an-exelon-company/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:30:08 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=372 Patricia Fennell

Patricia Fennell is committed to service beyond her daily job – specifically her service to the Kingdom Care Reentry Network, where she serves as a volunteer and board member. The Kingdom Care Reentry Network was organized in 1999 to reduce repeat criminal offenses and help ex-offenders in Philadelphia successfully return to society following incarceration. In 2008 alone, Pat contributed more than 100 hours of her own time to this worthy cause. She has become an integral part of the Kingdom Care team, and is described as “essential and invaluable.” Pat is also an active member of several community boards such as Philadelphia Youth Aid Panel (YAP), AIDS Fund, and Southwest Belmont Community Association.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/patricia-a-fennell-peco-energy-an-exelon-company/feed/ 0 Jeffrey Benesch: Helping Bring Hands-On Learning into the Classroom http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/jeffrey-benesch-deloitte-bay-area/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/jeffrey-benesch-deloitte-bay-area/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:42:09 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=361 Jeff Benesch - RAFTJeff has melded his childhood passion for science with his desire to improve education, by helping Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) to grow its programs. RAFT helps students learn math and science, through giving teachers the techniques and materials to provide hands-on learning experiences in the classroom. He initially led a pro bono growth strategy and now serves as Board Chairman. He plans to help RAFT expand in California and Colorado, enabling them to reach an additional 4000 teachers in the next 2 years. Previously, Jeff volunteered with InnVision, Silicon Valley’s largest provider of services to homeless and at-risk families. There, he created multiple events, such as one-day shelter makeovers where volunteers remodeled centers for homeless families and the mentally ill.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/jeffrey-benesch-deloitte-bay-area/feed/ 0 Sarah Anthony – Helping Young Women Build Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/sarah-anthony-h-j-heinz-company/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/sarah-anthony-h-j-heinz-company/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:40:12 +0000 Inglis Leslie http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=351 Sarah AnthonySarah Anthony is an active member of Heinz Helps, the corporate volunteer organization at Heinz. For the past three years, she has volunteered for Girls Hope of Pittsburgh and currently serves as president of the Young Leadership Board (YLB). Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated children-in-need to meet their full potential and become women for others by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college. A private, nondenominational program, Girls Hope welcomes young women of all backgrounds from Southwestern Pennsylvania. As president, Sarah oversees all fundraising and mentoring events. The goal of each mentoring event is to foster an environment that builds self-esteem, selfawareness, communication and team building while focusing on education and goal planning.

]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/sarah-anthony-h-j-heinz-company/feed/ 0 Brandy Sabatini Regan: A Mother Honors Her Baby’s Battle with Leukemia http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/brandy-sabatini-regan-reed-smith/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/brandy-sabatini-regan-reed-smith/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:38:46 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=301 Brandy Sabatin iReganIn 2002, Brandy Sabatini Regan’s six-week-old infant son, Cole, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), the leading cause of death in young children. His brief 21 months of life was filled with chemo, multiple surgeries, blood/platelet transfusions, life support and 16 months of hospitalization. Cole displayed a fighting spirit throughout his life and Brandy continues her involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) – the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services – in his honor.

Brandy is very active raising funds for LLS. She has participated on Telethons and helped raise $2 million. In 2007, Brandy joined Team in Training, ran her first marathon and raised $5000 for LLS.

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]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/brandy-sabatini-regan-reed-smith/feed/ 0 Bill Milliken: A Youth Advocate Finds Solution to Dropout Crisis http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/bill-milliken/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/bill-milliken/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:41:33 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=292 Bill MillikenBill Milliken is vice-chairman of Communities in Schools (CIS), the organization he founded in 1977 to help troubled students graduate and succeed in life. This dropout prevention program, which connects schools with community resources to help disenfranchised youth, reaches more than two million young people in 27 states and the District of Columbia. CIS believes that before kids can focus on academic success, they have to have the Five Basics: a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult; a safe place to learn and grow; a healthy start and a healthy future; a marketable skill to use upon graduation; and a chance to give back to peers and community. This solution to the dropout crisis is proven, effective, replicable, and sustainable and has been tested over three decades. Bill Milliken has been a tireless advocate for kids and believes that “You gain your life by giving it away.”

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]]> http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/bill-milliken/feed/ 0 Catalino Tapia: A Gardener Grows College Scholarships http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/catalino-tapia/ http://sharingservicestories.org/2009/07/catalino-tapia/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:34:51 +0000 fordrm http://sharingservicestories.org/?p=282 Catalino TapiaCatalino Tapia was 20 years old when he immigrated from Mexico in search of a better life. He started his own gardening business, bought a home, and educated his children. In 2002, he decided to give back to the community by starting the Bay Area Gardeners’Foundation, which provides college scholarships to the children of low-income families. Since 2006, the Bay Area Gardeners’ Foundation has provided scholarships to 14 students who have gone on to continue their education. Tapia and other gardeners he knew began asking their clients for donations, and within two weeks, they raised $10,000 for the foundation. In 2006, when the group had raised $45,000, they sponsored five students at $1,500 each. In 2007, they sponsored nine more at the same amount and added a special award – the student with the highest grades got an additional $1,000.

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