{"id":2164,"date":"2020-03-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nice-cori.104-207-151-122.plesk.page\/?p=2164"},"modified":"2020-03-31T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-03-31T00:00:00","slug":"volunteers-whove-made-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/volunteers-whove-made-a-difference","title":{"rendered":"Around Woodstock | Volunteers Who\u2019ve Made a Difference | Woodstock GA"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

National Volunteer Week began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Global Volunteer Month was established this year by the Points of Light Foundation to expand that celebration.<\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 62.6 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2014 and September 2015. The Corporation for National and Community Service (www.nationalservice.org<\/a>) said it\u2019s collectively dedicated 8.1 billion hours to a wide variety of organizations; the donated time and expertise is valued at $173 billion.<\/p>\n

Because we didn\u2019t want to miss any of the fun, we asked local nonprofits to brag on their volunteers. Here are the responses we received. Thank you for all you do to make our community a better place!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in finding ways to plug in, check out the list of nonprofits on Page 80.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Judy Lester \u2013 and her trademark smile \u2013 enjoys time with Amy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Judy Lester<\/strong>
\nNext Step Ministries<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.nextstepministries.net<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

On any given day at Next Step Ministries in Woodstock, you will see many faces, each with their own story. As a provider of day programs for adults with special needs, many may find the prospect of volunteering at a place like this to be daunting. \u201cHow can I make a difference?\u201d \u201cWhat if I don\u2019t know what to say or how to act?\u201d These are common questions many ask.<\/p>\n

These challenges didn\u2019t stop longtime Next Step volunteer Judy Lester from giving her time. Judy has been a volunteer with Next Step Ministries for four years. During that time, she has made a heavy impact on the staff, the clients and their parents. When Judy walks in each week, she brings a contagious smile that affects all the clients and staff. Along with helping grow a culture of joy in the day program, Judy\u2019s skills as a master gardener have helped grow the garden at the main building. She says working with the clients keeps her grounded and she strives to return the blessing. It seems that wherever Judy goes, the culture blooms.<\/p>\n

Regardless of your experience or skills, you, too, can make a difference at Next Step Ministries. Whether by assisting our clients with projects, attending community outings or helping with outdoor landscaping, there are endless ways to donate your time or talent in a fulfilling way. Go to www.nextstepministries.net\/volunteer or email volunteer@nextstepministries.net to get involved, because the world needs more people like Judy.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Matt McCoy<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Cindy Flanders<\/strong>
\nElm Street Cultural Arts Village<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.elmstreetarts.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cCostume design is my passion! I love to design and put things together,\u201d said Cindy Flanders, describing her work as a volunteer, designing costumes for Elm Street Theater in downtown Woodstock.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, the most fun productions are period pieces with historical costumes,\u201d Cindy said. \u201cThe first time we did \u2018Christmas Carol,\u2019 for example, I had to research Victorian clothing. Probably the most memorable production was \u2018Decision Heights.\u2019 It\u2019s a drama about women service pilots in World War II, so all the costumes had to be quite accurate for the period.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cindy leads a team of a half-dozen volunteers, and estimates she spends an average of 25 hours a week in the costume shop. \u201cI\u2019m no seamstress,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I love the design part. The process starts with a production meeting. We hear the director\u2019s vision for whatever the musical or play is \u2013 sometimes they might say, \u2018I want to see a lot of color on stage,\u2019 or, \u2018I want a very muted look.\u2019 That sets the direction. Then I can start the research. Sometimes I do sketches, but not always. I look for photos, I print out hairstyle designs. I tape them up all around so we can see them while we work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cindy\u2019s costumes have been nominated for three Metro Atlanta Theater awards during the past few years, winning Best Costumes in 2018 for her work in \u201cThe Mystery of Edwin Drood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would be hard pressed to find a harder-working volunteer than Cindy Flanders,\u201d Elm Street Executive Director Christopher Brazelton said. \u201cShe is incredibly committed, not just for herself, but for those around her as well \u2013 she\u2019s been with the theater since 2010. The staff was unanimous saying she should be recognized for all her work here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 Ann Litrel<\/em><\/p>\n

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Cindy Flanders volunteers an average of 25 hours a week.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Melaney Towerton<\/strong>
\nCherokee FOCUS<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.cherokeefocus.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, like clockwork, Melaney Towerton quietly slips in, eager to help. It became Cherokee FOCUS\u2019s good fortune when Melaney began volunteering as a math tutor more than a year ago. Her family had moved from Nebraska six months earlier, so it felt like the right time to increase her involvement in the community beyond her church and daughters\u2019 activities.<\/p>\n

Melaney was a perfect fit, with her background as a high school math and science paraprofessional and having a masters\u2019 degree in science in geoscience. Besides her obvious aptitude for the subject matter, Melaney\u2019s ability to connect with the students has been most important. She has a genuine interest in the students, taking time to learn about their lives outside of the classroom. Melaney has steadfastly encouraged and supported the students\u2019 efforts to overcome the challenges of school work that have thwarted them in the past. There\u2019s no doubt she is committed to helping these young adults. She\u2019s always ready to share her knowledge, upbeat attitude, and concern for them.<\/p>\n

Cherokee FOCUS offers GED preparation classes as part of its workforce development mission. The GED students present a wide-range of needs and abilities, which makes individualized instruction so necessary and beneficial. Community volunteers are a valuable resource in helping to make this personalized approach possible.<\/p>\n

When asked about her volunteerism, Melaney said: \u201cMy part is rather small in the big picture of what Cherokee FOCUS accomplishes, but it shows that even a small act can have a large impact on others.\u201d How very right she is! And how lucky for Cherokee FOCUS!<\/p>\n

\u2013 Kathi Korcyk-Schaefer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Melaney Towerton encourages each student as she teaches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Betty Hudson, Martha Jo Ashburn<\/strong>
\nCherokee Family Violence Center<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.cfvc.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

For nearly three decades, Cherokee Family Violence Center has relied on Betty Hudson and Martha Jo Ashburn to be resources and to support our clients. The sister duo has been friendly voices and empathetic ears for overnight callers to our 24-hour domestic violence hotline since the early 1990s.<\/p>\n

Hudson and Ashburn began their overnight hotline shifts back in a time when the emergency shelter did not have a 24-hour staff. Together, they have volunteered close to 45,000 hours! To put that in perspective: that is more than five years\u2019 time!<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love Ms. Betty and Ms. Martha,\u201d Shelter Director Raysa Figaro said. \u201cWe know that overnight hotline shifts are covered for us, Monday \u2013 Thursday, and that we can count on them to be available for anyone calling in during the middle of the night needing resources from our domestic violence hotline.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cherokee Family Violence Center is a registered, nonprofit agency in Canton, that has provided services to victims of domestic violence and their children since the mid-1980s. We provide around the clock emergency assistance, offering safety and support, and engaging in educating the public through outreach and legal advocacy.<\/p>\n

You, too, can be a Cherokee Family Violence Center volunteer! Daytime hotline volunteer shifts have opened, and we are looking for folks to fill those spots. To find out more about volunteering for Cherokee Family Violence Center, email Stephanie@CFVC.org<\/a> or call 770-479-1840 extension 101.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Stephanie Villasenor<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Matthew Crosby was named teen leader of the year for his work with the YMCA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Matthew Crosby, Desi Frazier<\/strong>
\nG. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA<\/strong><\/em>
\nhttps:\/\/ymcaatlanta.org\/ymca-locations\/canton\/<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Teen Leader of the Year:<\/strong> Matthew Crosby\u2019s first involvement with the YMCA was through summer camp 10 years ago. Matthew has served as assistant counselor, lifeguard and is involved with the Advanced Leadership Academy. The Cherokee High School student plans to earn a pre-med degree from Kennesaw State University and then attend medical school to earn a degree in radiology or dermatology.<\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew displays initiative, shows leadership, is punctual and willing to learn new skills. He is always willing to help others in any way he can,\u201d YMCA staff member Ryder Leary said. \u201cMatthew consistently shows leadership ability by his willingness to lead. He plays an active role in team building and assists fellow teen leaders in programs and activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matthew understands that volunteer service as a student sets the tone for a lifetime of giving back.<\/p>\n

Volunteer of the Year:<\/strong> Desi Frazier has volunteered with the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA for 15 years. Her first connection with the YMCA was playing racquetball and basketball at the age of 11 and spending two summers at an overnight camp in Wisconsin. Most recently, Desi has assisted with coaching basketball and T-ball teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cDesi has given countless hours to the YMCA\u2019s of Cherokee County. Her compassion and relentlessness to get a job done stands out,\u201d Leary said. \u201cShe has set a wonderful example of what it means to be a volunteer at the Y. Desi leads by example and motivates not only our other volunteers but our staff as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Desi\u2019s motivation is to pay forward the kindness she was shown as a child.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Desi Frazier, center, loves helping children the same way she received support when she was a child who attended summer camps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
\"\"
Charlene Lamanac has served more than 3,000 hours at MUST.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Charlene Lamanac<\/strong>
\nMUST Ministries<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.mustministries.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Charlene Lamanac has been a faithful volunteer at MUST Ministries since 2018. With more than 3,000 hours, Charlene assists and supports staff and volunteers, five days a week. On any given day, she can be found helping with various tasks all around the building, from helping clean, assisting in the food pantry to helping sort donations. Charlene is a volunteer who is willing to help wherever and whenever needed and is so appreciated at MUST. The staff describes her as positive, upbeat, helpful, consistent, and a team player. We are so thankful for all our volunteers at MUST, as we could not provide the services that we do without the help of others. MUST Ministries would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Charlene and to all the volunteers, as we are so grateful for each person.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Emily Garner<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Beverly Morgan<\/strong>
\nForever Fed<\/strong><\/em>
\nwww.foreverfed.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Forever Fed is a mobile ministry that provides groceries, clothing and other services directly to communities experiencing high need since 2010. While we have seen thousands of volunteers serve selflessly during the years, the service of one quiet, unassuming volunteer stands above the rest.<\/p>\n

Beverly Morgan served with Forever Fed for nine years. Sadly, after a brief critical illness, Beverly\u2019s earthly job was completed in September 2019, when she quietly entered her eternal home in Heaven.<\/p>\n

Beverly was always the quietest person in the room. Whether she was performing endless hours of administrative tasks, sorting through donated foods, loading the truck or mopping the floor she never complained. Bev was that volunteer who always stepped up and got the job done.<\/p>\n

Bev was also a wonderful team player: so much so, she often brought her own team of grandchildren and their friends and family to work with her. When we were short of helping hands, she always brought extras. Bev was one of those people you could always count on when the chips were down.<\/p>\n

Bev also was a very active volunteer with the Red Cross Disaster Relief team. Sometimes she shared stories of her service and experiences while helping with disaster relief. It was during the celebration of Beverly\u2019s life that I learned she was the region lead (for the entire state of Georgia) on financial and statistical information for that organization as well! Her humility and dedicated participation in the causes she believed in was simply amazing.<\/p>\n

Her legacy of service to community lives on. The thousands of hours she served with Forever Fed are part of the firm foundation our ministry is built upon to this day. While we miss her dearly, her genuine smile and heartfelt laughter continue to fuel our hearts toward service to our fellow man. It is an honor to commemorate and celebrate the service of a woman who shared her large heart in such a quiet and humble manner. Her quiet participation in the community affected the lives of thousands of people who may never know of her contribution.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Susan Vanderheyden<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Beverly Morgan served with Forever Fed for nine years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<!–<\/p>\n

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National Volunteer Week began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Global Volunteer Month was established this year by the Points of Light Foundation to expand that celebration. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 62.6 million people volunteered through or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"aroundwoodstoc","author_link":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/author\/aroundwoodstoc"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2164"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2164\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aroundwoodstockmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}