12/25/23 – Kyle L. Payne is a member of the Board of Directors for the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc. He provides leadership and management of the Board of Directors in the legal and ethical policy setting and governing that establishes the mission, vision, goals, and direction of the Foundation. The Foundation provides innovative academic, leadership, and professional development programs, mentorship, and services to prepare boys and young men of color to succeed in the competitive workforce. Kyle also served as Chair of the Personnel Committee which guides the development, review, and authorization of all personnel-related matters and leads the review of the Executive Director’s performance.

12/18/23 – Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary (BSAS) provides lifelong, loving care to neglected and homeless farm animals and places adoptable animals in forever homes. For years, Michele Raja, Jerri Stevens, and Deborah Stallings have worked hard for the animals at BSAS every week, multiple times a week. In all weather, they provide exceptional care to the rescued residents. Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers, but they are extremely proud to have volunteers who have been with them for years! 

12/11/23 –In 2010, Nasser Shahin began his work with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) by setting up apartments, providing hot meals and groceries, and buying phones for Muslim clients. He now helps non-Muslim clients as well, especially with providing groceries until they get their food stamps. He also picks up clients from the airport, takes clients to their appointments and the DMV, and provides clothing and other resources. USCRI is grateful for all that Nassar does to support clients. 

12/4/23 –Lynn Voerman has served as a Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited (TAP) volunteer for the past four years. Aphasia, a communication disorder caused by stroke or other brain injury, impacts a person’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak. During the pandemic, TAP’s in-person programming was shifted to a virtual model. Already an engaged and proactive volunteer, Lynn assisted the TAP book clubs in their efforts to work on reading, discussion, and conversation online. She prepared materials for the speech pathologist, offered communicative supports, and completed administrative tasks with passion and commitment. Lynn is so committed to the well-being of this at-risk population that she initiated hand-sewing masks for clients, group leaders, and family members. 

11/27/23 – Ali Standish began volunteering with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) by working in the office reception area. She became aware of additional client needs and organized a collection of fabric and sewing machines so that clients could create household items. She also collected diapers, car seats, and baby clothing for families with children. She is an accomplished children’s book author and began collecting books for children and managing USCRI’s in-house client library. Recently, Ali and her neighborhood friends gathered, stored, and moved furnishings into a home for family of eight from Afghanistan through the Welcome Home Resettlement Program. In a time when people are divided, Ali and her friends and neighbors have been a bright light that brings hope and dignity to us all!

11/20/23 – Since 1972, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center (TNVLC) has been making a difference by strengthening nonprofits and engaging volunteers. Barbara Thomas is the program manager for Triangle Association of Volunteer Administrators (TRIAVA), a key TNVLC program. Barbara developed TRIAVA from an idea into a valuable training and networking program for volunteer leaders. Through her efforts, volunteer administrators can earn certification credits for TRIAVA courses from the North Carolina Association of Volunteer Administration. In 2021, she grew TRIAVA membership from two organizations to ten, and individual memberships from six to 27. Barbara achieved this through the targeted advertising of program content and her reputation for delivering strong, worthwhile sessions. 

11/13/23 – Samantha Royster exemplifies a servant’s heart by her steadfast dedication to serving the Apex Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) both as a responder as well as a founding member of the Board of Directors. During the pandemic, she continued to serve the Apex community by holding creative, informative trainings online, available for free to the public. These trainings covered a variety of disaster recovery topics such as firefighter rehab, interacting with individuals with disabilities, and dealing with mass casualty incidents. Samantha motivated CERT volunteers to safely continue their work by promoting efforts involving fire hydrant painting and coordinating basic first aid at public events. She also coordinated search and rescue training events under the Central North Carolina Search and Rescue banner. Samantha’s unwavering dedication towards furthering public education on disaster recovery is precisely what North Carolina needs.

11/6/23 –  Lynn Toms has shown remarkable commitment to the Reality Ministries community and its mission of “fostering friendships between people of all abilities marked by mutuality, authenticity, and the reality of Christ’s love for all.” She participates three mornings each week at Reality Ministries’ daytime programming, as well as evenings throughout the month and special events. In a community in which sensory issues or anxiety feature heavily, Lynn has become a friend who many can lean on for support during a difficult day. She has been known to host groups in her home for meals, take people on special outings, and give members rides to Reality events when they otherwise wouldn’t have transportation. Lynn is a dedicated volunteer who has welcomed the Reality community into her everyday life. 

10/30/23 – Patricia Ann Poe is a creative, high-energy volunteer for the General Davie Chapter of the DAR. Service is the underlying component in most of the DAR’s activities. Members participate in a wide array of pursuits and work with numerous non-profit agencies, especially ones that serve children and veterans. Patricia leads members in project work that is patriotic and devoted to education and historic preservation.

10/23/23 – Wheels4Hope is a non-profit, faith-based car donation program that turns donated cars into local blessings. A Wheels4Hope volunteer mechanic and transport team goal is to make cars safe and reliable. David and Sonya Reid transported hundreds of donated vehicles for pick up and repair. They worked every scheduled day throughout the past four years to ensure that reliable cars are given to people without dependable transportation. These cars have had a positive effect on over 2,000 residents of our community. Without the help of David and Sonya, Wheels4Hope would not be able to provide the service that they do. 

David and Sonya are no longer volunteering with Wheels 4 Hope due to a move to the mountains. 

10/16/23 – Brandon M. Northington is a member of the Board of Directors for the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc. He provides leadership and management of the Board of Directors in the legal and ethical policy setting and governing that establishes the mission, vision, goals, and direction of the Foundation. The Foundation provides innovative academic, leadership, and professional development programs, mentorship, and services to prepare boys and young men of color to succeed in the competitive workforce. Brandon served as member of the Program Committee which provides assistance to the Executive Director to develop, implement, and evaluate programs. He also served as a member of the Personnel Committee which guides the development, review, and authorization of all personnel-related matters and leads the review of the Executive Director’s performance. 

10/9/23 – Gloria Rentrope has been a volunteer fitness instructor at the Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL) for more than five years. During that time, she became a certified fitness instructor and created a hugely popular class called Total Body Workout. In 2021, Gloria played an instrumental role in helping DCSL maintain a presence in the lives of Durham County seniors. Throughout the pandemic, she volunteered to teach her class online. She maintained contact with class participants and continued to provide an invaluable layer of fitness programming and emotional support. When the center reopened, she picked up where she left off. Her class continues to be one of the most well attended. Gloria is a master at offering members a meaningful and health-promoting experience each and every time she teaches. 

10/2/23 – As a high school student, Sonali Ratnasinghe founded a school club to help teenagers connect with and raise money for Triangle area nonprofits. That club later expanded to become General Services Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to teaching local high schoolers how to execute fundraisers, drives, and events for area nonprofits and small businesses. With over 40 partnerships, General Services Foundation has successfully raised over $20,000 and 30,000 items in 15 months under Sonali’s leadership. She is a dedicated mentor, encouraging General Services Foundation members to pursue their passions without fear and realize their true potential. Her commitment to helping the community, nonprofits, and high schoolers is exceptional.

9/25/23 – In a trying year for everyone, Bob Leslie remained faithful as a volunteer. Reality Ministries exists to create opportunities for people with and without developmental disabilities to experience genuine belonging. Bob shows up week in and week out to live out this mission. He is especially faithful to one individual whose life is otherwise vacant of meaningful friendship. Bob not only accompanies this man during weekly programming at Reality Ministries, he also actively engages outside of RM programming to visit, hang out, and embody the mission of mutual belonging in this man’s life. He has been a Reality Ministries volunteer for almost ten years, quietly showing up as a consistent and faithful friend.

9/18/23 –  Carmelo R. Montalvo is a member of the Board of Directors for the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc. He provides leadership and management of the Board of Directors in the legal and ethical policy setting and governing that establishes the mission, vision, goals, and direction of the Foundation. He served as Treasurer and was responsible for managing and overseeing the financial affairs of the Foundation. Carmelo also served on the Finance Committee. In this role, he oversaw development of the annual budget, monitored organization funds, developed financial policies and procedures, and participated in fundraising initiatives.

9/11/23 – Suzan Perry volunteers three or more days a week for the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP). She is a lead volunteer, assisting in perishable food prep and aiding in establishing the DCFP garden that feeds the community. She also helps mentor new volunteers. Suzan is instrumental in understanding what needs to be done each week to serve DCFP’s 330 families. 

9/4/23 – Maryanne Olsen is a Support Partner who works with families in The Carying Place’s transitional housing program. For 16 weeks, she works with families to eliminate barriers to permanent housing such as money skills, budgeting, saving, and increased income. She makes people feel comfortable and quickly builds trust with clients. Her goal is for families to be successful, and she will figure out a way every time. Maryanne also helps with the Selection team. She works hard to make sure that interviewees feel safe and understand that the questions asked are not meant to judge them. With compassion and empathy, Maryanne helps ease the transition that client families are going through.

8/28/23 – Since 2003, Debbie Myers has been the Board Chairperson for the NC Spinal Cord Injury Association (NCSCIA). Her contributions this year include providing funding and support for adaptive sports outlets, facilitating support groups and peer-mentor trainings, and providing quality of life grants to individuals for things that insurance doesn’t cover. She organizes the Raleigh Rumble Wheelchair Rugby Tournament each December and helped organize the Ms. Wheelchair NC pageant this November. Debbie has a calm, tactful, and professional manner that allows her to navigate difficult group dynamics while providing support, guidance, and mentoring to individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, and their caregivers. Debbie is an absolute gift to her community.

8/21/23 – Roslyn Muse practiced pharmacy in Durham for over 30 years. In her retirement, she decided to continue helping her patients as a Senior Health Insurance Information Program Volunteer for Senior PharmAssist. She helps patients navigate complex insurance choices, takes time to answer questions about their medicines, and helps them understand how to access dental and vision benefits. Roslyn is on the Formulary Committee and works closely with local providers, pharmacists, and other committee members to ensure that the medicines covered by Senior PharmAssist’s financial assistance program are safe and effective. She also is on the Board of Directors. Roslyn has a passion for helping people and is busier than ever serving the community and helping to improve insurance access information. 

8/14/23 – Frank Lewis, III is a member of the Board of Directors for the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc. He provides leadership and management of the Board of Directors in the legal and ethical policy setting and governing that establishes the mission, vision, goals, and direction of the Foundation. The Foundation provides innovative academic, leadership, and professional development programs, mentorship, and services to prepare boys and young men of color to succeed in the competitive workforce. Frank served as a member of the Personnel Committee, leading the review of the Executive Director’s performance and guiding the development, review, and authorization of all personnel-related policies, job descriptions, and evaluation tools. 

8/7/23 – Cornelius Kirk, a Young Men 4 Christ (YM4C) volunteer, is informally known as “Mr. You Matter.” In the past year, Cornelius stretched his own comfort zone while leading and facilitating multiple programs. He provided virtual one-on-one mentoring to 23 youth; assisted in a series of video game and coding workshops; served food and facilitated Game of Life discussions for a monthly football program; engaged boxing participants in character-developing discussions; and served as lead facilitator for a monthly golf program. YM4C helps kids shift their mindsets and envision a different future by letting them know that they matter. They’re able to accomplish this due to volunteers such as Cornelius Kirk. He brings the best version of himself to the program every time and helps kids (and volunteers) grow into the best version of themselves.

7/31/23 – The mission of the Orange County Disability Awareness Council (DAC) is to identify barriers to people with disabilities and create change. As a DAC volunteer, Darice Haden Johnson works to secure temporary housing for disabled veterans and seniors. She takes tremendous care of “her people”, investing her time to learn each client’s specific needs. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped the DAC get back to work quickly and start to bring some normalcy to its daily operations. Through Darice’s efforts, the DAC was able to secure a tech lab office for one-on-one virtual instruction. Darice is a sterling example of an invaluable volunteer.

7/24/23 –  As a Youth Representative of the Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Joseph Jackson works to reduce and prevent juvenile crime. He reviews the needs of juveniles and the resources available to address their needs, prioritizing community risk factors and increasing public awareness of the causes of delinquency. Joseph helps develop proposals to reduce delinquency and strategies to intervene, respond to, and treat the needs of juveniles at risk of delinquency.

7/17/23 – Dr. Charles Lallier (better known as Dr. Chuck) is a consistent and valuable member of Durham Habitat’s regular volunteer group (self-dubbed) “the Geezers”. He leads the Framing Crew and regularly steps up to help lead large volunteer groups. He is a great teacher and very personable with volunteers. He often takes extra time and care to teach new volunteers and AmeriCorps Service members. Dr. Chuck stepped up to help Durham Habitat as sites were reopened during the pandemic. He has been a strong advocate for site health and safety practices and encourages his group of volunteers to be vaccinated and to follow the on-site guidelines for masking. Dr. Chuck is a shining example of what it means to love your neighbor. 

7/10/23 –

Karl Kirkeby started volunteering with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC (the Food Bank) at the beginning of COVID and immediately became one of the “COVID Regulars” — volunteers who could be counted on to come in every single day. A former engineer, he looked at each project as a chance to improve efficiency so that the Food Bank could move as much food into the community as quickly as possible. With a kind spirit and good humor, Karl always sought fun and lightness in any situation. During the Food Bank Olympics (an engagement activity to reward regular volunteers for hard work), he played an essential role on the planning committee, coming up with fun activities. Through what was a tough year, Karl never complained or stopped showing the folks around him a good time.

Karl sadly passed away in 2022, but his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

7/3/23 – Despite her busy work life, Dominique Cole-Johnson (Dom) joined Piedmont Wildlife Center’s Board in February of 2020. As Board Treasurer, she used her business expertise to assist the Executive Director during a time of high personnel turnover and pandemic-related operational challenges. When a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force was formed, Dom helped guide the staff to a better understanding of how to welcome diverse populations. She attended almost every fundraising and community event, greeting guests and sharing her enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. Dom always has a positive, upbeat attitude and works tirelessly to encourage the staff and develop strong relationships. Piedmont Wildlife Center is incredibly thankful for all that she does. 

6/26/23 – Megan Jackson started volunteering at Urban Ministries’ Open Door Clinic as an Intake/Triage Volunteer. In March of 2020, she helped the Clinic pivot their community healthcare operations to comply with mandated COVID-19 restrictions. She worked alongside Clinic staff to develop a COVID-19 Case Management Program. This new program focuses on identifying suspect or positive COVID-19 patients who need guidance and support while facing uncertainty. A former RN Care Manager, Megan became the Open Door Clinic’s first volunteer case manager. She is currently working with staff members to expand the Clinical Case Management Program to include hepatitis C, diabetes, hypertension, and complex cases. Megan is a dedicated volunteer who exhibits an amazing passion for the Open Door Clinic’s underserved patients. 

6/19/23 – The Martin Luther King, Jr. Steering Committee, Inc. helps plan ceremonies and programs that preserve the legacy and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in recognition of the King holiday. The MLK Steering Committee works to improve the quality of life for all citizens by reaching out to those who struggle with poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, homelessness, and other social problems. In addition, the MLK Steering Committee raises funds for academic scholarships awarded to graduating seniors in Durham County. 

Steering Committee 

Vince Chandler (Music Committee Chair)
Natalie Edwards (Treasurer)
Dorothy Filmore (Chair)
Jerry Head, Jr. (Fundraising Committee Chair)
Rev. Warren Herndon (Special Events Committee Chair)
Doris Ingram-Randall (Awards Committee Chair)2
Naomi Jackson (Scholarship Committee Chair)
John Jarrett
Dean Jernigan (Day of Service Chair)
Nelson Kerr
DeWarren K. Langley (Vice Chair)
Pebbles Lucas (Board Secretary)
Rev. Dr. Michael D. Page (Program Committee Chair)
Sumetrice Porter
Grace Wilson

6/5/23 – Riverside High School has been a longtime supporter of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC). Over the last year, Frances Mock and Kathy Holt continued to organize students. They came up with creative ways to get students involved. For example, student volunteers worked outside to wrap diapers. DBNC appreciates Riverside High School and all their work, flexibility and creativity to help provide much needed essentials to the community.

6/5/23 – Gregory Jackson is an outstanding volunteer and an invaluable member of the Durham Habitat for Humanity team. Site supervisors know they can rely on him to show up and produce quality work. He was a regular volunteer who helped Habitat make it through the hardest points of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when other volunteers were not able to be on site. He often helps lead large volunteer groups and teaches new volunteers and AmeriCorps service members. Greg also regularly goes above and beyond for Durham Habitat homebuyers by creating custom pieces for the exterior of the home. These small, personal touches really help make a house a home.

5/29/23 – Sally Goettel is a humble, mission focused volunteer leader. She served as the Dorcas Ministries Board President for the last year and has been a volunteer crisis counselor and food pantry volunteer for over seven years. Through her leadership, clients experienced uninterrupted critical crisis financial and food services during the pandemic, when need was at its highest. With a background in law and social services, Sally is equipped to lend an informed voice to the need for affordable housing and spearhead the efforts at Dorcas Ministries to increase affordable housing in the community. She does what is needed to get the job done, including mentoring staff, recruiting, training new volunteers, and sorting food in the food pantry. Sally has the rare ability to envision the future while keeping an eye on the details. 

5/22/23 – Members of the Board assist with providing oversight, establishing organizational identity, and ensuring and managing resources for Jubilee Home. Jubilee Home provides a supportive and therapeutic living environment for justice-involved young men in the Durham community. It seeks to create a place that bridges the gap between incarceration and full independence. 

5/15/23 – Joyce Henry has been a dedicated volunteer for the Animal Care Team at the Museum of Life and Science. Her enthusiasm is palpable, and she raises other volunteers to her level of hard work and commitment. She is eager to learn new things and has a strong work ethic. Her versatility enables her to take on any task independently, from raking animal yards to cleaning reptile enclosures. No job is too little or too disgusting for Joyce to tackle. She has also demonstrated leadership and compassion by choosing to mentor new volunteers and assist volunteers who are neurodiverse. Joyce is a perfect example of the volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty. 

5/8/23 – Moira and Tommy Griffin have been long time volunteers at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC). When COVID-19 hit hard last year, they volunteered to take two carloads of diapers home every week to wrap on their kitchen table. Because of their ongoing dedication and service, DBNC was able to continue providing diapers to families across the state that are experiencing diaper need. Without the Griffin’s help, DBNC would not have been able to completely fill orders for Partner Agencies. 

5/1/23 – Laura Fogle is the remaining founder of Digital Durham. Over the past year, Digital Durham achieved a number of successes with her leadership, drive, passion, and organizational skills. After convening local elected officials and other interested parties, Laura organized a dedicated group of individuals who would spend six months to develop what is now an endorsed Durham Digital Equity Plan. In addition, she organized Digital Durham’s development and submission of several grants. Most recently Digital Durham received the second NC Band Grant, submitted a grant to Durham City for ARPA funds to facilitate the implementation of the Digital Equity Plan, and partnered with NCCU on the submission of a Connecting Minority Communities grant. Laura works tirelessly to make sure that the digital divide doesn’t prevent Durham citizens from getting the benefits from technology. 

4/24/23 –  Bruce Garon plays a variety of volunteer roles at the Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL). He sits on the Senior Advisory committee, serves congregate meals, sets up movie screenings, assists with food distribution, and calls homebound seniors weekly as part of DCSL’s assurance program. Bruce brings enthusiasm and commitment to each day and every role. His dedication to serving senior citizens comes through in his jovial relationships with members and can-do attitude when addressing daily tasks during his volunteer shifts. As a person who is involved in DCSL programs several times a week, Bruce embodies the volunteer who thinks about those he serves before himself.

4/17/23 – The Board of Directors provides ethical and legal oversight in the policy setting and governing body that establishes the mission, vision, goals, and direction of the West End Community Foundation, Inc. The Board manages the personnel, marketing, financial, and infrastructure operations of the Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park. The Center is comprised of an early childhood development program, free community clinic, youth mentoring program, after-school tutorial program, senior day care program, dance studio, gymnasium, and computer labs. 

4/10/23 – Martha Funsten has been an energetic and enthusiastic member of the Assistance League of the Triangle Area for seventeen years. Over the past five years, she has been Chair of Operation School Bell, a program that provides new clothing, shoes, school supplies, and hygiene items to children in need. Martha was instrumental in developing the first Target shopping night devoted entirely to serving children without stable housing. In addition, Martha is the past President and Treasurer. Martha is 2022 Key award winner (Senior Class) and 2022 Governor Medallion award (Orange County). She gives her time, talent, and knowledge to the Assistance League’s A-Z Thrift Shop in several areas of operations in the shop, by participating in furniture donation pick-ups and negotiating a new lease for the Thrift Shop. Martha’s boundless energy and can-do attitude have helped Assistance League become a champion at filling the needs of their community. 

4/3/23 – Perry Dowd is an exceptionally empathetic and selfless Paws4ever volunteer. She is dedicated to the animals and the people who care for them. Perry is always busy helping Paws4ever staff and other volunteers with any task she’s asked to do. She loves spending time with the animals and will provide whatever is needed to help care for them. Perry ensures that everyone has what they need and is always willing to lend her ear. 

3/27/23 – Denise Fleming started with Triangle Ultimate as a team parent on her daughter’s high school team and became more involved with each season. She coordinated the Elite Youth Club Teams, joined the Youth Committee, and eventually became Chair of the Youth Committee. With Denise’s thoughtful leadership, the Youth Committee reimagined and developed Spring Youth Club opportunities for middle school and high school players across the Triangle. She is a positive and engaging leader on the ground in Triangle Ultimate programs, an ambassador to new community members across programs, an innovative leader of the Youth Committee, and an engaged member of the Board of Directors. Denise’s impressive volunteer work touches almost every facet of the Triangle Ultimate community. Update: Denise was so great as a 

volunteer that Triangle Ultimate hired her on as full-time staff this year! 

3/20/23 – Richard and Marnie Cox volunteer for Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit that supplies beds to kids in need. Each bed is built and installed in the child’s home, complete with bedding. Rich, a retired Naval Engineer, is SHP’s Build Manager. He organizes the build process, ensures build safety, develops volunteer training practices, and holds Lessons Learned meetings after each build. Rich was instrumental in helping SHP acquire an equipment trailer. He utilized shelves, bins, and bungee cords to maximize the efficient use of storage space. Marnie overhauled SHP’s inventory system to reflect real-time quantities. She monitors the inventory of building supplies and bedding and notifies the Chapter President when quantities run low. In 2021, Rich and Marnie volunteered at all 17 SHP builds and helped build 205 beds. 

3/13/23 – Thomas Dupree has been unwavering in his dedication to serving the Durham VA Medical Center and its Veterans. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) is an annual wheelchair sports event for military veterans. When Thomas learned that NVWG fostered teamwork, camaraderie, self-esteem, self-determination, and physical fitness, he believed that it was his duty to ensure each Veteran lived and maintained a healthy lifestyle. Through his efforts, his Knights of Columbus council has sponsored two Veterans for the past three years, providing travel and lodging funds. He also sponsored Bingo events, collected Christmas gifts for nursing home patients, and collected over 100 coats through his Knights of Columbus council. Thomas has had a tremendous impact on the Veterans served by the Durham VA Medical Center.

3/6/23 – Alec and Georgia are model volunteers in advancing the arts in Wake County. Their service as members of the Board of Directors for Burning Coal Theatre and Raleigh Little Theatre, respectively, is to be admired for their commitment to their belief that the arts are for all. Alec and Georgia have demonstrated their commitment through advocacy, philanthropy, service, and dedication to building community. Both have served as members, committee chairs, and presidents of their respective Boards and worked to see both organizations through tremendous growth. Their presence as volunteer leaders within these roles has earned them respect throughout the arts and culture community in Raleigh, New York, and abroad. Alec and Georgia lead by example and inspire others to act in service to the mission and community of an organization to their fullest potential.

2/27/23 – Jonetta Dorn is the Vice President of Philanthropies for the Assistance League of the Triangle Area. She was responsible for the smooth operation and distribution of $357,866 to Assistance League’s eight philanthropic programs. She was involved in developing the 2021 Strategic Plan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in the reinvention of several hands-on Assistance League activities. Jonetta also helped Assistance League expand its reach throughout the Triangle area, including a collaboration with the affordable housing non-profit, CASA. In addition, she runs the cash register at the A-Z Thrift Shop and helps other members pick up Thrift Shop donations. Jonetta does not understand the word cannot.  Through her leadership, she’s helped Assistance League figure out how they can.

2/20/23 – Bevelena Davis volunteers for the Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL). She remains in constant contact with the staff and communicates effectively when she’s not able to fulfill her duties. Bevelena facilitates sing-alongs at the DCSL. She is always very calm, caring, and compassionate with the members and they love her dearly. 

2/13/23 – John excels as a coach, announcer, group organizer, and sponsor for the Miracle League of the Triangle (MLT). MLT provides individuals with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. As a coach, John’s energy and attention make every player feel like part of a team and important, often for the first time in their lives. He is an announcer whose humor, wit, and encouragement are unrivaled in creating a fun game day atmosphere. He is a group coordinator and buddy volunteer, ensuring that all players get the one-on-one help they need. John is a financial sponsor, with benefits going to players, families, and the Triangle area’s special needs community. He is the rare volunteer who actively and effectively supports every aspect of MLT’s mission. In a sea of dedicated volunteers, John Davison stands out.

1/30/23 – Gene Carlone has been serving with Durham Habitat for Humanity for over 15 years and currently leads one of Habitat’s (self-dubbed) “Geezer” groups. Gene is a very valuable member of the core volunteers and leads the Siding “Geezer” Crew with patience and aplomb. He and his crew contributed hundreds of hours to side 12 homes in 2021. Their contributions helped keep the construction crews on schedule to provide qualified Durham residents with affordable housing amid a difficult year. Because of Gene’s leadership, the efforts of the Siding Crew were successful and saved Durham Habitat thousands of dollars in labor costs. Habitat is so grateful to Gene for his many years of dedicated service with the organization and his invaluable leadership of the Siding Crew.

1/23/23 – Paul Cain from Horse and Buddy! Paul Cain has helped Horse and Buddy in many ways. From digging huge trenches, to replacing fencing, to weed-eating, to installing stall mats, to transporting and stacking hay, there may not be a barn chore that Paul has not done. In addition, he created 20 beautiful wine stoppers for their gala. Some of the stoppers went for $50 and up! When Horse and Buddy inherited some large wooden dinosaurs from another program, they wanted to make a Dino Trail for the riders. Paul repaired the dinosaurs that he could, then created brand-new ones. The trail is amazing and the riders just love it. Paul is a huge part of the Horse and Buddy family.

1/16/23 – BJ Boyarsky has volunteered with Senior PharmAssist for over ten years as a Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program Counselor, providing Medicare counseling to older adults and adults with disabilities. During the pandemic, she learned how to use telehealth and on-line calendaring software to provide tailored Medicare counseling. She worked with another volunteer to create educational Medicare videos for the Senior PharmAssist website that have reached audiences beyond Durham. She has patience, a good sense of humor, and expert knowledge of the State Health Plan, Medicare, and Duke Retiree benefits. Over the years, BJ has saved individuals hundreds of thousands of dollars and given them peace of mind about their decisions. 

1/9/23 – As a member of the Board of Directors, Kenisha provides ethical and legal oversight in the policy setting and governing body that establishes the mission, vision, goals and direction of the West End Community Foundation, Inc. She also manages the personnel, marketing, financial & infrastructure operations of the Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park which comprises of an early childhood development program, free community clinic, youth mentoring program, afterschool tutorial program, senior day care program, dance studio, gymnasium and computer labs. Additionally, she served as Secretary responsible for recording the minutes at meetings. Kenisha is an amazing asset to our community!

1/2/23 – Kurt Benrud from the North Carolina Reading Service! A NCRS volunteer since 1983, Kurt personifies the meaning of community service and volunteerism. Kurt has a regular live broadcast program and reads from USA Today, as well as being “on call” to read when one of our regular readers is unable to read for their scheduled live shift. In fact, Kurt is one of the few volunteers who has read for most of the live broadcasts, including our live AM, Noon, PM, Saturday, and Sunday live broadcasts! Kurt is always able and willing to help us out in a bind and can be counted on, even at the last minute, to ensure our live broadcasts air on their scheduled time. Kurt also pre-records a monthly Science Fiction program, as well as special programs like Christmas stories to air during the holidays. In addition, Kurt is one of our Volunteer Trainers, helping to train all of our new volunteers. During the pandemic, Kurt has been instrumental in pivoting to one-on-one volunteer training in order to give our new volunteers the best possible training experience. After 30 plus years of reading service, Kurt exemplifies the meaning of volunteerism, and we are grateful that he continues to be the example for all our volunteers.