The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce its Community Champions for the first quarter of FY24. These employees were nominated by their colleagues and are being recognized for their work with local nonprofit organizations, where they dedicate their time and talents to improve quality of life for their communities. The Champions’ chosen nonprofits received up to $2500 grant from the Foundation.
Jesuina Nunes, Nursing Supervisor Connected Care, MA
Alzheimer’s Association of MA
Jesuina raises money for Alzheimer’s walks, volunteers with the events committee to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Association events, holds teaching session for staff and elders in adult day health settings on Alzheimer’s, and educates non-English speaking community members about Alzheimer’s disease.
Janice Dowdy, Speech Language Pathologist SHR, KY
I Believe Foundation
Janice is passionate about volunteering for the I Believe Foundation. The I Believe Foundation provides inclusive access to experiential opportunities for Appalachian youth to learn and continue to develop skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for high success in high school and beyond. Each year, its hosts a “Our Night to Shine”, which is a prom for school-age teenagers and young adults with disabilities. Janice fundraises for the prom, sets up, and volunteers throughout the event. Janice is a vital member to this local foundation.
Jenette Randall, QIDP CSS, IA
City High School, Iowa City
Jenette volunteers regularly to help out City High School in Iowa City throughout the year. She supports the cross country team, most recently helping run a water station for a fundraiser at a race to raise funds that went back to the team. She also assists the marching band. Jenette and her kids volunteered during every home Iowa Hawkeye Football game last year to clean up the parking lot after tailgating, and in the stadium picking up trash to earn money for the high school.
Stacy Murphy, Sr. Director, FP&A Corporate
DOVE (DOmestic Violence Ended), Inc.
Stacy volunteers with and raises money for DOVE, a local nonprofit committed to working preventatively and responsively to the meeting the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their children. The staff help survivors and their children heal from the trauma they have experienced. Along with counseling and support with basic needs we also do psychoeducational work so survivors understand the impact of the violence on their physical and mental wellbeing. Often the children and adults we serve aren’t aware of all of the ways domestic violence impacts their health. Building awareness allows us to do the healing work to overcome that trauma.
Amy Swagel, Floating Training and Development Specialist CSS, IA
A.B.A.T.E of Iowa
Amy volunteers with A.B.A.T.E of Iowa, a local community and motorcycle educaiton organization. She organizes fundraisers for her district and serves as a district leader. Amy spends some of her free time teaching motorcycle safety classes among other education regarding motorcycles to the general public. Most recently, Amy is raising funds to donate to a local family of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
Nicki Kaplan, Director of Clinical Services CSS, AZ
Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus Pine Council
Nicki has been a dedicated volunteer for Girl Scouts for four years. She is a troop leader for 12-20 girls, organizing and planning bi-weekly troop meetings for 4th graders. She serves on the neighborhood Girl Scout board as the volunteer support coach and communications specialist.
Cherrie Bonham, QI Manager CSS, IN
Prairieton Volunteer Fire Department
Cherrie is part of a volunteer fire department for seven years as the secretary and treasurer of the Board. this requires 10-25 hours weekly doing all the administrative and accounting tasks for the department including the banking, paying bills, oversight of insurance and many other administrative tasks. She also organizes the annual awards banquet for members of the department. The department responds to all fire and EMS emergencies in Prairieton and Prairie Creek township within Vigo County, Indiana.
Julie Bates, HR Director SHR, MD
53 Families Foundation
Every year the 53 Families Foundation feeds 5,000 for Thanksgiving. Julie volunteers to plan and run the Thanksgiving event. The evening is made possible by volunteers and hosts many kids activities and fun.