April 20, 2013
United Way of Portage County
• Board of Directors and members of the following committees; Executive Committee, Communication, Finance, Human Resources, Governance, Planned Giving, Volunteer Center Advisory, and 2-1-1
Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Volunteers
• C Campaign Leadership Committee, Campaign Cabinet, and Burnt Bacon
Dear Friends, National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. We are very fortunate that throughout Portage County each and every day, community members take the time to reach out to those in need. Hundreds of volunteers work diligently for many causes and organizations across the county, expecting nothing in return but the satisfaction of knowing they made someone’s day a little brighter. The United Way of Portage County Volunteer Center and the Stevens Point Journal, along with our partner programs, are proud to present this publication recognizing the extraordinary dedication of volunteers in our community. We invite you to look through this publication to learn more about what volunteers are doing to make a difference in Portage County.
Because of volunteers the United Way of Portage County is able to carry out its mission of improving people’s lives and strengthening our community. We are lucky to work with volunteers in all areas of our o operations who are knowledgeable, compassionate and truly committed to helping us compassion tackle our ccommunity’s most critical needs. The United Way would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who make our community a great place to live and work. These volunteers understand that when you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all. They know that’s what it means to LIVE UNITED! With greatest sincerity, we thank each and every one of them for rolling up their sleeves to make a difference in Portage County. Specifically, we wish to thank those volunteers who serve with:
• Campaign Coordinators at companies throughout Portage County • Run, Bike, Unite Duathlon Committee • Vision Council and Impact Teams • Community Impact Initiatives • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) • Learn for Life • Volunteer Center Project • Make a Difference Day • Project Fresh Start
Enrich your life…volunteer! Aspirus volunteers are men and women ages 14 and older, each wit with unique gifts and talents. Aspirus offers a variety of volunteer nteer opportunities to fifit anyone’s interest and schedule - from opportunities at the hospital, to visiting directly with hospice patients and their families in the Portage County area, to other special projects. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, make a difference in the lives of our patients and families, develop friendships, cultivate leadership skills, and build self-esteem while making a positive impact in your community. Contact: Tasha Stencil at 715-847-2705 Tasha.Stencil@aspirus.org www.aspirus.org/volunteers
• Ignite Young Professionals Network • LIFE Report Steering Committee
We put our hands together for every individual who volunteers in Portage County, ensuring that that we can all live in a great community where people open their hearts in an effort to help others. From the organizations listed in this publication, thank you for all you do. While we make every effort to recognize as many volunteers and organizations as possible, we also realize that many volunteers prefer to serve quietly behind the scenes. To these individuals, please know that your service does not go unnoticed and your positive impact is continually felt throughout our community.
A group of high school volunteers sort school supplies for Project Fresh Start 2012
Aspirus Hospice Volunteers (left to right): Dina Rasmussen, Sandy Welbes, and Marilyn Worden.
Central Rivers Farmshed
Thank you!
Farmshed started as an all-volunteer organization in 2007 and is still primarily volunteer pow powered today day - our dedicated volunteers logged over 1300 hours of service in 2012! They make it possible for us to fulfill our mission to expand the connection between local residents and their food by providing opportunities for participation, education, cooperation, and action to support a local food economy in Central Wisconsin. Thank you to all of our volunteers who power our programs and events, to our volunteer board of directors, and to all of those who have helped Farmshed grow throughout the years! (From L to R) Chris Laird, Teri Pfeil, and Pat Wesenberg check in volunteers at the 2012 Run, Bike, Unite Duathlon
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(From L to R) Nick Inman, Grant Hebblewhite, Judah Haas, and Fred Hebblewhite stamp a compass into concrete at one of the Born Learning Trail stations at Mead Park.
Celebrate Service Stevens Point Journal - April 20, 2013
What our clients say:
American Red Cross
Whether helping people hit by a devastating home fire, tornado or flood; connecting military personnel with their families in times of emergency; training neighbors to perform lifesaving CPR and first aid; preparing people for disaster; or encouraging blood donors….Red Cross volunteers make a HUGE positive impact in their communities and the nation. The Red Cross helps 63 people every 60 seconds. Volunteers make up 96% of the total workforce carrying out the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. A BIG THANK YOU to volunteers whose compassion and action brings HOPE to those in need.
August 30, 2011 Manville, New Jersey. Red Cross volunteer Catalina Solis comforts Tara Andrews, a Lost Valley resident, who has faced five floods, with Hurricane Irene being one of the worst. Photo by Dennis Drenner/ American Red Cross
Volunteers: Colleen Aldrich Anton Anday Mary Anday Sue Bergin Marilyn Bernd Brenda Breitner Justine Brilowski Veneta Campbell Jack Campbell Nancy Canales Ollie Charles Doris Charlesworth Connie Check Sue Clussman Charles Crandall Melvin Cywinski Ruth Duda Karen Fadner Connie Favor Ron Feltz Lois Fossen Art Francel Carole Francel Shirley Gavinski Volker Gaul Ronald Gonzales Jane Goudreau Shirley Gorell Tina Grezinski Ozz Hagen Milo Harpstead Jane Hartman Suzanne Henning Kathy Hermann Joanne Higgins Stephen Jensen Daniel Jirovec Chad Johnson Karen Karl Gail Klauck Agnes Kobishop Marilyn Koeppel Rita Kozlowski Jim Krems Mary Ann Krems Barb Krueger Nancy Lamar Van Lampert Robert Lass Gene LaRose Keith Lea Linda Leindecker
Robert LinaberryCharis Jerome Lineberger Marcie Locher Kathy Lohr Ed Losinski Wayne MacDonald Richard Manthe Deborah Martin Gary Martin Joan Martin Bette Maslowski Pat Maslowski Jim Miller Adrian Mitch Joe Mitch Leroy Moyer Barb Murin Deb Nachman Donald Neuendorf Gertrude Neuendorf Patricia Nordlund Ron Odejewski Karen Oelke Karen Olsen Laurie Daley Pech Jack Pelton Judi Peterson Sharon Peterson Max Pfeiffer Irene Pintar Nick Pintar Betty Piotrowski Ray Pitzrick Margaret Pitzrick Laurette Poltzer Emmet Polum Judith Polum Gail Pucci Rosemary Radtke Judy Reed Leah Reilly Kathleen Retzki Brandi Ridgeway Jeanette Rogers Ron Roth Rick Rothman Kathy Rucinski Max Rusek Elizabeth Ryan Linda Sanders Bridget Sankey
“The day my family experienced a house fire was the most devastating day in our lives. My five-year–old had lost everything, especially his toys. The volunteer provided him with a stuffed Mickey Mouse and that put a smile on his face. To this day, he still has the Mickey Mouse and that is a reminder of how grateful we were of the assistance the Red Cross provided. Without the Red Cross, we would have been unable to immediately purchase necessities the day that they were lost. We are forever grateful to the Red Cross and the volunteers.” Keasha “Half of our house was gone after the chimney caught on fire in the middle of the night. Red Cross volunteers were right there…They helped us with some food, clothing and replacement medication…The volunteers were so gentle, understanding, and so wonderful. I knew that Red Cross volunteers were there when National disasters occur, but I did not know that they are also there for us locally.” Lisa “You can’t imagine how grateful we are to you (responding volunteer) and the Red Cross. Your support and warm hugs were so appreciated and I thank you.” Doc and Judy and Dixie What staff say:
November 3, 2012. Long Island, New York. Red Cross volunteer Deb Swan delivers food and a friendly smile to Jill Ferrall of Seaford, New York. Photo by Jason Colston/ American Red Cross
“Volunteers are integral to the success of the American Red Cross. Their passion to prevent and alleviate human suffering is reflected in the amazing work they accomplish. By sharing their time and talents, Red Cross volunteers make their communities safer, stronger and more resilient!” Linda Soltis-Schroeder, Volunteer Coordinator “Our volunteers are invaluable. They are part of a local and nationwide workforce that helps the Red Cross fulfill its Mission each and every day.” Thomas Mooney, Regional CEO of the Western Wisconsin Region
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin
September 3, 2012 Picayune, Mississippi. Edward Semmes and Red Cross relief worker Lynette Nyman check out Edward’s recently acquired Red Cross cleanup kit outside his flood-damaged home in Picayune, Mississippi, after Hurricane Isaac. Photo by Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
Carlene Schanck Charles Schanck Judith Schiferl Dolores Schirpke Martha Schuh Ed Severson Charlie Skibba Ellen Skibba Audrey Spreda Pat Stanislawski Diana Steffen Todd Storch Carol Strasser George Strasser Kathryn Trachte Barb Victor
Bette Vogel Jim Vollmer Nancy Wahnschaffe Jody Walters Mildred Wanserski Laiken Warrick Mary Weis James Willner Mary Willner Hank Yoker Marge Yokers Kathleen Zimdars Bill Zimdars
Boys and Girls Club of Portage County Volunteer’s Deepen Impact on Boys & Girls Club Members Because of many fantastic volunteers, the Boys & Girls Club is able to deepen the impact we have our club members. Volunteers bring their time and talents to our Clubs every day, allowing us to provide new and wonderful opportunities to hundreds of children in the community. This past year we have had 146 volunteers take time out of their day to make a difference with our members involved at the Boys & Girls Club. Together they have worked over 2,030 hours! Every year the Boys & Girls Club chooses one volunteer of the year. This year we selected Liza Faxon for her endless dedication to our Plover Unit. Being a long time member of the club herself, Liza understands the impact it has on our members. She has made a lasting impact on many of them, which is quite apparent when you witness the excitement from the kids each time Liza enters the Club. Because of the overwhelming number of volunteers this past year the Club decided to select two runner-up Volunteers of the Year, Angie Iwanski and Stephanie Rodriquez. Angie, a high school junior, began volunteering in September 2011 and later became part of the staff in October 2012. She shared her love for school plays with our members. Stephanie, a sophomore at UWSP, began volunteering October 2012, and has gone above and beyond by helping out at our Teen Center and the Homework Center. The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County could not have the impact it does on area youth if not for the volunteers who care enough to share their time and talents with our club members. Thank you.
Because of our dedicated volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to provide youth in Portage County with a safe, strong and enduring professionally supported mentoring relationship that changes their lives. Our vision is that all children achieve success in life. Our volunteer “Bigs” help their “Littles” see a world full of opportunities for success. What if every child fulfilled their potential? Think how amazing that would be. Thanks to our volunteer mentors for starting their Littles on the path to BIG things and making Portage County a healthier place to live. “I’m really getting good at reading in school because my Big Sister reads with me every week. I don’t even get embarrassed anymore when I fumble a word when reading out loud to the class.” Little Sister in 2nd grade
Liza Faxon receiving the 2012 Volunteer of the Year award from Peter Gebhardt, the Plover Unit Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County’s Annual Recognition Dinner on March 14, 2013
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Justiceworks, LTD.
Because of volunteers, the Justiceworks nonprofit justice organization has been able to deliver community-based justice services to those in need: individuals without positive mentors or role models, without legal representation, without a way out of a revolving door into the justice system. Our volunteers help fellow community members resolve civil and criminal issues through restorative, evidence-based practices, which include the Volunteers in Probation program, TEAM Reentry Program, Restitution “Make It Right” Program, Deferred Prosecution Monitoring Program and the Family Law Information Center. We are indebted to our volunteers, numbering 60+ strong, for their generosity of time and talent. Thank you! “I may have dug myself into a hole, but with this (Volunteers in Probation) program, I am slowly making my way out…VIP is certainly a life changing experience.” Volunteers in Probation program participant “I wanted to write you (TEAM reentry mentor) to let you know how much I appreciate what you and the staff at Justiceworks have done in helping me to a better path in my life’s journey. I look back at my past struggles and realize I never looked to others for help, and that only helped lead to my downfall and making lots of poor choices. I don’t know how often you hear how much help you are to someone like me trying to start fresh, but it does. I am so thankful for Justiceworks and the people there!” TEAM reentry program participant
Portage County Literacy Council Because of volunteers, Portage County Literacy Council has been assisting adult learners for 26 years. Our dedicated volunteers have reached our neighbors in all parts of Portage County by helping with a variety of classes and providing many hours of one-on-one tutoring. These volunteers have helped adults learn to read, learn computer skills, speak English, pass GED tests, obtain and retain employment and gain U.S. citizenship. Our volunteers continue to be our most valuable asset and the lives of many members of our larger community have been changed for the better as a result of their unselfish service.
Epilepsy Foundation Heart of Wisconsin
Mobile Pantry of Portage County The Mobile Pantry volunteers that come faithfully on Thursdays to sort fresh produce, pack nonperishable food items, restock the pantry shelves, and to spend hours on the road delivering these bags of food to our rural residents, are indeed dedicated and caring individuals. They are the heart of our organization. We work together as a family toward a common goal; to provide nourishing food for our clients, as well as some comfort in knowing that we care. A big thank you to each of our volunteers. We couldn’t make this happen without you. You share a special gift with us. The gift of time and of yourselves.
left to right: Carissa Marie; Jill Ballard, Kristin Reichensperger
Because of volunteers we… are able to keep our doors open! While our small staff is working to meet the needs of clients with epilepsy, and provide education and training programs, volunteers are behind the scenes giving us the support we depend on. Board members and professional advisors assist us in developing our strategic plan, and office volunteers help with everyday tasks. There are teams of volunteers that make possible our annual “Advances in Epilepsy Treatment” conference and various events throughout the year. Thanks to all of you and your dedication to helping people with epilepsy and their families.
I, as coordinator, of Mobile Pantry, am so proud of our Pantry. To be able to help our community, our neighbors, on a one to one basis is heartwarming, fulfilling, and amazingly rewarding. Marcy Ferriter, Mobile Pantry Coordinator Our Volunteers: Jerre Corrigan Dennis Ferriter Terry Koch Judy Pesanka Al Stemen Dean Swiston JoAnn Vicchiollo John Vicchiollo Evelyn Widdel Keith Widdel Hank Zblewski
Because of Volunteers, JDRF is powered by a passion to improve the lives of every person affected by diabetes. JDRF’s focus is on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing diabetes. JDRF volunteers are the driving force behind our progress. They give generously of their time, resources and expertise in an ambitious agenda to create awareness, raise funds and advocate for JDRF. Volunteers continue to demonstrate their commitment to JDRF and diabetes research and we are so grateful for their support. Thank YOU.
Celebrate Service Stevens Point Journal - April 20, 2013
Because of over 300 volunteers last year, the nation’s largest and longest running Energy Fair was possible. From working the front gates to working in the MREA Café, the success of The Energy Fair depends greatly on our volunteers. Since 1990, the MREA has relied on volunteers and we would like to send out a resounding thank you! We appreciate our volunteers and we like to show it! Sign up to volunteer 2 hours during The Energy Fair, and you’ll get free admission to that day of the Fair. Sign up to volunteer for 12 hours or more during the week of The Energy Fair and get free weekend admission, a Thursday evening Networking Dinner ticket (includes one free beverage), and a Hardcore Volunteer t-shirt! Free admission means free education. As a volunteer you will have access to over 200 free workshops. Helping us will give you the chance to learn from passionate professionals in many fields from renewable energy and energy efficiency to sustainable living. This year’s Energy Fair theme is Declare Your Independence, and is a call to action for everyone to identify something they can overcome in in order to live a more sustainable and joyful life! The Energy Fair will be open to the public June 21 to 23, 2013. Volunteering begins June 17 and ends June 24, 2013.
JDRF Northeast/ Central Wisconsin Chapter
For more information please contact Leon Dulak by phone, 715-592-6595 ext. 111 or by email: leond@midwestrenew.org.
Noah’s Superhero Squad Walk 2012 Walk Team
Picture from Central Wisconsin Walk: (L to R) Sarah Boller, 2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes Central Wisconsin Youth Ambassador, Bryon Graff, News Anchor Channel 9, Erin Ball, Team Type 1 cyclist
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Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Energy Fair
Meals On Wheels of Stevens Point Because of volunteers we are able to deliver hot nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled in the Stevens Point area. Volunteers deliver meals in all kinds of weather; providing a cheerful smile and daily personal contact to each meal recipient. This special group of dedicated individuals freely donate their time delivering over 100 meals each day to those who would possibly not be able to remain in their own homes without the help of this service. The mission of Meals on Wheels is to provide services that enable older adults to maintain independent living with safety and dignity. Active Driver List Craig Aittama Paul Anderson Robert Armatoski Barbara Austin Penny Bancker Jerome Bartosz Kathleen Bartosz Leland Barz Theresa Belsha Ginny Bigback Adrianne Bongard Chester Brilowski Jeffery Campbell Kirsten Carlson Mary Case Mary Check Mary Cisewski Susan Clussman Edward Clussman Dustin Coleman Joan Cornell Kristin Deptula Mary Ann Drengberg
Mark Erdman Charles Fehring Claire Feigleson Lisa Felckowski Sandy Felden Dawn Finch Heidi Fisher Bruce Fredrickson Georgia Fredrickson Bill Gile Carol Gile Denise Glisczinski Debra Gollon Nancy Haferman Lois Jeanette Hagen Ozz Hagen James Hardin Milo Harpstead Ruth Harpstead Laura Hartle Jane Hartman Alyssa Harvey Monica Hatton
Arthur Herman Barbara Herman Sue Hintz David Holborn Lisa Holbrook Margaret Hudson Carolyn Iwanski Rebecca Jirous Todd Jirous Samantha Johnson Don Johnson Lori Johnson Karen Jones Gerald Kasdorf Isabel Kedrowski Verna Kickland James King Jennifer King Mark Kinslow Richard Kirkland Donald Komasa Ruth Komasa Eric Kranski Kathleen Krush Mary Kuyoth Margo Lamarche Patti Lane Edmund Lemancik Juanita Lemancik John Llewellyn Korrine Loehrke Joanne Madigan Mary Martin Nancy Martin Ronald Martzahl Don Matykowski Lois Matykowski Lindsay Mayer Joan McHugh Mick McHugh Shirley Messina Gail Molski Bernard Murphy Alison Nachman Fran Novak Arthur Oksuita Kathleen Olszewski Kelly Opiola Nicole Ostrowski Lynne Patrick
Rick Perron Tina Pilarski Barbara Piotrowski Margaret Pitzrick Margaret Prokop Tina Rajski Katie Rettler Harold Rice Janet Rifleman Barbara Ringberg Lori Rousseau Sharon Rowell Kathleen Rueb Nancy Sander Collin Sanders Jeffery Sannes Nancy Saunders LuRae Sayner Jean Schaff Donald Schill Lori Ann Schuler Linda Schultz Beth Sekerka Adeline Serafin Edward Severson Sandra Shave Jim Shuda Tanya Sondelski Pamela Starzinski Patricia Sternik Donald Strasser Lori Swiontek Diane Tatro Mark Tschanz Benjamin Van Dreel Vicki Van Dyn Hoven Carole Van Horn Richard Wellman Clarice Wentz Mary West Fred Wietrzykowski Louise Wietrzykowski James Wilkinson Marilyn Worth Robert Worth Dr. Jessica Young Ruth Zelhofer Patricia Zentner Irene Zurawski
Portage County 4-H Leaders Association Because of Volunteers, we have over 340 youth in the Portage County 4-H program developing life skills and giving back to their community by volunteering their time and resources. Volunteers are the heart of the Portage County 4-H program; they volunteer at our fairs, camps, clubs & project meetings. They volunteer in the community working beside our young people. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They are mentors, teachers, and friends. Thank You for Making a Difference.
4-H Leaders Pat Mrozinski (left) and Brenda Fletcher (right) at a knitting workshop
2013 Portage County 4-H Volunteer Leaders Lisa Adams Kimberly Becken Michael Blaskowski Kiersten Blenker Annette Czerneski
Robert Danczyk Sandra Danczyk Lissa Danforth Roy Danforth Clayton Dillenbeck
Corrine Dombrowski Mary Dombrowski Brenda Fletcher Karen Frystak Kathleen Glodowski Nancy Glodowski Tracy Glodowski Monica Gornicke Angie Hauer Edward Heil Susan Speckman-Heil Sara Hintz Susie Hoffman Justine Horvath Stephen Horvath Karen Jastromski Amanda Kieleszewski April Konkol Jason Konkol Jenny Konkol Nicole Kropidlowski Nicholas Kubley Sue Kubley Mary Ann Kuklinski Connie Liebe Patrick Liebe Dawn Lytle Jeffrey Lytle Agnes Mallek Andrew Mallek Andrew Mallek John Mallek Michael Mallek Joe Mangal Wendy Mangal Jean Marchel Angie Metzler Janice Miller LeRoy Miller Nathaniel Miller Sarah Miller Patricia Mrozinski Denise Napiwocki Pat Nellessen Gloria Onan Jackie Onan
Arthur Pagel Lara Pagel Marilyn Pederson Jane Peters Randal Peters Betty Pionek Cynthia Rodeback Jean Rosenthal Gary Ross Rosalind Ross Bernard Seaman Nancy Ottman Seaman Michelle Shulfer Louise Skornia Cheryl Langreck Stanley Gail Studzinski Wendy Tritz Mary Trzebiatowski Monica Trzebiatowski Suzette Trzebiatowski Penny Turner Stacy Viau Sherry Wanta Dylan Warzynski James Warzynski Michele Warzynski Trina Warzynski Judith Watland Darlene Weinfurter Angela Wierzba Carrie Wierzba Amy Wojtalewicz Candice Wolosek Christine Wolosek Lynette Wolosek Gerard Wroblewski Lisa Mercurio Wroblewski Karen Yenter Jean Zagrzebski Laina Zakrzewski Bonita Ziolkowski Elroy Ziolkowski Julie Zsido
Portage County Health Care Center Because of volunteers, our residents have greater quality of life. Volunteers assist with meeting our resident’s needs - Body, Mind and Soul; through spiritual, emotional, physical, social and cognitive/ mental opportunities. We sincerely appreciate that you have chosen the Portage County Health Care Center to share your time and talents in helping our residents to experience life to the fullest extent. You do make a difference and your efforts are greatly appreciated by those whose lives you touch through volunteering. “There is no better exercise for your heart, than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” - Bernard Meltzer Quotes.
Julia Guzman is the resident, Rudolph Jackson is the volunteer and they are on their way to one of the favorite music programs of each month - polka band.
Maya Worzella, Allison Kleman, Addisyn Mancheski, Alexis Hall and Brianna Behne, members of Girl Scout Troop 6176 of Plover, help rake the yard of Alec and Barbara Kiser of Stevens Point during Make a Difference Day in October 2012. (Stevens Point Journal file photo)
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Portage County Alliance for Youth Because of Volunteers, the Portage County Alliance for Youth is a group of individuals who work with youth and are committed to positive youth development by use of promoting Developmental Assets and working with prevention education on high risk topics of danger to youth. The information is shared with all the public and private schools, church groups and groups that work with youth in some capacity. MORP, a post prom party, Parent Presentations at area schools and Recognizing Asset builders at a community event once a year are our activities. A grandmother approached us at a public meeting and said she was raising her grandson and truly appreciated the asset articles in the newspaper that that helped her accomplish the job.
Our Volunteers Perry Ackeret Kristi Ahrens Tony Babl Mary Baird Barnes Jennifer Berdan Dawn Cherek Heidi Chitwood Kat Cibaric Connie Creighton Marilyn Devine Patti Dickey Lisa Dobberke Dee Erlandson Heather Fish Paula Flynn Elizabeth Fulton Jerry Gargulak Gary Garske Sarah Gerlach Cheryl Geske Chuck Graham Kathy Graham Arlene Gross Nicole Herman Laurel Hoeth Andy Hopfensperger Janet Janssen Kelly Jung Dorothy Kalmon Linda Kedrowski Deb Klopp Deb Knippel
Laura Kowalski Mary Ann Krems Sandi Litchfield Dave Lockett Peggy Mason Pete Matthai Dawn McDonald Chai Moua Jose Murillo Shelley O’Keefe Katy Olson Jodi Pankow Vang Phong Tiffany Praeger Nicole Proulx Kevin Quevillion Sheila Reichert Lauri Rockman Wayne Sankey Anne Schierl Jennifer Schomer Amy Schultz Rob Simon Noalee Stublaski Julie Studinski Sara Tatro Jen Wilkinson Carie Winn Scott Winn Adam Woloszyn Caitlyn Young
Mary Ann Krems, Arleen Gross and Gary Garske looking over posters for MORP
Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. Because of outstanding volunteers, Wisconsin/ Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. (W/NP) is a progressive and viable humanitarian service organization actively implementing programs in both Wisconsin and Nicaragua. The strength of
Portage County Cultural Festival
Portage County Public Library
Because of Volunteers, we have a solid bedrock for a festive event celebrating Central Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage. The Portage County Cultural Festival is a non-profit organization run by a Planning Committee consisting of 30+ community volunteers who meet year round, including many more volunteers who annually donate thousands of hours toward this effort. The Festival features a variety of cultural groups offering food, arts and crafts, exhibits, and outstanding professional and semi-professional entertainment on multiple stages.
Because of volunteers the library remains a cheerful, welcoming place for all patrons. Our volunteers perform a myriad of tasks that allow library staff to focus on their own work. They write up order cards, decorate the Christmas tree, set up all kinds of displays, help with program planning, make posters, and clean computers. They even dust shelves and water plants! Mary, Kathy, Lora, Sarah, John, Bonnie, and Claire - the library just wouldn’t be the same without you.
It is the largest cultural festival in Wisconsin which does not charge an admission fee; this is done to encourage and enable entire families to participate. The Festival is supported each year by generous in-kind and cash contributions from area businesses, service organizations, and concerned individuals. Contribution to this 501(c) (3) organization is fully tax-deductible.
Our Volunteers Mary Berg Lora Hagen Kathy Hermann Sarah Mortier John Reser Bonnie Rufledt Claire Schmitz
This year’s Festival will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Stevens Point Area Senior High. Volunteer help is needed Friday, May 10, from 3:30-8pm and Saturday, May 11, from 7am-7pm. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinators, Carol Okray (715-341-2699) or Kayla Rombalski at pccfvolunteers@ gmail.com for more information. Or visit our website, www.portagecounty culturalfestival.org and click on the Volunteers link. Sarah Mortier writing order cards.
the Partnership comes from the volunteers who willingly share their time and resources. A two-way network enables everyday people to contribute to communities throughout the state of Wisconsin and the country of Nicaragua through programs of agriculture, lending libraries, firefighters, learning centers, sports, health, cultural diversity and humanitarian assistance.
know each other as they work together finding solutions to common problems. People from all walks of life are involved at various capacities depending on their personal interests. As a humanitarian organization we do change a lot of lives in Nicaragua but we also change lives for Wisconsin folks who get involved and take the challenge of reaching out to others.
In 1962 President John F. Kennedy challenged citizens of the western hemisphere to work together, and today as a private, non-profit and nonpartisan organization, W/NP brings together volunteers – citizens of both countries getting to Kathy Hermann hanging program posters.
George Hanson, Tony Danczyk, Keith Roeske and Milo Harpstead helping to pack donations from Wisconsin that help support projects in Nicaragua.
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Michael Schmidt, Tony Danczyk, Bob Bowen and Larry Pingel loading up donations from a dental office in Stevens Point that will be well used in Nicaragua.
Celebrate Service Stevens Point Journal - April 20, 2013
Patti Rous sharing her skills that will greatly help women in Nicaragua. Claire Schmitz writing order cards.
Portage County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Because of Portage Country RSVP Volunteers our community has a corps of over 650 people age 55 and over addressing significant needs through volunteer service. RSVP volunteers can be found helping in 89 different agencies including nearly every school in the county. Volunteers touched the lives of residents from birth to old age, serving those that are homeless, frail, low income, people with physical, cognitive and learning disabilities, and our neighbors and friends. In 2012 RSVP volunteers did unselfishly and with great determination put in 54,900 hours of service keeping our community strong. Thank you. You are an amazing group. “She has been one of our most diligent and reliable tutors. I love having her in our program.” (Regarding a RSVP volunteer school tutor) - Anne Sell, Literacy Program Manager
Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools Because of Volunteers, the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools, in an environment of Christ-centered faith, worship, and service, enriches the development of each student through academic and cocurricular excellence, in partnership with family, parish, and community. Thank you to the students, parents, teachers, staff, priests, parishioners, community members, family and friends who make what we do possible through volunteering. From reading in the classroom to Panacea to Lenten fish fry’s to coaching, it takes a special passion and commitment for volunteers to commit to a Catholic education. Here is what a parent who has that passion and is a leader with our shredding party has to say, “In 2003, we did not know anything about the Catholic school
Stevens Point Area YMCA
Jane Cotter volunteering at the annual Panacea held at Pacelli High School
Pacelli Cardinal volunteering at a Copp’s weekend football promotion for the community
RSVP BABES (Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies) volunteers present to 623 children in 13 different schools each year.
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County Because of volunteers, the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is able to fulfill its mission to support seniors, adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers by fostering a caring community that values lifelong contributions, maximum independence and individual dignity. ADRC volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, serve meals at congregate nutrition sites, deliver meals to homebound individuals, lead classes at Lincoln Center and throughout the community, serve as clerks/cashiers and help with special events at the Holly Shoppe, assist with activities in the Adult Day Center, provide in-home assistance or companionship through the Volunteer Caregivers
Catholic Schools volunteers working at their annual May shredding party.
program, create audio recordings of local newspapers for the visually impaired, provide telephone reassurance to people who live alone, maintain loan closet equipment, provide office assistance and serve in leadership roles on program advisory councils and boards. On an annual basis, the average hours served by ADRC volunteers is equivalent to 15 full time staff. Volunteers have multiple opportunities to serve the community – we are grateful that ADRC volunteers made a conscious choice to serve here. To our valued volunteers: know that whether it was a ride, a meal, a listening ear, a helping hand, or one of the many other things you do, you have helped Portage County seniors and adults with disabilities experience successful living. Thank you for sharing the gift of yourself with someone in need – and for being an inspiration to us.
system, other than that it provided a true 4 year old kindergarten. Prior to enrolling our oldest, we had only mildly considered Catholic School, as neither one of us had any experience and little knowledge of the differences between Catholic and public schools. After the first week of 4K, there was no doubt of the direction we’d choose for education of our children. I was then, and furthermore am now, in awe over the wholesome combination of spiritual, moralistic, and academic education.”
Because of volunteers, we are building stronger futures. Our volunteers help people of all ages and from all walks of life become more healthy, confident, connected and secure. Hundreds of individuals give thousands of volunteer hours to the Stevens Point Area YMCA each year. Every program and activity is impacted by volunteers. What do Y volunteers do? They serve as youth sports coaches, register and time athletes at the Triathlon, rock babies in Toy Room, sell concessions at swim meets, fold towels at the front desk, provide leadership through Board and committee membership, cut and haul Christmas trees to raise funds for teen programs, wash windows, lend muscle for spring cleaning, raise funds for the annual campaign…..the list goes on and on. Volunteers are critical to the Y’s ability to enrich the lives of families and strengthen the community. Thank you to each and every volunteer for each and every hour! We rely on and appreciate the generous donation of your time, energy and talents. Special recognition for 2012 awards: Linda Hall (Adult Volunteer of the Year), Daniel Perez (Youth Volunteer of the Year), Dr. George May (Wisconsin/UP State Alliance Leadership Award) and Fritz Schierl (Gerald M. O’Brien Leadership Award).
2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year, Linda Hall with membership Director Michael Prince
2012 Youth Volunteer of the Year, Daniel Perez with Teen Leaders Coordinator Rob Simon and Teen Director Tiffany Praeger
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