Written by: Emerson Loundenback When it comes to superpowers, Kaitlyn Jolley doesn’t have just one. She’s a middle school teacher, an advocate for health and wellness in the Nashville community, and she comes to the rescue in times of need, whether it’s helping the hungry, finding assistance for students who want better opportunities for their future, or, most recently, being … [Read more...] about Happy to Serve
Finding Hope in Volunteering
Reality Edwards and Lauren Bellflower, Co-counselors and lifelong friends Written by: Emerson Loudenback Lauren Bellflower was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 20 years old. Through various treatments and changes, Lauren found her way to Camp Oasis and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Camp Oasis specifically led Lauren to relationships with peers her age and … [Read more...] about Finding Hope in Volunteering
Multi-generational good
Written by: Emerson Loudenback “The good we do always comes back to us,” says Zarita Fears, this month's Nashville’s Volunteer of the Month. Zarita has been a motivated volunteer since she was a child when she helped supply local shelters and even tutored other children. Just as her mother instilled in her the value of “small acts of kindness,” she has continued her family … [Read more...] about Multi-generational good
It’s a small world, after all
Sheila with daughter, Lensey Yoga proved helpful in Sheila Habacker’s recovery from her bone marrow transplant. After fully recovering, she became certified as a yoga teacher where she learned she could teach yoga to the underserved. She is one of many who volunteer in this way with Small World Yoga. She says, “I don’t know if they ever think about it again or not. But, I hope … [Read more...] about It’s a small world, after all
Volunteer Success Story
Denise Stewart volunteering at the NAMI Tennessee Convention with her daughter, Logan. Denise Stewart is more than a success story, she is a past client of NAMI Tennessee, the local chapter of the National Alliance of Middle Tennessee. She is also a graduate of its programs, teaches others about mental illness through NAMI Tennessee courses, and lives what she learned every … [Read more...] about Volunteer Success Story
A Small Gesture Provides Hope
Mo McClain volunteering at an event with AHOD Jr. visionaries Ms. Owens and Mr. Morris-Martin “A small gesture can save someone’s hope in a particular life changing event,” says Takea McClain, better known as “Mo.” Her passion and pain stems in part from being homeless for over a year while holding custody of her god sister. Regardless of her circumstances, she was determined … [Read more...] about A Small Gesture Provides Hope
Belmont Student Was Served & Now Serves Others
Misha Harris When Misha Harris moved to Nashville as a freshman in high school, she and her mother lived at The Salvation Army of Nashville. Misha fondly remembers the volunteers who served them, fed them, and talked with them. She also remembers celebrating Christmas while participating in the annual Toy Giveaway. Her memories of volunteers are each positive and appreciative. … [Read more...] about Belmont Student Was Served & Now Serves Others
Mindful work in Music City
Abinaya & her family Writtten by: Amber Yun Abinaya Ramakrishnan is an Ingram Scholar at Vanderbilt University, joining a small, distinguished pool of socially minded, service-oriented students who received the scholarship. Abinaya is an accomplished pre-med student, double majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society and Biological Sciences, and doing double duty volunteering … [Read more...] about Mindful work in Music City
A New Perspective
Jordan Thomas & one of the children he serves Written by: Katie Christ For Jordan Thomas, volunteering is not something he does on the side, it is a way of life. At the age of sixteen, Jordan suffered a horrible accident that completely changed his life as well as his perspective on life. This accident resulted in the loss of both of his legs, and it also resulted in the … [Read more...] about A New Perspective
Inspiring Women
July Volunteer of the Month: Patricia Leonard Patricia Leonard is extremely passionate about empowering women. In her corporate, volunteer, and personal life her goal is to “inspire women to break through any glass ceilings through leadership and contribution.” She believes that talk is not enough – we have to act in order to empower. This is played out specifically in her … [Read more...] about Inspiring Women