As the middle of the year approaches, Doing Good takes a moment to reflect on this year’s outstanding service-oriented volunteers in the Nashville area. Local Nashville volunteers continue to selflessly give back to their community while volunteering in unique ways that express their passions and philanthropic interests. Sheila Habacker has been serving the Nashville … [Read more...] about A Celebration of the Community
Taking the Initiative to Make a Difference
From a young age, volunteering has been an integral part of Cara Finger’s life, which she credits to her parents. Raised in Texas, she says one of her most memorable moments was attending Buckner’s Children’s home where she first experienced the joy a child received from a new pair of shoes. Cara was just 6 years old, but she immediately recognized the need to help the … [Read more...] about Taking the Initiative to Make a Difference
From local fairs to the global pandemic
Written by: Emerson Loudenback Fifteen-year-old Leah Kennedy is a student at Fairview High School, but that’s not all she is. Since fourth grade, the young leader has been heavily involved in the county fair, specifically the Williamson County Fair, as well as local 4-H programs. Her personal experience is with raising and showing chickens, but Leah has grown and learned a lot … [Read more...] about From local fairs to the global pandemic
Happy to Serve
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