Representatives from eight different organizations were made volunteers of the year at the Brown County Community Foundation’s annual report to the community. Here’s why.
Guardian Ad Litem
The first to receive awards were 13 GAL volunteers who represent children’s best interests in court. “No volunteers deserve more. Together, they have given more than 2,000 hours of their time to helping 97 of our county’s children,” Director Sallyann Murphey said in her nomination letter.
“They face some of the hardest situations that life has to offer, and come back again and again despite many disappointments. They never give up on their kids.”
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]St. Vincent de Paul
Frank and Brenda Green were nominated for community service that extends beyond St. Vincent de Paul. Frank Green provides free tax services at the Brown County Public Library and Brenda Green also volunteers at the Cordry-Sweetwater library.
Their volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul includes picking up donations of goods, and providing maintenance support at the warehouse and pantry. Brenda has been the food coordinator for more than 12 years. She had purchased, loaded, delivered and organized almost 50 tons of food, the group said.
BETA
Annie Hawk and Colleen Smith were nominated by Brown County Enrichment for Teens Association.
Hawk helped to develop an after-school music program for Brown County students. Lessons are provided by Nathan Dillon, director of Everybody Rocks. Hawk also is involved with BC Paths for People, a project to install a sidewalk along State Road 46 East.
Smith volunteers with Kids on Wheels, a group that’s been working to build a skate and teen park in Nashville.
Indiana Forest Alliance
Sandy Messner, outreach director for the Indiana Forest Alliance, nominated Dave Seastrom for his work to protect Yellowwood State Forest from excessive logging.
He gathered petitions, set up a Save Yellowwood encampment, led nature walks, engaged with elected officials, and developed and implemented political awareness campaigns.
“I have never met someone as devoted to any cause as David Seastrom,” Messner wrote in her nomination letter.
Brown County 4-H
Purdue Extension Educator Alyssa Besser nominated Kim Stout for serving as treasurer of the 4-H Council and on the Scholarship Committee. Stout also works in the 4-H food booth during fair week and leads the Horse and Pony Club. She also sits on the Brown County Fair Board with her husband.
“Kim is a glowing example of volunteerism and leadership. She is a fine example to her peers and to me,” Besser wrote in her letter.
Brown County Literacy Coalition
Debbie Kelley was nominated by Shari Frank. Kelley joined the coalition in 2017 as a volunteer elementary school tutor.
She is a certified trainer with Stewards of Children and delivered training on how to recognize and respond to child sexual abuse to the coalition’s board and volunteers.
Kelley also has taken leadership roles with the Brown County YMCA and the Brown County Community Foundation.
Weekend Backpacks
Linda Todd nominated Jan Swigert for her work with the Weekend Backpack program. Swigert, the president, helped the program become a 501(c)3 with a committee and network of volunteers.
Volunteers pack more than 100 backpacks of food each week for school-aged children. Thirty-three children are getting summer backpacks.
Swigert also volunteers with the Retired Teachers Association, Brown County Health and Living, Friends of the Library and is a board member with the League of Women Voters. She is a member of Nashville United Methodist Church and cooks at Mother’s Cupboard.
Brown County Habitat for Humanity
John Werner serves as the Brush with Kindness chairman for Brown County Habitat for Humanity. Vice President Marilyn Fagg nominated him.
“This means that anyone who has a problem with their house may contact John to see if he can fix it,” Shirley Boardman said. “He … brings his engineering and construction skills together with his problem solving abilities and his really big heart to find a solution.
“Sometimes he can’t find a solution, but he never leaves a situation without helping the family to know that he cared and gave it his best effort.”
Other awards
The Keep Brown County Beautiful organization was given $100 and a plaque for winning the Environmental Leadership award.
The Chairman Award went to the community foundation’s Finance and Investment Review Committee. Past and present members were asked to step forward to be recognized. Mike Laros is the chairman and treasurer. The committee monitors investments and cash flow regularly, and develops and monitors the foundation’s budget.
