Jerry and Sharon Clement founded Take the Reins, a local equine assisted therapeutic riding ministry for children and youth with physical, emotional, intellectual, and medical challenges in 2011. Born from their passion for horses and interest in working with children, what started as a program with only 3 riders and has grown into a 501(c)3 Corporation serving over 25 riders, 40+ volunteers, and PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Certified Instructors.
For GraceWorks, Williamson County's largest food bank, the needs of local individuals and families is never ending. Over the years, local grocery store manager Joe Zarcone has been an indispensable tool in helping GraceWorks fulfill these needs for thousands of locals. Working behind the scenes to respond to needs within the community from GraceWorks and numerous other non-profits, Joe has not only utilized his position as store manager to meet those needs whenever possible, he has often worked hands on to help fulfill these needs personally.
Now in her 90's, it is easy to see why when asked about Franklin local, Inge Smith, locals use terms like mentor, treasure and inspiring. Born in Germany, Inge Meyring Smith moved to the States with her parents at the age of 15 to escape the Nazi regime. After marrying Paul Smith, a GI and native of West Tennessee, she moved from New York City to Franklin, Tennessee, where she raised a family, completed multiple degrees at Vanderbilt University and opened numerous schools, including Smith Preschool which has been in business for over 65 years..
Autumn Bennett was the light of her parents lives. At the age of one she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. "She was given a life expectancy of 15 years", said Autumn's Father, Gary. "We were determined to make every year we had with her as great as possible. She loved God, dancing, Disney World, her family and Rusty Wallace. We find comfort in knowing that she breathes and dances with Angels in Heaven." Out of the tragedy of losing their daughter, Gary Bennett and his wife Sharon have remained committed to finding a cure for and…
As many who have worked with or for a non-profit know , sometimes exactly what you need is the breath of fresh air a new volunteer brings. Such is the case with Walden's Puddle, a professionally staffed wildlife rehabilitation and education facility in Middle Tennessee. "Lane Brody took Walden 's Puddle from a financially and emotionally barren organization to what it is at the moment which is spectacular", said Emily Magid, fellow animal lover and Walden's Puddle volunteer.
In October 1997, thanks to the work of Creely Wilson and many others, Christian Women's Job Corps opened its doors at Lockland Baptist Church in East Nashville. The ten women who made up the first class received invaluable help in achieving their GED diplomas and learning computer skills. They grew spiritually through Bible studies and faithful mentoring by volunteers. In the following fifteen years, CWJC moved to a larger location, expanded to three locations, and opened a program for men.
Girls on the Run Nashville is an innovative after-school program that uses the power of running to inspire and prepare Middle Tennessee girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy active living. It's goals are to improve the social, physical, emotional and mental well-being of adolescent girls, empowering them with a strong sense of identity and achievement. It's easy to see why the recently retired Board Chair of GOTR, Diane Crosier, is passionate about this mission.
Best Buddies has made it their mission to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Behind the scenes is an army of volunteers hosting events, creating friendships with Buddies, providing job coaching, and finding socialization and leadership opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the hope of them becoming more independent and included in the community. One of those volunteers is Becky Haynes Shafer.
Anderson responded to seeing Katrina hurricane evacuees displaced from their homes, living in Franklin, and left without insurance from jobs they no longer had. He started Grace Medical Clinic by taking time off from his regular practice on Fridays to serve the uninsured population. As the clinic has grown, Anderson now serves both Wednesdays and Fridays, as a Family Doctor for the uninsured. For over 38 years he provided treatment for thousands of insured patients and his persistence has led to him serving a greater population.
As the former Fire Chief of Brentwood, Kenny Lane served a vital role in the development of Brentwood's Fire Department. He served the Fire Department from the beginning of its inception in 1986 and for 18 years he led the department as the Fire Chief, retiring from the department on June 30th 2011.
