Blog

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.

 

The couple who have three children- Olivia Drae, Bane Alton Drake and Bayo Shalom - found themselves struggling with the everyday tasks of life after loosing their son Bane. Out of this tremendous loss, they started Banebow, an organization which provides mental, physical, and spiritual assistance to families who have sustained the sudden loss of a child.

 

Often the most deserving heroes are also the most humble. So is the case with Tracy Halloran. Tracy, who grew up in the inner city of Chicago, has called Franklin, Tennessee home for the past seventeen years. For the past 14 years she has been a part of the local Meals on Wheels effort, first volunteering as a driver and in 2007 she took over as the Franklin coordinator for Monday, Wednesday and Friday MOW, originally founded by Janielle Westbrook.

 

GiGi's Playhouse, a national achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community has just opened a Nashville location. Offering more than 25 therapeutic and educational programs focused on advancing literacy, math skills, motor skills and more all free of charge. Local mother, Melissa Wenger, whose child has Down syndrome, along with her child's teacher, decided there were not enough resources in Nashville for people with Down Syndrome and lead the vision of bringing GiGi's Playhouse to Nashville.

 

As Director of Williamson County Animal Services, Laura Chavarria has improved the adoption experience with a remodel of the front office area, lobby TV monitors, skylights and an improvement in general shelter cleanliness. A firm believer in the power of marketing, Chavarria has implemented several successful monthly adoption campaigns like Summer of Love, the 31 Days of October, and Home for the Holidays hoping to capture the attention of the local community.