August Volunteer Spotlight: Olga Mestey

By Sherley Guerrier

The August Volunteer Spotlight goes to Olga Mestey. Her pay it forward attitude propelled her into getting involved with HandsOn Broward. She wanted to effectively use her spare time to simply help others. Olga has managed to not only get involved in volunteering, but also with our community’s disaster preparedness efforts, through HandsOn Broward’s Disaster Response Team and SAFE Program.

While many people are in front of a computer or TV screen, especially during the hot Florida summer, Olga finds getting out in the community to be a more valuable use of her time. “I am very fortunate to be blessed with love, health, a home, and a job to provide for myself. When I see homeless people, sick people or people who just need another chance, I know that I am able to help in some small way. Rather than wasting time in front of a TV, I feel it is better used to help others,” she said.

As mentioned before, Olga is involved in HandsOn Broward’s Disaster Response Team and SAFE (Safety Assessments for Emergencies) Program. The Disaster Response Team consists of volunteers who team up to assist others in our community before and after a disaster occurs. SAFE is a program that trains volunteers to provide home safety assessments and safety kits filled with supplies to help in case of a hurricane, or another disaster.

Olga felt it was important to get involved in our disaster preparedness efforts because she witnessed family and friends deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew back in 1992. “I have never personally experienced a hurricane because I lived in the Philadelphia area for most of my adult life. My family, however, was in a closet during Hurricane Andrew,” Olga said. “My family and friends survived and were able to rebuild their homes and their lives because of people helping one another. I want to be one of those people who can be counted on to help our community.”

Volunteering gives you the ability to form relationships where you otherwise may not have crossed paths with an individual. This is one of the many reasons Olga is enjoying her experience with the program. “My Disaster Response Team partner, Janet Rooks, and I have been to several homes to perform the Hurricane Preparedness Assessment. It was so rewarding to know the people we visited are more at ease due to the SAFE Program’s assistance in the event of a hurricane. They all expressed vivid memories of past hurricanes and were grateful for the information and the kits provided by American Express. It is a rewarding experience to know we have had a part to help others feel more secure,” she said.

Olga understands the importance of disaster preparedness programs within communities, and thinks even more volunteers should get involved. “A hurricane or disaster affects all of us. It is my opinion that the more people involved with the SAFE Program, the quicker our community will be able to recover [from a disaster]. The training involved can make the difference between life and death,” she said.

When asked why Olga enjoys volunteering she says, “For me, volunteering is a way to thank God for my blessings. We are all in this world together; it only makes sense to be one another’s angels on earth.”

Olga encourages new volunteers to get involved. Olga says, “There are so many opportunities through HandsOn Broward. Volunteer for as many as you have the time for and find your niche. You won’t meet nicer people anywhere!”

If Olga has inspired you to get involved in our disaster preparedness efforts and you would like more information, please email Misty at Misty@HandsOnBroward.org.

Guest Blog: Summer Service Camp 2014

By Sherley Guerrier

HOB Staff/Project Leaders Misty, Luis, Sherley, Melinda & Natalie at Miramar Community Garden

HandsOn Broward held their third annual Summer Service Camp Monday, July 7^th – Friday, July 11^th, 2014. 38 youth volunteers, ages 13-17, were engaged in meaningful service projects throughout the week.

Summer Service Camp sites included:

• Children’s Harbor: Foster care homes where siblings are kept together and teen mothers live with their children
• Broward Emergency Operations Center: Center for disaster preparedness and response
• ARC Broward: Electronics recycling facility
• North East Focal Point: Senior activities center
• Miramar Community Garden: Micro farming system

As a former youth volunteer, I have gone through similar programs with HandsOn Broward. During Summer Camp this year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Project Leader. It was definitely interesting to serve from a different perspective, especially since I was in their shoes not too long ago.

I remembered some of the campers from previous youth programs we were in together, but there were also new faces in the group. My initial thoughts were, “This is going to be a long week.” Every evening I got home I was exhausted, but it was a good exhaustion. I was witnessing youth become world changers each day. The campers switched from thoughts of “Why am I here?” to “I can’t wait until tomorrow!”

On Monday we went to Children’s Harbor. We had several projects in line for that day, which included building wood covers for storage under the pavilion and house cleaning. We also had time to decorate some treats and cards of caring for the kids to come home to after their summer activities.

On Tuesday, the campers learned all about disaster preparedness. We started out the day with a tour of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where campers learned what happens in Broward County before, during and after a disaster. After the tour, campers headed back to home base and were involved with conducting hurricane preparedness assessments for local senior citizens. First, the students were prepared through a SAFE (Safety Assessments for Emergencies) Training, which showed them exactly what to look for when they examined the homes, and how to conduct the assessments. They also helped assemble disaster preparedness kits that they brought with them to the seniors’ homes. They also participated in a Hands-Only CPR training led by the American Red Cross.

On Wednesday, we went to ARC Broward where the campers split up into groups and visited four stations of the warehouse. The stations included testing donated electronics, shredding hard drives, disassembling computers, and sorting electronics for recycling. This project gave campers a chance to try something new while having a lot of fun and making a difference.

Our next destination was North East Focal Point Senior Center on Thursday. The campers participated in a wide variety of activities with the seniors, including Bingo, Tai Chi, gardening, dancing & singing, providing manicures, getting schooled in dominoes, and, most importantly, making the seniors smile by being their companions for the day.

Friday’s focus was on the environment at the Miramar Community Garden. The campers split into two teams – one group constructed benches for the garden, and the other created garden grids in the garden boxes. The campers ended our series of service projects with accomplished smiles as they carried the last finished bench to its new home under the big tree at the garden.

Witnessing these youth volunteers participate in service over the course of the five days was inspiring. Exposing students to different impact areas can ignite a passion to change their community for the better. The youth of this generation may not realize they have untapped potential that can be used to ultimately change this world. Together, this generation could change the direction of the world’s future politically, economically, and socially. Young people are capable. I strongly believe in the power of youth.

I encourage everyone to try volunteering through HandsOn Broward. If you have a child who wants to get involved in next year’s Summer Service Camp, or any other youth programs with HandsOn Broward, you can reach out to Melissa Sutliff, Director of Youth Programs, at Melissa@HandsOnBroward.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram where they update the volunteer community with the latest news.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

July Volunteer Spotlight: Tamika Mallard

By Sherley Guerrier

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight goes to Tamika Mallard. This individual’s service-spirited energy has been a great contribution to HandsOn Broward as a volunteer. Tamika has always had a passion for helping others, which encouraged her to look for volunteer opportunities in Broward County. After finding HandsOn Broward while searching online, Tamika said, “I thought ‘Wow, since I live in Broward County, this would be a great opportunity for me to give back to my community.’”

Through HandsOn Broward, Tamika has been able to volunteer at several different partner agencies, including the Jubilee Center of South Broward. “I have always wanted to assist in feeding the homeless, helping raise funds for a good cause, and help people in distress. While volunteering with HandsOn Broward, I was able to do all of that and more,” she said. “Feeding the homeless at the Jubilee Center was a great experience to work as a team in a nice atmosphere with respect and appreciation for one another. Just to know you are making a difference in the lives of others by helping them is an awesome feeling.”

Tamika has also spent her time volunteering with HOPE Outreach Center. “HOPE Outreach Center gave me a great opportunity to help others that were not able to help themselves. Some clients may not be able to read, speak or understand how to apply for the assistance needed for food, medical, disability or other allowances needed for survival. At the center, we assist clients in every capacity to further enhance their quality of life.”

Tamika only has positive things to say about the partner agencies she volunteers with. She also enjoys volunteering with the Broward Outreach Center in Pompano. “Broward Outreach is also a very well organized program that is making a difference to help enhance the lives of others that are transitioning to their own independence. This was a great opportunity to work as a team in a clean and nurturing environment. It was great to see that we have such wonderful programs out there available to those in need. It would be advantageous for the community to know more about these programs that are available to them,” she said.

Many would agree that volunteering is great not only in the professional realm, but personally as well. Tamika said, “Getting involved with your community helps individuals to learn more about their community. Volunteers have a huge impact on the success and continuance of the many programs that are offered to the community. As a volunteer, helping others can be a fulfilling feeling of accomplishment. By helping the community, the volunteer will also gain experience, training and knowledge in a variety of programs. The skills learned can help in both your personal and professional lives.”

Tamika has been self-driven to make a difference in her community. By immersing herself in the volunteer world she is able to do what she is passionate about. “I love working with people that have the same mindset. This also helps improve my skills working as a team player and for a good cause. There is no judgment, just caring hearts for those who cannot help themselves. I enjoy meeting people and listening to their stories. I also appreciate the training and skills you get when you do volunteer for HandsOn Broward,” Tamika said.

If anyone is concerned with any conflicts arising, Tamika suggests not giving up. “When you become a volunteer there are many organizations that are [partners] of HandsOn Broward where you can serve the community. If by chance you are not happy with your first experience volunteering, do not give up. There are many other opportunities,” Tamika said.

When asked about any last comments, Tamika was sure to highlight the most important thing that HandsOn Broward stands for, which is service. “I would recommend HandsOn Broward to everyone I know that would like to become a volunteer, because they are great at what they do. HandsOn Broward gives many opportunities to serve within the community,” Tamika said.

“Helping people in any type of distress has always been a passion of mine. The motivation for me is that just by volunteering your time you can make a difference in the lives of others. It is awesome to be able to help people by enhancing their lives in a variety of capacities. Some people have no food, no money and some have no home. If one or two hours can help to change a person’s life for the better, I feel it would be a shame not to. By helping others you also help enhance your community,” Tamika said.

Thank you for all you do to make Broward County a better place, Tamika!

June Project Leader Spotlight: Suray Perez & Semithe Chevelon

By Sherley Guerrier

June’s Project Leader Spotlight, or should I say spotlights, belong to the dynamic volunteering duo, Suray Perez and Semithe Chevelon. The life of a college student is pretty chaotic. Classes, extra-curricular activities, studying, and sleep become your life. Attempting to break out of the consistent schedule of everyday activities can be difficult. Semithe and Suray have defied the typical college student odds with their contributions to their community.

Coming to find out about HandsOn Broward was no difficult task for these two because they were on the search to serve. “Semithe and I were looking for opportunities to help the community that would fit our hectic college and work schedule. We looked online to many different websites and the only place that offered that flexibility was HandsOn Broward. The sign up was easy and we started volunteering right away!” Semithe said.

With the ease of signing up for opportunities on the calendar, Semithe and Suray got started using their knowledge of a different language. “Our first experience volunteering was helping the University of Miami with their health fairs. They needed translators and we really wanted to help the community in any manner. After we were done with this small project the sense of reward was unmatched. We knew that we could do more to help those around us. After a brief talk we decided that Broward was probably in need of volunteers also. So we went online and started to look for opportunities. Our first one was Martin Luther King Day, where we had a wonderful experience! A day we will never forget,” Semithe and Suray said.

Volunteering has the ability to open up many doors whether it be networking opportunities, building leadership skills, or simply overcoming shyness. “Volunteering has made me more confident and able to speak to others easily. I’m a very shy person but when I’m out there helping others that completely disappears, and I’m able to communicate with others very easily. I have also met some amazing people who have the same drive to help others and who have made me want to be a better person. And lastly volunteering has provided me with some stress relief from my hectic life, because for those couple of hours I’m free of my daily routine and helping those who really need it,” Suray said.

Becoming aware of other communities and meeting like-minded individuals through volunteering has helped Semithe personally. “Volunteering helped strengthen my ties with the community and has broadened my support network, exposing me to people with common interests, neighborhood resources and fun fulfilling activities.” Semithe said.

Semithe and Suray have served in their local communities and have made a huge impact. “Semithe and I have volunteered in many projects in the past, such as Rake and Roll [at Tomorrow’s Rainbow] where we got to wash miniature horses,” Semithe said. Semithe and Suray also served as Project Leaders at the AIDS Walk, as well as gardening for the community at Dania Beach PATCH.

As Project Leaders, Semithe and Suray have started their own project at a preschool and aftercare facility. “Our current project is with Greater Horizons Academy. We make arts and crafts with kids in aftercare. Our first craft was making pet rocks. The children had so much fun and they did not want us to leave! Our next upcoming event will be July 8th so we hope to see more people join us and experience the energy and creativity these kids have to offer!” Semithe and Suray said.

If you are a new volunteer and are curious about volunteering, Semithe and Suray say, “People might think volunteering is not for them, or that it could be boring. But from our experience at HOB there is never a dull moment. The reason why we continue our mission is because every time we give our time it is always fun. It could be a little scary the first time not knowing anyone, but the Project Leaders and those who are part of the event make you feel at home. Always willing to help and point you in the right direction. For those of you who are still undecided or feel a little shy, trust me, HOB has embraced us as their family and we couldn’t be happier. I guarantee you that your first event won’t be your last.”

Semithe and Suray noticed HandsOn Broward Project Leaders at projects and thought maybe they could do the same. “While at the Martin Luther King event, Semithe and I observed all these volunteers with red shirts in charge of the different stations. It sparked our interest in having our own event and how amazing it would be to come up with ideas for our own project. We asked what the next step to become a Project Leader was, and the following week we had [a training] where they go over different steps to have a successful project. At the end we decided that working with children would be a great experience and we cannot wait to lead our next event.” Semithe said.

Becoming a Project Leader may seem like something different from volunteering, but in actuality you are still volunteering, and also leading by example. “Being a Project Leader will put you ‘behind the scenes’ of that event. Your ideas will come to life when you execute that project. When Semithe and I selected our craft we were thrilled, but seeing that idea finished by the kids was an amazing feeling!” Semithe and Suray said.

When asked how to sum up their overall experience, the duo unanimously agreed with the reference to this quote by Gandhi which states, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

June Volunteer Spotlight: Nicolas Berube

June’s Volunteer Spotlight belongs to youth volunteer Nicolas Berube. Nicolas, 15, began volunteering with HandsOn Broward in October 2013, after learning about our organization at a volunteer fair. He originally started volunteering to fulfill his high school community service hour requirement, but has continued past his 40 required hours, and now gives his time regularly because volunteering is something he enjoys.

“I want to make a difference helping others. I feel that I continue to make a better society for every hour and minute I spend [volunteering],” Nicolas said.

Nicolas has volunteered at a variety of nonprofit agencies throughout Broward County, but has dedicated the majority of his time to FRIENDS Ranch. FRIENDS Ranch creates a permanent haven for horses that are asymptomatic carriers of Equine Infectious Anemia, preventing the needless slaughter and destruction of these noble animals. Even though Nicolas wasn’t originally a huge fan of horses, his volunteer experience with FRIENDS Ranch has been nothing but positive. When he volunteers there, his main jobs include cleaning the stalls and refilling their water buckets. “Of course I was uneasy the first time I went into the stall with a 1,000 pound horse, but all of them except a tricky few are kind and will gladly have you clean their stalls. The greatest part though is after we’ve almost finished cleaning out all of the stalls we head back to the front and watch as the horses run like crazy to the pasture,” he said.

Nicolas believes more volunteers should spend their time at FRIENDS Ranch – and not just for service hours, but to make a difference in the lives of the horses FRIENDS Ranch rescues. “People shouldn’t just get involved at FRIENDS Ranch for service hours, but mostly for the horses. Many of them have been neglected and a few harmed by their previous owners,” he said.

Nicolas has also volunteered his time with the Alzheimer’s Family Center, Kids Ecology Corps, and Miramar Community Garden. Of his volunteer experience with Miramar Community Garden, Nicolas said, “[The Miramar Community Garden] is great for providing the community fresh fruits and veggies, and has helped my mother greatly in starting her own garden, which I spent most of the time making, and now she spends most of the time tending.”

When asked what advice he has for new volunteers, Nicolas replied, “The only advice I would have for new volunteers is if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing find another thing. Find something that you love, but never stop helping the community.”

Thank you, Nicolas, for all the help you provide our community!

To further demonstrate what an awesome, service-minded volunteer Nicolas is, when we asked him to send along a picture of himself for the Volunteer Spotlight, he also included this photo. Nicolas wanted to be sure to point out how amazing the staff and volunteers are at FRIENDS Ranch. About the photo, Nicolas said, “This is the lady that is in charge on the weekend, that I’ve seen every weekend working hard through any weather, making sure the horses can go out every day and return with clean stalls.”

The Broward Human Race 5K Draws Crowds in Support of 19 Local Nonprofit Agencies

Human Race Participants take off from the starting line

Hollywood, FL (April 26, 2014) –Over 300 participants and 19 local nonprofit agencies joined together on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 to take part in the inaugural HandsOn Broward Human Race 5k Run & Walk in partnership with Comcast at Charnow Park in Hollywood, Florida.

Widely supported and wildly successful within other communities, Saturday marked the first time Broward County has seen such a unique event. The Broward Human Race is set apart from other 5k races in that it was managed by a single nonprofit agency, HandsOn Broward, and other local nonprofits are invited to utilize the 5k as a venue to raise funds for their programs without expending the critically needed staff time or resources typically associated with large scale fundraising events.

PSN Roadrunners accepting the Run Club Award

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout on Saturday,” said Dale Hirsch, CEO of HandsOn Broward. “This year, HandsOn Broward celebrates 40 years of capacity building for Broward nonprofits and this event allows us to further lift the small agencies that work so tirelessly in our community.”

Participants on Saturday enjoyed a beautiful day on the Hollywood Broadwalk, live music, free scoops of ice cream provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Core Tour van and much more. Sponsors of the inaugural HandsOn Broward Human Race 5k include Comcast, Oppenheim Law, Baptist Health South Florida, Weston Title & Escrow, Image360 Lauderhill, Publix, KIND and Cocozia.

Comcast’s Team Dream Big! celebrating their finish at the race

“This event has far exceeded our expectations,” said Human Race Director, Kristina DaSilva.  “From the local schools that brought out teams of young people to the local businesses finding ways to get involved, the support for small nonprofit agencies and the communities they serve has been overwhelming.”

One local school took home more than race medals on race day. Imagine Charter School of Weston, a nonprofit agency participating in the race, earned honors as the organization that raised the most funds and is the recipient of a $1000 prize.

An affiliate of the HandsOn Network, HandsOn Broward inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action to positively affect change in Broward County.   They connect people who want to help with volunteer opportunities that make a difference in our community.  Visit www.handsonbroward.org for more information about how to get involved in volunteering for your community.

HandsOn Broward Partners with Comcast for Company’s Annual Day of Service

HandsOn Broward recently joined forces with local Comcast employees and their family and friends as part of Comcast Cares Day, the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer effort. During National Volunteer Month, Comcast celebrated its 13th Comcast Cares Day, and reached important milestones, including 3 million volunteer hours and half a million volunteers since Comcast Cares Day started in 2001.

On Saturday, April 26, local Comcast employees and their family and friends worked to “make change happen” as they assisted with two HandsOn Broward events. First, volunteers worked at the inaugural Human Race 5k Walk and Run in Hollywood. This unique event allowed multiple local nonprofits organizations to participate and fundraise that might not otherwise have the budget, resources or staff to coordinate their own events. Volunteers also did a park clean-up at Delevoe Park in Fort Lauderdale with projects including cleaning, painting a mural and landscaping.

“We were honored to partner with HandsOn Broward and to have had such a positive impact on our community during the 13^th Comcast Cares Day,” added Dawn Stagliano, Comcast Florida Region Director of Government Affairs and Community Investment. “I’m grateful to all the volunteers who donated their time to help make a difference in the lives of others.”

Comcast has been committed to serving local communities since our founding more than 50 years ago. For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit www.comcast.com/community.

 

 

Guest Blog: Why Volunteer?

by Natalie Martinez

Winston Churchill is known for saying, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” According to Oxford Dictionary, the definition of the verb “volunteer” is to “freely offer to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.” Unfortunately, this rarely happens in today’s society. Instead, people regularly think in a way that asks “How can this act benefit me?” Volunteering encompasses civic duty, several benefits, and enhancing an individual’s personal experience.

Youth leader and guest blogger Natalie Martinez (center) has been volunteering with HandsOn Broward since 2011.

Therefore, volunteering can be done at any age. However, I personally believe it is best to start at a young age. Also, it’s great for America’s youth to begin participating in civic duty, such as volunteering young, since they are not yet able to vote or be a part of jury duty. Overall, volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. I specifically urge all high school students to volunteer not only because it is a requirement to graduate, but because of the many things you can learn by volunteering that help better prepare you for the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the volunteer rate declined by 1.1 percentage points to 25.4% for the year ending in September 2013. The Bureau also states that “The volunteer rate in 2013 was the lowest it has been since the supplement was first administered in 2002.” Together, we can ensure that this low volunteer rate is never a matter of fact again.

A few of the many benefits of volunteering include learning new skills, such as communication, along with gaining a sense of motivation and achievement. Also, although this might sound a bit cliché to some, but there truly is a “feel-good feeling” you receive after completing a service project. New experiences, such as creating a vegetable garden, are very common to undergo while volunteering. However, many people prefer learning more about an impact area or organization that interests them as compared to one that does not. For example, if a person is interested in becoming a vet, then that person should begin volunteering at an animal shelter or hospital. This would not only help the person gain experience, but also guide the person as to whether or not it is the correct field of study for them. By volunteering, I have met a variety of people. In fact, I still keep in contact with many people who I have met through volunteering; some have even become mentors and life-long friends to me.  Lastly, you boost your career opportunities by volunteering. Recent surveys conducted by TimeBank reveal that 73% of employers would hire an individual with volunteering experience over one without, and 94% of employers believe that volunteering can be added to skills on a résumé.

Attending a religious school during my early school years, I was taught the importance of giving back to the community and helping others. Everyone from teachers, coaches, the office staff, and head of school greatly influenced me. Through volunteering I have personally experienced many unique opportunities. Last summer, I began volunteering with a local politician. Through this unique experience, I was able to meet people I wouldn’t have met any other way, and learned about several career options that may interest me in the future. Also, I am currently assisting this politician as a volunteer in his re-election campaign. A few of the tasks that I completed last summer and am currently completing include writing proclamations, attending Commission Meetings and public hearings, and inputting candidate petition data. Volunteering with HandsOn Broward, which is the largest non-profit volunteer agency in Broward County, has also exposed me to many unique experiences that have helped shaped me into the person I am today. In fact, there is a full-time employee at HandsOn Broward who is their Chief Financial Officer, and this gentleman has worked for them for years now, but has never accepted a single paycheck from the agency. The reason for this is because he is a dedicated volunteer, along with his wife who also volunteers at a non-profit agency full-time. This is a perfect example that illustrates the fact that any person at any age can volunteer. A few of the many opportunities that I have experienced through HandsOn Broward include meeting Florida Governor Rick Scott, learning about the environment, participating and co-facilitating in leadership classes, becoming a project leader, and assisting the homeless, elderly, mentally handicapped, and pre-school age children. Another organization that I have worked with is named Bit by Bit, which is a therapeutic riding center for mentally and physically disabled children and veterans. By volunteering, I have had the opportunity to witness fellow volunteers grow socially and mentally.

It is because of all these experiences and benefits that volunteering is important not only for personal development, but for the good of the community. Therefore, I highly urge everyone to volunteer. If you do not have time, make a goal for yourself that you will begin volunteering at least once a month or more. In the words of Ronald Reagan, “The work of volunteer groups throughout our country represents the very heart and soul of America. They have helped make this the most compassionate, generous, and humane society that ever existed on the face of this earth.” Case in point, you, the volunteer, are in fact the heart and soul of America.

 

April Volunteer Spotlight: Sherman Williams

April’s volunteer spotlight shines on Sherman Williams, who serves with Financial Opportunity Corps (FOC), HandsOn Broward’s new financial education program. FOC relies upon dedicated community members like Sherman to provide free one-on-one financial coaching sessions and educational workshops to low-to-moderate income households.

The seeds of service were planted in Sherman when, as a teenager, he experienced the powerful difference one person could make in someone’s life. A native Trinidadian, Sherman moved to the United Sates when he was five. “Early on, the motivation to adapt to the American culture was a priority,” says Sherman.

But adapting was difficult for Sherman. Teased for his accent, he became a quiet boy who noticed everything but said little. That changed in the eighth grade, when Sherman wrote an essay about homelessness and the environment. It was an unusual topic for a middle-school teen, but, as Sherman explained, “Back home [in Trinidad], homeless people were everywhere. Then I saw them in the United States and I made the connection that homelessness was a serious issue.”

Sherman’s heartfelt writing won him first place in the contest and earned him a spot in the oratory contest that followed. Having never given a speech, and conscious of his accent, Sherman was, at first, dismayed. But a dedicated teacher stepped in to help. She coached him daily, working with him on projecting his voice and slowing down his speech. “I took her teaching to heart,” Sherman says gratefully.

Under the teacher’s guidance, Sherman practiced diligently and won 3^rd place in the district-wide competition. “That was a life-changing experience for me,” he says. “The event gave me the confidence to be whoever I wanted to become. It was an empowering moment in my life.”

From that moment on, Sherman wanted to help others feel that same empowerment. Inspired, in part, by Martin Luther King and the power of one, he volunteered intermittently as time allowed. President Obama’s Call to Service, however, was the final impetus Sherman needed to fully light his volunteering fire. In 2011, he returned to Florida from California, signed up with Volunteer Broward (now HandsOn Broward), and has been actively engaged ever since.

When Sherman – who holds a B.S. in Business Management and an M.B.A. – learned about FOC, he quickly signed up for the first volunteer orientation and training. He thought that FOC would utilize his business background and speaking skills to their greatest advantage. He also believed the program brought a necessary service to the community. “I chose FOC because the information it offers is basic but is widely overlooked,” say Sherman. “Yet it can make positive impact in communities.”

He adds, “I just want to put myself out there. On my path, it took only one person to bring change, the proverbial power of one. Now I can empower others to make positive financial decisions.”

If you would like to learn more about Financial Opportunity Corps, or want to receive free one-on-one financial coaching, please email Melinda Matthews or Lauren Harrison.

It’s Tax Season – Time to Review Your Financial Health

Innovative program with HandsOn Broward, Points of Light, Bank of America and AmeriCorps VISTA provides trained financial coaches to help families improve financial health at no cost.

April traditionally means two things: April showers, and the tax man cometh.

While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can manage the severity of the tax bite.  And if the tax man happens to be benevolent, sometimes we even receive a tax refund.

How to minimize the tax bite or how to spend that refund leaves many of us scratching our heads. In particular, low-to-moderate income households often do not have resources available to guide them through their many financial choices.

Financial Opportunity Corps, an innovative program hosted by HandsOn Broward, aims to change that by bringing free financial education and awareness to low-to-moderate income communities. And what better time to review financial health than in April, when the impact of taxes are very much on everyone’s minds?

Financial Opportunity Corps offers free one-on-one financial coaching and education workshops to low-to-moderate income communities.  This holistic and twofold approach differs from traditional financial counseling because it empowers clients to develop financial goals with their coach acting as a support and guide. Trained community-based coaches work one-on-one with clients to develop strategies to reduce debt, improve credit, start saving for emergencies, access benefits and build assets for long-term financial health.  Financial education workshops support the coaching relationship and are offered free of charge to the community, covering topics such as savings, credit, financial recovery, and borrowing.

HandsOn Broward is one of nine sites across the country hosting this new program developed by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, in partnership with Bank of America, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Two trained AmeriCorps VISTA members, Lauren Harrison and Melinda Matthews, are working with HandsOn Broward to develop the local program.

“The power and potential of the Financial Opportunity Corps stems from our community-driven approach and volunteer-led outreach,” said Delores Morton, President of Programs at Points of Light. “Organizations like HandsOn Broward know the needs of their communities better than anyone.”

To learn more about the Financial Opportunity Corps, or to become a client, contact either Lauren Harrison (lauren@handsonbroward.org) at (954) 233-1290 or Melinda Matthews (melinda@handsonbroward.org) at (954) 233-1287.

About HandsOn Broward: HandsOn Broward inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action to positively affect change in Broward County. To learn more about HandsOn Broward’s upcoming service opportunities or to schedule a volunteer orientation at your organization or place of business, please call 954.233.1300 or visit HandsOn Broward online at http://www.HandsOnBroward.org.

About Points of Light: Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We put people at the center of change. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

About Bank of America: Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. We serve approximately 52 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,400 retail banking offices and approximately 16,300 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

About AmeriCorps VISTA: AmeriCorps VISTA is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. With passion, commitment, and hard work, AmeriCorps VISTA members create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.