Past Hometown Heroes

Camp Will is a seven week summer day camp for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 6-23 years, with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.  Campers with disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, autism spectrum disorder and more are able to enjoy a typical summer camp experience that includes swim outings, arts and crafts, sports, special events and more.    Hosted by Williamson County Parks and Rec they offer two camp sites (Pearre Creek and Crockett), with up to 60 campers per site. At each site, campers are divided into smaller groups (campers are  divided by age). Each individual group has around 8-12 campers, with 3 counselors and 1 head counselor. The summer of 2019 Camp Will hosted more than 150 campers! 

In 2017, the Franklin Special School District (FSSD) Executive PTO began exploring better ways to engage community organizations and resources in support of students and families with critical needs. With a "free and reduced" lunch population hovering at 40%, the FSSD has children who sometimes arrive at school without basic needs met. Immediate daily needs can range from improper or inadequate clothing, inappropriate shoes for physical education classes, missing supplies, and hunger. The schools provide free and reduced breakfast and lunch. And weekend "fuel bags" and mobile pantries are available through GraceWorks and One Generation Away. However, there are occasions when clothing is needed on an immediate basis.
 To address this issue and take some of the pressure off of school staff working diligently to meet the needs of all students, parent volunteers, working in collaboration with the administrators, counselors and teachers in the district established a resource center provides new shoes, socks, underwear, coats, basic and hygiene items that can be delivered by a volunteer on demand at the request of a teacher, nurse, counselor or social worker. And NOOK, Needs of our kids, was born. 
In just two years this incredible group has gained their 501c3 status, expanded to serve several high schools in Williamson County and has provided supplies to hundreds of students. In honor of the work they are doing we honor them as our 97th Hometown Hero. 

Vickie Harris created and runs Music City Animal Rescue, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that rescues abandoned, abused or neglected animals in and around the Middle Tennessee area. Music City Animal Rescue is a foster based home network of highly dedicated individuals that care for the animals in their own homes until they can find their forever families. This network is dedicated to the complete care and placement process. From the moment an animal comes into their program, it is treated as part of a family. They are socialized not only with other humans, but with cats and dogs at the appropriate time. They never euthanize to make room for more and all of their foster homes are dedicated to seeing each and every animal through their journey to their forever home.

This month we celebrate Kiley Maupin who has spent the last 15 years serving at risk youth in need at My Friend's House. As the Direct Support Services Manager Kiley helps ensure compliance with programs and services, all while supporting and staff and residents with structure and understanding. But beyond the policies and training, most importantly, Kiley is a mentor and shining example to the vulnerable youth who call My Friend's House home.

Over the years Kiley has worked with hundreds of young men showing them what it means to take responsibility for your actions; how to have patience with others; how to behave appropriately in the public; and the importance of serving the community. But one of his driving motivations is teaching the residents the difference between being a male and being a man.

One My Friend's House's former residents stated it best, "We talked about why it was right to own up to our mistakes and how in doing that you grow into a man. I learned a lot spiritually and a lot clicked with my life situation. I'm very thankful for Mr. Kiley and the opportunity to be at My Friend's House."

Debbie Noland is the backbone of the Nolensville Food Pantry. As the pantry's primary coordinator Debbie works to feed those in need. Learn more about the work Debbie and all of the incredible volunteers are doing at NFP.

Hunger Challenge Page

2018-19 Results:

Woodland Middle School- 38,528

Freedom Middle School- 31,020

Marianne Schroer has spent a lifetime caring for others and being of service to her community. This extends beyond her 30+ years of experience working as a therapist. Marianne is the type of person who sees people, is driven to help others and shows up to help in the hardest of situations to lend a helping hand.

For the past five years Marianne has helped take CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to the next level, fundraising and creating a community awareness around the work CASA does and helping to recruit advocates for the 25+ new cases a month.

CASA advocates for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. Their vision is for every child to be in a safe and permanent home.

For her work with CASA and a lifetime of service she was recently named a Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group Hometown Hero. As a part of her award the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group made a $500 donation to CASA in Marianne's honor.

CASA relies on donations from fundraising events including the upcoming Voices for Children to be held May 2, 2019 at Graystone Quarry. To learn more about Voice for Children and how you can help CASA visit williamsoncountycasa.org.

Sarah Hart founded the Nashville Chapter of Achilles International, a nonprofit whose sole purpose is to partner athletes with and with out disabilities so that all can enjoy the sport of running and participating in running activities and events. Specialized programs include the Achilles Freedom Team which serves wounded military personnel and veterans; Achilles Kids which provides training, race opportunities, and an

in-school program for children with disabilities; the Achilles Para-triathlon Team which expands our running program into biking and swimming; Achilles Chapter workouts, plus our signature race Hope & Possibility® which takes place in several cities worldwide.

To learn more about Achilles International and what the Nashville chapter is doing here in middle Tennesse

Donate Life TN has tasked themselves with the important job of educating Tennesseans on the importance of registering to become an organ and tissue donor.

On average, 20 people die every day from the lack of available organs for transplant. One deceased donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and can save and enhance more than 100 lives through the lifesaving and healing gift of tissue donation.

Established in 2009, Tucker's House helps families determine what modifications are needed in a home to make it a safer environment for a child and those who care for the child. After the determination has been made, Tucker's House performs the necessary work. Construction may range from installing a wheel chair ramp to removing carpeting and replacing it with hardwood flooring enabling easier wheel chair mobility. Based on the needs of the client, renovations often include the widening of doorways, remodeling of bathrooms, including curb-less showers and roll-under sinks.

Those Living With Muscular Dystrophy & Related Diseases

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has made it their mission to create hope and answers for families living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases that take away physical strength and mobility. These families are at the heart of everything MDA offers- from clinics to prepare and train them to care for their loved ones to assistance getting them the equipment they may need in their home.

Stephen Huff spent his life as an athlete. He played baseball in college and then played in the pros. He never smoked. He took care of himself. All of these are just some of the reasons it was so shocking that at the age of 29 he was diagnosed with stage IV inoperable lung cancer.

As Stephen goes through treatment he his wife Emily have decided to put this horrific experience to work with the creation of The Huff Project. The Huff Project is committed to raising the awareness around lung cancer, destroying the negative stigma that's associated with it, and investing in innovative research to continue the development of successful treatment options.

High Hopes Development Center 

For over a decade Gail Powell has served as the Executive Director of High Hopes Development Center. During this time she has played a key role in helping High Hopes expand and grow to serve the high demand for the inclusive preschool education and physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapies which they offer.

 

High Hopes Development Center is a local non-profit that began in 1984 with two integrated programs: an inclusive preschool that educates children with and without special needs from six weeks to six years old and an outpatient therapy clinic providing speech, physical, occupational, and feeding therapies to children aged birth to 21 years.

"She empowers her staff and Board of Directors to positively impact the lives of children and families and she leads by example," said Kristin Garner, Pediatric Therapy Clinic Director, High Hopes Development Center. Her professionalism, compassion, organization, and dedication help her to be an excellent leader not only at High Hopes but also in the community." 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has made it their mission to create hope and answers for families living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases that take away physical strength and mobility. These families are at the heart of everything MDA offers- from clinics to prepare and train them to care for their loved ones to assistance getting them the equipment they may need in their home.

Agape Animal Rescue is dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to be more responsible pet owners. From the moment dogs enter their foster program, Agape is dedicated to making a positive difference in these dogs' lives, emotionally, socially, physically, in order to aid in a smooth transition into their forever homes. While in foster care they work to teach their foster dogs basic obedience skills, including proper leash manners and friendly house manners through their Foster Care Training Program. And they strive to match their dogs with the best family possible, working through as many applications as necessary to find a home that offers the dog the most fulfilling, enriched life.

 

When Tommy Rhodes was a PhD student at Vanderbilt he had a vision to start a camp that brought together kids from all socioeconomic levels, races and backgrounds. Not long after he had that vision Tommy and his wife sold all of their possessions and began Barefoot Republic. Seventeen years later they welcomed their 10,000th camper and now have camps in three states. Barefoot Republic's overnight campground is located in Kentucky and campers stay in "Swiss family Robinson meets MacGyver" style tree-houses. They also offer day camps in the Nashville area and California.

After watching their nephew battle cancer, Andrea and David Gillespie wanted to do something to not only thank St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for everything they did for their family but in hopes that they can help other families in the same position. David ran the Memphis marathon in 2015 as a St. Jude Hero and raised an incredible $14,000 in 2 weeks. In the Spring of 2017 Andrea joined David and "Team Garrett" raised $12,770 for St. Jude. "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is important to us because of the work they did in helping our nephew Garrett fight a type of childhood cancer called retinoblastoma," said David. "And also to help his family as they were able to comfort him and take care of him without having to worry about the financial stress that normally accompanies a disease like cancer."

Many Nashville locals are familiar with the Thistle Farms brand. We see it in our grocery stores and enjoy their lavender hand soaps, lotions and candles. What many may not know is how the Survivor-Leaders, graduates of the Thistle Farms program, are paying it forward mentoring other women who have also survived abuse, prostitution and addiction. The Survivor-Leaders are actively involved in not only mentoring newer residents of the program, but also in sharing this work through speaking, and events, with the wider community.

Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, based in Thompson's Station, TN, began over 10 years ago as a grass roots organization when founder Shawn South-Aswad and her husband began taking in a few dogs here and there who found themselves in need of a place to lay their head until they could find their own home. As time passed they developed a love and special touch with seniors and medical needs dogs that needed more one on one attention and were being overlooked by the general rescue population. As their children grew older and schedules became more flexible, Shawn decided that it was time to slowly grow the rescue into what is now Snooty Giggles, funding it solely with the profits earned from her art and furniture business, Silo Studios. One extra foster at that time, has now turned into a foster team of approximately 50 active foster families (both regular and temp) who open up their homes to these amazing dogs, of all sizes, age, and ability and "raise them like their own" until the perfect match of a forever home is found.

Cary Ralph, RN, spends her days, and often her nights and weekends, helping women who are battling breast cancer learn to navigate their way through the disease. As soon as they are diagnosed, Cary is there with them. She doesn't keep any set hours. She is at the hospital, on the phone, or in her office with a patient whenever they need her. She almost never says no to them. She answers questions, holds their hand during a biopsy, goes into surgery with them, and on and on.

"I thought everyone had a cancer nurse like Cary Ralph, but apparently not," shared a former patient of Cary's. "I assumed all the different facilities had the same things we have here at Williamson, but that isn't the case. My friends asked me where I got my wig. I told them Cary ordered it for me and they said they had to go to a store and buy theirs. I had several biopsies and Cary sat there and held my hand and coached me through every one of them. She was there for me. She was my family."

"I can't think of anyone who embodies the qualities of a hero more than Jennifer," shared Gail Horton, a dear friend of Jennifer's and her inspiration for exploring foster parenting. "She is a champion for the least of these, the children who are medically fragile and in foster care. Jennifer advocates for these children as if her life depends on it! She is a champion for the children that are in her care. There are some weeks where she spends more time talking to doctors, taking kids to therapy than she is at home. The days at home are filled with sick babies who she rocks and loves on. She not only loves on these babies but also mentors, coaches and empowers the birth families who have not been able to care for their own children. The Wilson family is sacrificial in their giving. Brad, Trent, Liana and Nolan have been a Super Bowl winning team when it comes to working at a calling that God has put on their hearts. I am so proud and privileged to call them my friends."

Jonathan Boye grew up struggling with dyslexia and ADHD and with the "faith of a mustard seed" he found himself helping thousands of people with similar struggles.

"Jon has been a visionary for providing mental health services first to our children in Williamson county but now to all ages in all of middle Tennessee," shared Margaret Owens, Chief Operations Officer at Mercy, in her nomination of Boye. "He came to work at Mercy in June of 2006." 10 years ago this summer. He was brought in to start a behavioral health department to serve the children of Franklin and Williamson County. Mercy now sees adults and children from over 33 counties in middle Tennessee. The behavioral health department that Jon build now has 14 licensed therapists, 1 psychiatrist and 3 psychiatric nurse practitioners. Jon has placed therapists in New Hope Academy, Winstead Academy and now in the Fairview schools."

What started in Kindergarten as a desire to win a class pizza party has turned into a true passion for high school freshman Luke Jenkins. Over the past nine years Luke has collected over $3,800, 75% in pennies, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a part of their Pennies for Patients program.

"Our next door neighbors, the Riveras, lost their teenage daughter, Dariana, to cancer when Luke was in the 3rd grade," shared Luke's mother Michelle Jenkins. "I think that's when it started getting closer to our hearts as we learned along his path many stories about Leukemia and Lymphoma. Even the GREAT Tom Landry for whom Luke's sister was named after died of Leukemia. Although it is the largest childhood disease of all the cancers, we have learned of many adult stories, too. We have made countless trips to the CoinStar Machines inside the local Kroger during the fundraisers. All donations go straight to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at NO charge!"

A huge part of what keeps St. Jude Children's Hospital going is the efforts of people like Jess Wright. Several years ago Jess committed to walking a local 5K in her hometown of Frederick, Maryland which benefited St. Jude. At the time she wanted to encourage people who never thought they could do an endurance race to join her and walk rather than run and most importantly she wanted to raise funds for St. Jude. What better way to do this than to start her own team? A few years later when St. Jude became a beneficiary of the Nashville marathon, with a little encouragement from her friends at St. Jude, Jess brought her team to Nashville and began participating in the Annual St. Jude Rock 'N Rock Nashville Marathon.

Joe Bradford, or Papa Joe as he's known to many, grew up in poverty and after facing time in prison for computer hacking and fighting kidney disease he and his wife Denise were forced to move into one of Nashville's project communities. After seeing needs of the children within this community they were inspired to create Elijah's Heart, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to show love to underprivileged children and assist them with practical needs. One of the many ways they show love is through their Walks of Love. On a regular basis Papa Joe and Denise along with groups of volunteers visit low income communities and deliver food and supplies.

Jacquie Glover could teach lessons about how to turn lemons into lemonade. After receiving the a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007 during a routine mammogram, Jacquie went through several surgeries and chemo and in her words "came out a stronger person."

"During my diagnosis and recovery having a strong support group and focusing on nutrition and exercise helped me maintain a positive attitude and a healthy mind, body and spirit. Now as a survivor, I enjoy supporting Susan G Komen by fundraising, being a resource for awareness, and helping other women facing breast cancer."

In March of 2012 Ty and Nancy Osman faced the unthinkable when they lost their son Ty. Ty Osman II had a heart for helping others and was a light to everyone around him. Even in his passing he was a gift to many as an organ donor. "After he passed we heard so many stories about how just his regular kindness effected people," shared Ty Jr.'s mother Nancy. "How his smiling and everyday manor made people feel special, and feel loved and seen. So that's part of what our foundation wants to do, to just extend kindness to other people that are less fortunate and to inspire them to do good and seek God in their life. There have been days where we've wanted to have a pity party but God always sends something to let us know he's still there and that carries us through." In honor of the Osman's inspiring story of how they have turned their tragedy into a blessing for so many and in support of the work they continue to do with the Ty2 Foundation they were honored as Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Heroes.

Each year the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program gives individuals and partnering corporations an opportunity to adopt less fortunate children and seniors who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season and provides them with personalized gifts and necessities. Behind the scenes of the Angel Tree program is an army of volunteers, and alongside them is Amanda Grieves, who coordinates the program each year.

Snowball Express brings together children of the Fallen right before Christmas to have fun, be together, and just heal. The organization provides an opportunity for children to be with others "like them ", to be "normal " because they often are the only ones in their schools and communities who have lost a parent at war, they just feel different. A feeling Samantha Ponder understands all too well, being the daughter of one of our nation's Fallen. With her fighting spirit, she created the Snowball Express 5K which has fully funded sending 78 children to the Snowball Express.

After years of teaching special education and serving as a JOBS coordinator, which involved a "school to work " transition classroom for young adults with special needs, Brenda Hauk felt led to open a Christian-based job training center for adults who live with developmental disabilities. She visited several facilities, established relationships with mentors, and in 1999, BrightStone opened with 4 students, a volunteer staff of two, and donated space in a local church. Today, over 15 years later, BrightStone currently serves 35 adults, maintains a waiting list and has attracted families from a 5-county area.

Peggy Smith or Ms. Peggy, as she is affectionately called by Club members, is also known as the PBJ lady. Ms. Peggy has been known to not only drop everything to make a child in need a hot meal, she spends up to 5 days a week at the Club preparing and serving snack. She has made it her mission to educate the general public about the challenges faced by the many children that may go hungry during the summer, on the weekends, or simply after the school day has endd. Smith was one of six Downtown Merchants to create Wine Down Main Street which has consistently been voted best event since it's creation seven years ago.

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 just celebrated 62 years in business.

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. "She organized and invested her talents, tenacity and time getting WP into a stable and orderly business."

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 supporting those with Cystic Fibrosis.

For more than 23 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville has provided a "home away from home" for families of critically ill children receiving care at Nashville area hospitals.

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.

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.

The couple who have three children-Olivia Drae (5), Bane Alton Drake (who would be 4 now) and Bayo Shalom (2)- 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.

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.

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.

Dorie Bolze has spent her career committed to conservation. For the past 12 years she has lead the Harpeth River Watershed Association based in Williamson County. Her commitment to the preservation and restoration of environmental resources, including the Harpeth River, has made a tremendous difference in communities across Middle Tennessee.

Kennette Pyles has taught survival skills in the Nashville area for 8 years to more than 1,000 local infants and young children. After loosing her own son Ryan to a tragic drowning, she and her husband also created the Ryan Pyles Aquatic Foundation to help prevent childhood drowning.