Meet Our Board – Ellen Wiss

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Work
Homkor Companies including Homkor Florida
www.homkor.com

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

EW:  There’s no other organization in my new home community that has the reach that this one has nor the infrastructure to carry out the mission as well. Through HandsOn Jacksonville, I have limitless opportunity for impacting areas of need for which I am passionate, especially in:

1. closing the achievement gap in education
2. social justice
3. eliminating poverty
4. environmental and health initiatives
5. learning, connecting to, serving, and inspiring and empowering others to serve this community and beyond

HOJ:  What, do you think, are the most critical issues facing the First Coast?

EW:  Education, social justice and poverty

HOJ:  What volunteer activities are you currently involved in and what draws you to them?

EW:  I spend more time volunteering than making a living these days, though my days are no less busy. I volunteer at GW Carver Elementary school weekly tutoring an underserved population of 3rd-5th graders, aiming to boost FCAT performance, overall literacy and closing the achievement gap. This is a three-way partnership I initiated between Junior League of Jacksonville(JLJ), HandsOn Jacksonville and Duval County Public Schools.

I have developed volunteer relationships with Sanctuary on 8th Street, MOCA, FSS, Daniel, Annie R. Morgan elementary, and others through my involvement with JLJ and HOJ.

I serve the board and the development committee of HOJ. I have leadership positions through C.A.R.E.S. (Caring Assistance Resource Education Support) committee, Joint Council, and as a member of ALT (Action Learning Team) for Strategic Leadership with Junior League of Jacksonville. I received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award for service through the Junior League of Jacksonville.

Prior to moving to Jacksonville, I founded an organization called P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Regional Impact! Diversified Enterprise) of Mid-Missouri, Inc. (www.pridemo.org) which was a coalition of non-profit organizations offering varying services in the areas of education, health, recreation, socialization, crime prevention, sports, low-income needs, and social justice. In an effort to eliminate duplication of space and maximize service to the community, we joined in partnership to serve better. It is my belief and my passion to make this happen in my new home communtiy through these existing organizations. Together, we can do more.

HOJ:  What are you most passionate about?

EW:  My spirituality. My family, friends, community. Social justice, education, health, environment and working together for a better world.

HOJ:  Do you have a hidden talent?

EW:  Writing – though I resist it, it seems to serve well when I access it.

HOJ:  What can’t you live without?

EW:  Love and life’s basic necessities.

HOJ:  What else would you like to share?

EW: I have the most amazing daughter! Don’t know how she’s mine, but she is! She’s teaching in an alternative high school on the southside of Chicago to an underserved population of students expelled from public school. Her work is through Teach for America. She is the only science teacher for the whole school, so she must plan and teach every science subject in the school. She is also the only teacher who speaks Spanish, and therefore, tutors every student who needs Spanish translation.

In her senior year of college, she was accepted to her #1 choice of graduate programs in Master program for Food Science/Nutrition/Dietician Internship, a fiercely competitive process. She was also selected by Teach for America, another fiercely competitive program, for a two-year commitment to teach in an extremely underserved population in an effort to help close the achievement gap. She chose Teach for America.

She struggles everyday, but realizes that she can do anything as a result of this teaching experience. Because nothing else could be so hard. Nothing else is so important. Recently, on her holiday break, she took my place volunteering at an elementary school (also with an underserved population), and she came away renewed in her inspiration and urgency in her work for her students in Chicago. She realized there’s not much time left to prepare them for the world, snd she feels compelled to make her time count for them.

Again, I don’t know how she’s mine, but I’m inspired by her. I love what she’s doing. And I’m so glad those kids have her contributions. I love her so much.

I love my husband like crazy, too! I’m a 14 year breast cancer survivor, and I have him to thank for keeping me looking forward and never making cancer what my life is about. I feel very lucky in life and love.

HOJ: What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

EW: Just Do It! – by Nike. It’s my favorite quote because it fits in every way of my life. Fear is the biggest obstacle to everything. Tell yourself to “Just Do It” and once you do, you’ll know why……Until we connect outside of ourselves (meaning, our comfort circle), we can’t know real joy. You’ll know it through volunteering.

Ellen Wiss is in the 2012 Blueprint for Leadership cohort.

She also participates each year in A Visit from St. Nicholas where she reads to kids in challenged schools.

Meet Our Board – Bill Dresser

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Work
Retired VP and CEO – Telecommunications & Broadcasting

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

BD:  Nonprofits are in need.  The current economy is stressing those organizations throughout the State of Florida.  I desire to continue my service by supporting the volunteers at HandsOn Jacksonville.

HOJ:  What, in your opinion, are the two most critical issues facing the First Coast?

BD:  Healthcare and Education.

HOJ:  What other volunteer activity are you involved with?

BD:  PRIDE (Prison Industries).  I’ve been involved with this organization for the past 12 years.  The mission is to prepare the inmate with job skills in order that he or she will be able to provide for their families when they have fulfilled their commitment to society.

HOJ:  What in your life are you most passionate about?

BD:  I am most passionate about my family and my God.

HOJ:  What can’t you live without?

BD:  After 35 years of marriage, I enjoy the time my wife and I spend together.

HOJ:  Do you have a hidden talent?

BD:  Being a grandfather.

HOJ:  What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

BD:  You will have great personal satisfaction by giving service to others.  Be an ambassador.

Meet Our Board – Tony Rukab

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Work
Regional Spine Specialist, Carefusion
www.carefusion.com

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

TR:  To help those in need and to inspire others to do the same.

HOJ:  What in your opinion are two of the most critical issues facing the First Coast?

TR:  I consider family values and quality education to be two pillars that support our community. Family values – developing strong parental guidance and discipline to teach their children their way in life. Children MUST have good role models. Quality Education – education enables an individual to reach their potential.

HOJ:  What is your great passion in life?

TR:  My family!

HOJ:  And what can’t you live without?

TR:  My family and my boat.

HOJ:  What was a “defining moment” in your life?

TR:  The birth of my children. I quickly changed from “me” to “them”. What was I going to do to protect and provide for my family while giving them a childhood filled with great memories while helping them build their moral character.

HOJ:  What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

TR:  Volunteering brings different things to everyone. For me, helping others gives me a sense of personal fulfillment that I was not achieving in my daily life. The selfless act of giving has power.

Tony Rukab graduated from the 2011 Blueprint for Leadership cohort and is now serving as an intern on HandsOn Jacksonville’s board of directors.

Tony Rukab trimming tree branches at his Blueprint service project with Family Nurturing Center.

Gator Bowl – The Rest of the Story

By Dr. Judith A.M. Smith, President & CEO

No matter how you slice it, the Gator Bowl is a great event for our city.  Yes, there was good football, and yes, the out-of-towners brought much-appreciated dollars to our community, and yes, lots of fun was had in parties and cookouts and contests and rallies.

But the part that was missing in the media—both press and TV—was what happened on New Year’s Day before Monday’s game.  While most people were resting and relaxing that Sunday after their New Year’s Eve festivities, something really amazing was happening on Norwood Avenue at the Gateway to Heaven Christian Center on behalf of the children served by War On Poverty, a nonprofit organization located in the Brentwood community.

Spurred by Ohio State’s 15-year tradition of doing community service in their bowl’s host city, well over a hundred volunteers from Ohio State University and the University of Florida teamed up on a service project managed by HandsOn Jacksonville that brought together students, families, faculty members, Brutus the Buckeye mascot, and the Ohio State marching band with parents from the BOLD Afterschool Program.

In about two hours these high energy, industrious volunteers produced over 300 container gardening kits, more than 500 healthy snack packs, and 35 warm fleece blankets for upcoming distribution to families served by War On Poverty. And what fun to see Gator Bowl rivals sitting side by side in service to Jacksonville kids who need a little extra help.

Way to go, Ohio State!  And way to go, Gator volunteers!  We appreciate that you have left something very personal behind in our community besides fond memories and a healthy economic impact.  You are an example that other schools could emulate, and you are welcome in sunny Jacksonville anytime.

Meet Our Board – Harnish Parikh

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Work
Relationship Manager – Provider Governance, Prudential

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

HP:  As a graduate of the Blueprint for Leadership program, I better understand the intricacies of leading a successful nonprofit organization while adhering to many different rules and regulations.  HandsOn Jacksonville does an amazing job in bringing people together to better our community while partnering with other nonprofits to strengthen our community.  This increased my level interest of being part of this organization due to the program and the internship.

HOJ:  What do you think the two of the most critical issues facing The First Coast today?

HP:  In my opinion, child education and homelessness are the two most critical issues.

HOJ:  What volunteer activities do you currently participate in?

HP:  I participate in many activities as volunteering is very important to me. Prudential stresses the importance of social involvement and bettering the communities we have a presence in. Along with the Prudential initiative and my personal one’s – I like to volunteer to help young children with education (mentoring, tutoring) as well as feeding the homeless and participating in walks for all causes.

HOJ:  What in life are you most passionate about?

HP:  I am passionate about family. Family is the nucleus to everything we do in society.

HOJ:  What can’t you live without?

HP:  I personally cannot live without football season!

HOJ:  What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

HP:  Go for it! Put yourself out there and experience it and see what makes you happy with the different projects that are out there and find your niche! It is self-gratifying but at the end of the day – you will make a difference!

Harnish Parikh graduated from the 2010 Blueprint for Leadership cohort.  He has completed his one-year internship with HandOn Jacksonville and we are please to announce that he has been voted in as a board member.

Meet Our Board – James Farah, Esq.

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

James E. Farah, Esq.

Work
President, The Farah Law Group
www.farahlaw.com

HOJ: What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

JF: HOJ is full of energetic and dedicated staff members who are committed to volunteerism.  HOJ provides a very structured way to be involved and to inspire others to get involved in the community.  Professionalism, efficiency and integrity are key aspects of HOJ.  I enjoy working with the team members, fellow board members and the community.

HOJ:  What do you think the most important issue is on The First Coast?

JF:  Education and graduation rates continue to be one of the most important issues on my mind.  The younger generation must have ample opportunities to gain an education to be able to make it on their own.

HOJ: What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved in community service?

JF:  If you have not tried it, sign up online and give it a try.  I recommend it because once you do it, you will not be able to stop!

Jim at his Blueprint for Leadership Class of 2007 service project. He was great in engaging youth in sports activities at the Tony Boselli Center!

Meet Our Board – Nicole Bowden, Treasurer

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Nicole Bowden, Treasurer

Work
Assurance Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers
www.pwc.com

HOJ:  What inspires you to volunteer?

NB:  I first came to HandsOn Jacksonville through Blueprint for Leadership, HOJ’s program for training, equipping and engaging leaders for service on a nonprofit board of directors.  Through Blueprint, I simply fell in love with HandsOn Jacksonville and all of the work they do.  I’ve been fortunate enough to work along the remarkable team of people that is HOJ ever since!

HOJ:  What volunteer activities do you currently participate in?

NB:  In addition to my service on the board of HOJ, I volunteer with a number of their partner organizations who serve our community in so many wonderful ways.  The common thread that draws me back to these events time and time again, is that I leave with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that my efforts are truly making a difference.

HOJ:  What would you say to someone who might be considering volunteering for the first time?

NB:  It doesn’t matter how much you give, just give.  Together we can take action that will change the world.

Nicole playing with the kids at Community Connections during her Blueprint for Leadership 2009 class service project.

Meet Our Board – Brock Fazzini

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Brock Ean Fazzini

Work
Chief Executive Officer, Fazzini’s Coffee & Tea
www.fazziniblend.com

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

BF:  My inspiration comes from the organization’s inherent understanding of the needs of its member organizations and how it continually strives to increase the awareness of the power of volunteerism within our community.

HOJ:  What, do you think, is the most critical social issue facing the First Coast?

BF:  Providing a MANDATORY, well rounded, all encompassing secular education to every child.  And then allowing that child, as a young adult, to use that education to make a better life for themselves and those around them.

HOJ:  Besides volunteering with HOJ, are you involved in other nonprofit organizations?

BF:  I’m also on the board of directors of The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

HOJ:  What in life are you most passionate about?

BF:  Blurring the lines between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors by rewriting a philanthropic code that includes serious giving as a successful business strategy that advances one’s work instead of an afterthought.

HOJ:  What can’t you live without?

BF:  My family and friends.

HOJ:  Do you have a hidden talent?

BF:  I play the piano.

HOJ:  And finally, what would you say to a person who is considering volunteering?

BF:  “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

Brock hard at work at Blueprint for Leadership's renovation project at Family Nurturing Center.

Brock graduated from Blueprint for Leadership, 2011

Meet Our Board Chair – Dan Macferran

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Meet Dan Macferran, Board Chair

Work
Campus Director, University of Phoenix
phoenix.edu/northflorida

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve on the board of HandsOn Jacksonville?

DM:  I have a passion to see restoration brought to our community and this only happens through engaging volunteers and equipping them to take action that changes our world.  No one does a better job in this community of inspiring, equipping and mobilizing volunteers than HandsOn Jacksonville!

HOJ:  What do you consider to be the most critical issue facing our community?

DM:  Being in education, I see that so many of the issues we face are due to a lack of education as a foundation in the lives of people.  Increasing graduation rates would result in less crime and a brighter economic future for Jacksonville.

HOJ:  What volunteer activities are you currently involved in?

DM:  I’m working with mission projects locally and overseas – mainly helping those less privileged than we are.  I’m drawn to these because I believe we are mandated to go and serve the least and the last in the world.

HOJ:  What in life are you most passionate about?

DM:  God, my family, educational access for those who may not otherwise have it, and last but not least, Georgia Bulldogs and Jaguars football!

HOJ:  Any hidden talents?

DM:  I love cooking for my friends and family.

HOJ:  What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

DM:  Go for it!  What do you have to lose?  Think about a time in your life when you or someone you love has been impacted by a volunteer.  what if that person hadn’t been there?  Realize your potential to have that same impact in the lives of others.  You won’t regret it – I promise you!

Dan Macferran, graduate of Blueprint for Leadership 2008 visits with the guys from Safe Harbor Boy's Home during the class project.

Meet Our Board – Kathy Orr

HandsOn Jacksonville claims bragging rights to an amazing board of directors! We’d like you to get to know them all, so over the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them. You’ll get an inside peek at who they are, what they do, what they’re passionate about and how they’re making our community a better place for everyone.

Kathy Orr

Meet Kathy Orr

Work
Vice President, Human Resources for Availity, LLC – www.availity.com

HOJ:  What inspires you to serve as a board member of HandsOn Jacksonville?

KO:  HandsOn Jacksonville is the premiere volunteer agency in NE Florida and the services their volunteers provide are critical to making Jacksonville and the surrounding metropolitan area a better place to live.  The CEO & staff are a highly dedicated, professional, creative group of people who understand and demonstrate the importance of service to others in the community.

HOJ:  What, in your opinion are two of the most critical social issues facing our community?

KO:  Education – we need to increase high school graduation rates.  And criminal activity – how can we reduce it?

HOJ: You’ve dedicated a life time to volunteering.  What are you currently doing?

KO:  In addition to working as a church volunteer and mentoring others in career growth and development, I’m drawn to the issue of women’s heart disease.  Over the past two decades there has been an increase in heart attacks for women that are often misdiagnosed – and/or the symptoms are not understood or recognized by women.  Increased education is needed.

HOJ:  What are you most passionate about in life?

KO:  My family, my faith, equitable education for all children & teens, my work and football!

HOJ:  Was there a “defining moment” that changed your life?

KO:  My mother’s death.  I was a caretaker for her over several years during her illness, and the day she died made me realize how short life really is, and that we need to live it to the fullest.  I still miss her.

HOJ:  If there was one thing you could say to someone who was thinking about volunteering, what would it be?

KO:  Just do it!