Sunday, January 04, 2004

By Michelle K. Massie, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help others, as this year's recipients of the 2003 Jefferson Awards for Public Service exemplify.

From a family whose five members have inspired the lives of abused and neglected boys for nearly a decade to a woman who makes it possible for the blind and visually impaired to participate in outdoor activities, the awardees have affected people's lives through their volunteer service.

The Jefferson Awards were established in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service to recognize those who performed remarkable deeds in community service without expectation of reward or recognition. It is considered the highest honor among the volunteer and service community.

This year's recipients were chosen from among 53 Community Champions, who were nominated by the public and the nonprofit sector. The southwestern Pennsylvania program is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Comcast and Eat'n Park Restaurants. Duquesne Light Co. is sponsoring the awards ceremony.

The winners will receive a medallion and $1,000 for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The Community Champion/Jefferson Award ceremony is Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland.

Here's a look at the many ways in which the 2003 Jefferson Award recipients enrich the city and the region through their volunteer efforts. Each winner is featured in a separate story, with a link to those articles in the profiles below.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Holly McGraw

An inspiration to young people -- At 25 years old, Holly McGraw leads by example. She emphasizes community service as a means for personal growth and fulfillment. Through her actions, she has led a new generation of young people to develop self-confidence and give back to their community. McGraw is a volunteer for America's Promise, where she put in more than 200 hours of service in less than 15 weeks. While working at Duquesne City Middle School, she organized an after-school student newspaper club and helped to plan and host the first sixth-grade talent show, "Duquesne's Finest." McGraw is working to develop a summer recreation program for youths in Duquesne that would be the first summer recreation program for the community. (Go to awards profile: Her creative ways made Duquesne students achieve)

The Grable Family Foundation is donating $1,000 to America's Promise in McGraw's name.

	Martha Rial, Post-Gazette The Castonguay family

Offering hope to abused and neglected youths -- The Castonguay family turned community service into a family affair. Parents Elizabeth and Larry and daughters Brenda, Laura and Kate have enjoyed weekly visits, camping trips, dinners and hayrides with teenage foster children from Three Rivers Youth for more than 10 years. Their time has been spent with young men living in the Academy House, in Mt. Lebanon. "Many of our fondest memories are of times that our family has spent with these boys. These intelligent and talented kids have been like sons and brothers to us," Elizabeth Castonguay said. In addition, Elizabeth has hosted several multicultural events and monthly seminars for the entire Mt. Lebanon community. (Go to awards profile: Mt. Lebanon family brightens neglected youths' lives)

PNC Bank Foundation is donating $1,000 to Three Rivers Youth in the Castonguay family's name.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Joan Levy

Creating a safe haven for children -- Joan Levy volunteers twice a week at the Jane B. Lobl Children's Waiting Room in Juvenile/Family Court on Ross Street, Downtown. The room is a project of the National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Chapter. Levy uses research, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for women, children and families. As the volunteer chairwoman for the room, Levy, a former kindergarten teacher, works with about 30 volunteers and enjoys interacting with the children. She helps to maintain a safe, stress-free environment for the children to play in while their parents or guardians are involved in court proceedings. Last year, more than 5,000 children used the room. In addition, Levy has volunteered for Family House for 12 years. (Go to awards profile: She helps create safe place for kids in courthouses)

Jewish Healthcare Foundation is donating $1,000 to Children's Waiting Room in Levy's name.

	Pam Panchak, Post-Gazette Alice Kulikowski

Helping families move toward self-sufficiency -- Alice Kulikowski defines what it means to be mission driven. For nine years, as a member of the board of directors of Sisters Place Inc., she served the needs of single mothers and their children by supporting and raising money for both temporary and permanent housing in Clairton. For two years, Kulikowski was chairwoman of Sisters Place's major fund-raising event, the "Setting a Place for My Sister's Breakfast." Her fund-raising savvy proved valuable as the breakfast doubled the amount of money raised to more than $50,000. She also supervised the building of a new program center for Sisters Place at the housing complex in Clairton. Kulikowski helped raise more than $60,000 in donated goods and labor for the project. (Go to awards profile: Ex-nun brings discipline, heart to construction projects)

Women of Southwestern PA Inc. is donating $1,000 to Sisters Place in Kulikowski's name.

	Martha Rial, Post-Gazette Terri Watson

Organizing fun -- If programming is at the heart of Western Pennsylvania Blind Outdoors Leisure Development, or BOLD, then Terri Watson is the pulse of the organization. Under her guidance and care, visually impaired adults have a chance to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, downhill and water skiing, rowing, canoeing and ice skating. Watson volunteers as the program coordinator at BOLD, where she puts in 10 to 15 hours a month in service. She manages activities that enrich the lives of blind, visually impaired and sighted BOLD members -- outings that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to do. Go to awards article: Hard-working volunteer isn't slowed by disability

FISA is donating $1,000 to Western Pennsylvania Blind Outdoors Leisure Development in Watson's name.

	Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Larry Davis and his daughter Latosha

Mentoring parents -- As a single father raising a young daughter, Larry D. Davis needed guidance and support, but many times it was not available to him. So, when Davis could not find help, he created it on his own. In 1996, he founded the Coalition for Fathering Families. Davis' vision was to offer an alternate path for many African-American men in the region who were stuck in a cycle of hopelessness and destruction by offering a program that emphasizes positive self-development and the importance of quality time between parents and children as a means to improve parenting skills. Davis also calls on other men to commit their time and energy as volunteer mentors for the program. (Go to awards profile: His fathering instincts set a precedent)

Kaufmann's is donating $1,000 to Coalition for Fathering Families in Davis' name.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Dr. Randall Kolb

Caring for the homeless -- Primary Care Health Services Inc.'s Healthcare for the Homeless program has treated the indigent and medically underserved populations in Allegheny County since 1987. Dr. Randall Kolb has volunteered his time to care for the homeless since the program's inception. He began volunteering for Healthcare for the Homeless when he was a resident in family practice and has since rallied other doctors to volunteer their time. Kolb's focus is in the areas of infectious disease and women's health. He has helped some of the most forgotten and overlooked members of the community. (Go to awards profile: Tending to homeless is rewarding to doctor)

William J. Green & Associates is donating $1,000 to Healthcare for the Homeless in Kolb's name.

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