“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
This famous Gandhi quote is one of my favorites, and on the second Wednesday of every month I have the privilege of meeting people who have taken this quote to heart. On “Spotlight” our viewers get to hear first-hand what local Napervillians are doing to make our community a better place.
This month Palma Aikins shared the story of how she started the Naperville Chapter of 100+ Women Who Care. This group comes together just four times a year, and every woman who joins commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Members are invited to put the name of a nonprofit into the hat and three organizations are chosen. A member makes the case for donating to their chosen charity, after which the women vote and pick one. A simple concept, but with big results. Since 2009, this group has donated $191,400 to local charities, which goes to show one should never underestimate the power of passionate women.
Jack Persin, President of Naperville Responds For Our Veterans, will tell you veterans would much rather help other people than raise their hand and ask for help for themselves. However, having served our country, many veterans find themselves in need of some assistance – often due to injuries sustained during active duty. NRFOV assists veterans and their families in need by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor, then coordinating the repairing and building of homes. From ramps, roofs, windows, bathrooms, and more, this dedicated group of volunteers has completed over 30 projects in and around northern Illinois to help area veterans this year.
When you meet Kyle Simari he seems like the typical Naperville teen, good-looking, smart, and articulate; a kid with confidence and purpose. Then you learn he’s a recovering heroin addict – just a little over 10 months clean. He doesn’t place blame. He doesn’t shy away from tough questions. He’s seen many of his friends die from addiction and he credits Tim Ryan, Founder of A Man In Recovery Foundation, for helping him become sober. A recovering addict himself, Tim’s foundation seeks to inform and aid families of addicts, at-risk youth, educators, employers, and legislators about recovery from opiates, especially heroin.
While their missions are varied, these three groups are united in trying to be an agent for positive change in our world. To view their stories and many more, visit http://www.nctv17.com/category/spotlight/.
