Leslie Cook admits that her involvement with Bloomington Girls’ Lacrosse may be a little selfish on her part. She just loves what she does. It was a natural step for her after playing lacrosse in high school and as a club player in college. She learned as many lessons on the field as in the classroom and wanted to share that experience with the girls here on the local team. While watching the girls mature and grow on an off the field during her four years guiding the team, she realized that her experience as a coach with Bloomington Lacrosse had stretched her own skills as well. With the help of a coach mentor, she became a better leader and listener and tapped into her creativity and adaptability. These skills transferred into her work life as well and she has become more confident in her abilities on and off the field. Read more about Leslie and listen to her story of service beginning Monday, Mar. 25. Airing at 7:55 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. on 91.3 and 98.1FM WFHB Community Radio or online at WFHB.org/category/news/activate_/.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Bloomington Pride Girls’ Lacrosse

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Aaron McDonald is a standout volunteer at the Monroe County Solid Waste Recycle And Reuse Center, also known as the recycling center. He participates as a “helper” for anyone loading or unloading their recyclables at the recycling center. Aaron is a student at Bloomington High School South and engages in many opportunities that he is trying out as future potential jobs through the Bloomington South Work Study program. He brings enthusiasm to the position, enjoys helping the environment, and likes to help anyone who needs it. Read more about Aaron and listen to his story of service beginning Monday, Mar. 18. Airing at 7:55 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. on 91.3 and 98.1FM WFHB Community Radio or online at WFHB.org/category/news/activate_/.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Monroe County Solid Waste Recycle and Reuse Center

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

In defiance of his advancing age, Ken Farrell remains a kid at heart. He is a trained actor who got his start in a comedy improv troupe and is well versed in imaginative play. That creative foundation ended up being an ideal match for his volunteering at the IU Campus Children’s Center in the 2-year olds classroom. There are no screens for playtime, just imagination. The Campus Children’s Center provides the Indiana University community with quality year-round early care and education for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years – serving families of IU students, staff, and faculty members. His own children and grandchildren live on the East coast, so having these interactions with the CCC kids is a great way to share some of his grandparent energy here locally. In the end, the intergenerational opportunities at CCC are fun and affirming for everyone!

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

IU Campus Children’s Center (CCC)

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Penny Zufall’s roots run deep in Owen County. She grew up and graduated from high school there in the 1960s during a time of nationwide cultural unrest. After spending some time in Bloomington and eventually retiring in 2005, she has settled back in Owen County and has discovered daily inspiration through her work as a volunteer for the Spencer Pride CommUnity Store. Penny describes the store as a “bridge of diversity” in Owen County. It is a place where anyone can come to shop, use the community space, access resources about the LGBT community, and make connections. It is a safe place for anyone in need. The space was designed to be welcoming – and Penny is the embodiment of that. She is a hugger. She is all emotion and warmth and one of the best things about any visit to the store. With her history in the community, she has become an ambassador for how the community and the community center can work together for everyone.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Spencer Pride and the CommUnity Store

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Phil Stafford has spent his career as a researcher and advocate in the area of aging. Now retired, he has chosen to spend some of his time as a volunteer with the City’s Commission on Aging. The work of the Commission has given him a place to continue his work as a healthy aging advocate. He is a part of making our community more accessible and inclusive of all ages with the Lifetime Communities initiative that is helping to shape the development priorities of our city for years to come. The initiative supports the four pillars of healthy aging: creativity, sense of place, mobility, and health and well being. Phil enjoys the way that the Commission is inclusive of all community members and how many of their projects seek to engage all ages as a way of supporting healthy aging.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

City of Bloomington Commission on Aging

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Christy Langley is a self-professed life-long learner and an advocate for children. She had thought for some time how she could best support children in the community through service and finally found her match in the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program. As a CASA she is able to learn more about the juvenile court system and what services are available to children and families in need in Monroe County. But just as importantly, she is able to serve children and families in need. Christy has found that her service as a CASA has given her the opportunity to expand her perspectives and gain a greater appreciation for the journey that these families take through the system.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Monroe County CASA Inc.

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

As a recreational therapy major at Indiana University, Jacklyn Moleski was looking for a place to practice what she was learning in the classroom. She knew that play is paramount for early childhood development and inclusive play allow children with and without disabilities to interact and learn from each other. Her involvement as a volunteer at Kids Play Gym in Bloomington has was just what she was looking for. She is able to interact with children of all abilities and learn new techniques of interaction and behavior management in this inclusive play space – actually practicing what she is learning at school. Seeing the kids progress is great motivation for her as they grow and learn together. Jacklyn’s volunteer experience at Kids Play Gym has convinced her that she is in the right major and is looking forward to her career ahead.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Kids Play Gym

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Fatherhood can be a bit daunting for anyone. For Micah Heath, as the new father to a baby with Down Syndrome, the unknowns were becoming overwhelming and the questions endless. When Micah and his family moved to Bloomington two years ago for his new position as the principal at Arlington Heights Elementary School, they knew they needed to find a community of families whom they could relate to. They worried about how a new community would accept their son Oliver. Those fears turned into joy when they discovered the Down Syndrome Family Connection. After attending the annual DSFC Buddy Walk, Micah was determined to get more involved. For the past two years, Micah has been a volunteer with Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (DADS). The DADS group is a place where fathers of kids with Down Syndrome can bond and plan gatherings that also act as fundraisers for DSFC programs and camps. It has been inspiring to Micah to be a part of such an accepting community and to now be a resource for other dads.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Down Syndrome Family Connection

D.A.D.S. Group (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Tom Zoss knows the value of a mentor. Now retired, Tom has had many mentors himself and learning experiences throughout his working life that have given him wisdom and perspective that he is now able to share with those just starting out. Bloomington SCORE provides free and confidential business advice and counseling through its volunteers. As a volunteer for SCORE, Tom is able to share his valuable life experience with individuals who are looking to launch a business or nonprofit of their own. Being a SCORE volunteer adds meaning to his life by engaging with new people and contributing to the success of exciting new initiatives here in Bloomington. When walking around Bloomington, he now frequently encounters businesses and organizations that he has had a part in assisting to get up and running.

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

Bloomington SCORE

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.

Joel McMillan moved to the Bloomington Community to work at Crane, but had some extra time in his schedule and was interested in getting more involved in the community beyond his job. When he heard about the new LifeMentor program through LIFEDesigns, he saw an opportunity to meet new people, broaden his perspectives, and connect to someone through a mentoring relationship. Joel relishes his relationship with his mentee Alex. They have built a relationship of trust and each enjoys learning from each other and getting out and trying new things together. Those new experiences include eating persimmon pudding for the first time, watching football together, and shooting zombies! 

FEATURED ORGANIZATION

LIFEDesigns, Inc.  

Activate is a co-production of WFHB Community Radio and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network.