Volunteer Biographies
Ivan Young CaresIvan Young has become an indispensible asset for Reston Interfaith programs both in ongoing roles and on an “on-call” basis for over six years. On numerous occasions each year, the Emergency Food Pantry relies on Ivan’s dedication, attention to detail and hard work to organize literally tons of non-perishable food donated during annual collections. In addition, Ivan sets aside his Thursday evenings throughout the school year to tutor 3rd through 7th graders who participate in the Herndon Enrichment Program (HEP). Ivan provides the consistent individual attention these students need in order to excel in school. He is a life-long student and his enthusiasm for the world around him and the people in it is a huge encouragement to the children he tutors. Whether it’s bringing in a globe for the classroom to put 5th grade geography in context, or teaching games such as chess to encourage discipline and focus students’ attention, Ivan pours his love of learning into the students with whom he works.
The Mini Work Camp Cares
The Mini Work Camp, under the leadership of Pat Schambach, has engaged nearly 500 volunteers since it began in 2000. The Camp engages teenagers from St. John Neumann Catholic Church and their friends in completing home repair projects at Reston Interfaith town homes. Adult volunteers lead teen volunteers in the projects while also emphasizing community needs. As Pat explained, “The goal is to teach basic home repair skills to teens in an environment that gives something back to the community, to open their eyes to needs right around us every day and to encourage them that they have the power to make a difference.” Over the years, the Mini Work Camp has constructed terrific decks, porches, ramps and many other projects that have greatly improved the quality of life for families residing in Reston Interfaith’s town homes.
Kathy McGillicuddy Cares
Kathy McGillicuddy coordinates the Laurel Learning Center’s piano program, an integral component of the Center’s school-age programming. Open to all first through sixth graders, the piano program serves approximately 25 children each year, for a total of over 200 children throughout the history of the program. Each of these children, most of whom would not otherwise receive private lessons, benefits immensely as a result of their involvement. The self-discipline they learn through weekly practice sessions, the confidence they build as they progress to more challenging material and the creativity they discover as they try out new musical styles are invaluable assets that will help them to succeed throughout their lives. The results of Kathy’s efforts can be measured in numerous ways – from the beaming smiles on children’s faces as they learn a new song to the number of children who return to the program year after year or to the family members who take time out of their busy schedules to attend the twice annual recitals.
Bill Melvin Cares
Bill Melvin has served in a variety of roles within Reston Interfaith’s programs for the past five years. For the duration of this time, he has led English classes for homeless and low-income adults in Herndon and Reston. Bill’s lessons are known for being hands-on, relevant and most importantly, fun for students. More recently, Bill has served as a front desk assistant at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Each week at the front desk, Bill answers the phones, directs clients to their case managers, and serves as a great help to clients, staff and the community. Bill is very knowledgeable about shelter policies, the resources available to clients, and has wonderful people skills. Whether he is connecting shelter residents with the services they need or teaching adults how to communicate effectively in English, Bill is a catalyst in bringing practical positive change to our community.
Mary and David Supley Foxworth Care
Mary and David Supley Foxworth have shared their time and talents with many Reston Interfaith programs since 2005. They faithfully deliver groceries to elderly and disabled clients each month, participate in each of Reston Interfaith’s annual donation drives, and prepare delicious desserts through their business, MallowDrama for various fundraisers and program celebrations. In addition, Mary’s leadership of the Rucker Memorial Golf Tournament’s silent and live auctions has contributed immensely to the fundraiser’s success. As Marla, who received groceries from Mary and David each month, said, “I am really grateful for the work that Mary and David do. They always come on time and help my daughter organize the food. We are lucky to have them as our volunteers.” Mary and David epitomize the spirit of family volunteerism. Their passion is infectious and they truly stand out for their dedication, innovation and compassion.
Karen Dawn Cares
Karen Dawn became involved with Reston Interfaith in the summer of 2008, immediately investing her considerable talents and energy in providing meaningful health education and programs for residents of the Cedar Ridge and Stonegate communities. As a registered nurse, Karen worked alongside program staff to integrate her goals of implementing positive lifestyle changes with cultural and logistic needs of the two communities. Karen started numerous programs for community residents, including fitness clubs for women and children, a weekly weight loss program, and community garden plot clubs. She did all this as well as leading numerous seminars covering topics such as healthy snacking, managing medication and emergency preparedness. The programs not only show concrete results of improving exercise and promoting healthful food choices, Karen’s energetic spark also excited residents to keep programs going and take on leadership roles themselves.
Volunteer with Reston Interfaith
