Meet your Hometown Heroes

Melissa Banner is your Hometown Heroes Contest First Prize winner of $20,000 + a 5-night stay at a Hawaiian Hilton.

Melissa Banner Hometown Hero dedicated service, compassionate leadership, and unwavering commitment to her community. With over twenty years of experience working with Broward County Public Schools, Melissa has primarily focused on supporting homeless students and children who have experienced child abuse. Her extensive heartfelt dedication has positioned her as a pillar of hope and support for vulnerable families in her community. Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to identify needs and create impactful programs that address them. One of her most notable achievements is the creation of the Homeless Programs Senior Send Off, which is affectionately called the HEART program. This initiative serves as a lifeline for homeless students, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed academically and personally. A key component of the HEART program- Senior Send Off event, recognizing the importance of transition. Melissa ensures that graduating Seniors begin their post-secondary journey with essentials which include gift cards, dorm essentials, laptops, and printers—things that are crucial for a smooth start in college or trade school. Her efforts not only prepare students for the future but also demonstrate her genuine care and dedication to their success. Melissa’s compassion extends beyond academic support. She founded Heart for the Holidays, a program dedicated to providing Christmas gifts and food to homeless students during the holiday season. This initiative embodies her belief that every child deserves joy and comfort, especially during times of hardship. By organizing distributions of food, clothing, toys, and household essentials, Melissa ensures that no student feels forgotten or left out during festive seasons. Her holiday efforts bring warmth and cheer to children facing unimaginable challenges, reinforcing the message that they are valued and loved. In her pursuit of expanding her outreach, Melissa and her daughter established a nonprofit organization called Local Love Corp. This organization is a testament to her proactive approach to community service and her desire to reach more families in need. Through Local Love Corp., Melissa and her daughter host various events such as food drives at local churches, holiday toy and food distributions, and community gatherings. These events are designed to foster a sense of unity and provide tangible support to families struggling with basic needs. The organization champions the philosophy of love and community, serving with kindness. Compassion and dedication. Melissa extend her reach to senior citizen communities. She has partnered with a local senior care facility, where she offers free notary services, hygiene products, opportunities for companionship and entertainment. This partnership underscores her holistic approach to services, and caring for individuals across different age groups and life circumstances, fostering dignity and respect for all. In summary, what makes Melissa Banner truly admirable is her unwavering commitment to empowering others and making a positive difference in her community. Her innovative programs for students, her heartfelt holiday initiatives, and her ongoing outreach through Local Love Corp demonstrate her exceptional leadership and compassion. Melissa epitomizes what it means to serve with love, integrity, and purpose—a true hero in her community..

Elijah Saleem is your Hometown Heroes Contest Second Prize winner of $10,000.

https://youtu.be/0ynNY0tgK2A

Jorge Rodriguez Marquez is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

Jorge deserves to be a contest winner because he is not just a school bus driver. He loves his job and works to build relationships with the teachers, coaches, students, and parents that he interacts with on a daily basis. He makes sure every student feels safe and welcome on his bus, and that the special needs students he transports have a strong and positive start to their day, whether it's a high five or silly jokes to get them smiling on their way to school. When he takes an athletic team to a game, he tries to wear that school's t-shirt under his uniform and will give them a pep talk to get them pumped up before the game, often ending with his signature word, "Showtime!" He doesn't just stay in his bus either; he makes the effort to watch their games and cheer them on from the sidelines. Recently, because he was there watching the game, he intervened and de-escalated a fight that was brewing between parents in the bleachers. It was a heated game, and a fight broke out on the field. Jorge ran on the field and successfully broke up the fight, and then he convinced the refs to let the clock run down and end the game because it was clear another fight could easily break out. He received the Shared Values Award in the area of Best Staff and High Standards at a school board meeting after that incident. He has also been recognized for administering the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking on his food while he was on campus at Downey High School and there is video of him helping break up a fight in the halls of the high school on another occasion. Even though these things aren't part of his job, his willingness to help in any situation and ensure the safety of his students has made him one of students', parents', and coaches' favorite bus drivers. As if this isn't enough, Jorge is a musician and provides free music presentations for any teacher who asks, especially for the special needs students. He brings his pre-Columbian flutes and other flutes from all over the world to talk about their origins, demonstrate how they are played, and even let some of the kids try them out. He has provided musical performances playing guitar at several of the graduations for the adult transition program and his presence is often specifically requested by the students he has been transporting for years. Outside of his job, he is also active in the Downey community. He is a trained member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a volunteer for the Downey Police Department. As a school bus driver, Jorge could easily just pick up the students and drop them off and do nothing more than that, but his job is more than just a job to him. He cares deeply about his students and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure they are happy and safe and know that they are valued. This is why I believe he deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond.

John Wimbish is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

Dear Union Plus Hometown Heroes Committee, My name is John Wimbish, and I am honored to submit my story for the Union Plus Hometown Heroes Contest. I’ve been a proud union electrician for over 30 years, serving in both the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). I currently work at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia, as a member of IAM Local 709. In 2019, I returned to my hometown of Gay, Georgia—a rural community of just 110 people—to restore the 124-acre family farm that shaped my early life. What began as a personal mission has grown into something much larger: a platform for education, food security, skilled trades awareness, and community connection. My wife—a retired STEM educator and fellow union member—and I have transformed the farm into an interactive space where we welcome over 300 students annually. Through tours and lessons in our outdoor classroom, students engage in hands-on agricultural education, including poultry and pork production, vegetable gardening, and environmental science. Many are visiting a working farm for the first time. We were recently nominated for the “Best of the Best” Education Programming Award by Jack and Jill of America and are proud to host fall field trips and other learning events. With the help of a local church, we also offer a free, week-long Agri-STEM camp, opening doors for underserved youth to explore science through farming. In 2024, we hosted our first Community Day, offering free food, farm tours, and educational activities. More than 100 people attended, including union coworkers and families from across the region. Seeing our hometown community and union family come together in support of shared values was an unforgettable moment. This is truly a family mission. Our sons—one a plumber, the other an active-duty Army captain—regularly participate in the work we do on the farm. Whether they’re fixing irrigation lines, mentoring youth, or helping with harvests, they carry on our belief that service, skilled trades, and community engagement are lifelong commitments. In addition to education and outreach, we collaborate with local farmers and a faith-based food bank, donating produce to help combat food insecurity in our area. And through my ongoing work with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), I mentor young men entering the trades, passing on the union values that shaped my own career. Union life taught me that leadership isn’t always loud—it’s steady, it shows up, and it builds others up. Whether I’m wiring aircraft, planting crops, or mentoring a future tradesman, I carry those values with me every day. Being recognized as a Union Plus Hometown Hero would be a true honor—for my family, my union brothers and sisters, and the town and farm that continue to inspire everything I do. In solidarity, John Wimbish Union Electrician – 30-Year Member UAW & IAM Local 709 Lockheed Martin – Marietta, GA Gay, Georgia

Thomas Pieczkolon is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

https://d2ndy3xguswqvu.cloudfront.net/entries/1186716/7394022a-b825-4774-84ed-35549f846019/original.mp4

Kevin Quiles is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

3 towns, 4 organizations, 20 years. My dad, a stateworker by day and youth sports coach at night, has powered both the infrastructure and spirit of communities. He is the embodiment of hard work and humility. While maintaining roadways for a living, he is dedicated to mentoring inner-city youth through sports and mentorship. My dad's work as a CDL Maintainer 2 involves landscaping, groundskeeping, snow removal, and operating machinery to repair and upkeep Connecticut's highways, roads, and public spaces. When storms hit, he’s one of the first people on the roads and works long hours in extreme conditions. He’s the person out there when everyone else is grateful they’re not. Though the physical work is tough, he takes pride in his work. But what makes my father a true hero happens after hours, when he trades his uniform and steel boats for a clipboard and pair of sneakers. Since 2005, he has volunteered as a youth basketball and baseball coach with Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL), a non profit organization in a populous and underserved community. When BCYL first launched, he was one of the first people to volunteer for the organization and stepped up as my coach for the co-ed baseball team. And while I grew older and moved on, he never left. Over time, he helped expand BCYL’s athletic programs by launching the first travel baseball team in 2017. In 2019, he was asked to manage the basketball program as the developmental coordinator. That same year, he was the first person to create AAU and travel basketball teams, which became the organization's biggest hit. He has recruited kids from all over the county to join their league. Because of him, 15 students earned high school scholarships to private schools and 10 others received BCYL sponsored college scholarships. Yet, his dedication isn’t limited to just one place. He volunteered at Sterling House from 2006–2018, coaching soccer and basketball. In 2016, he was awarded the Debby Diaz Sportsmanship Award after parents nominated him for being an exceptional mentor. He also coached sports at the community center from 2013–2016 and briefly with the Police Athletic League (PALS). What started as simple volunteering grew into something much deeper. My dad never expected it to take him as far as being certified in CPR/First Aid and mandated reporter training. Coaching was never just about sports for my father, but was his way of giving back to the community that raised him. He would tell me, “We didn’t have programs like this when I was growing up, but if we did my life would have been much different. So, if I can make a difference in at least one young person’s life, then that’s a start to a stronger community”. He understands firsthand the socioeconomic barriers these kids face and how having access to safe spaces and mentorship is so important. He has shown hundreds of children that someone believes in them and they are capable of a future beyond the limitations of their circumstances. He has given these kids a place to feel seen, challenged, and valued. He simply shows up. Every practice, every game, every season, for 20 years. My dad is a working-class hero who has dedicated his life to serving others, both on the roads and on the court. He is living proof that you just need heart and passion. In every roadway and every kid who dares to dream bigger because of a coach who believed in them, my father's legacy lives on. He found a way to keep people safe and towns connected… literally and figuratively.

Cory Chesser is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

A Vision Beyond Sight: Honoring My Dad’s Strength and Service When people think of heroes, they often imagine someone in a cape or uniform. But my hero wears work boots, carries a blind stick, and hasn’t let blindness stop him from being a beacon of light for others. My dad may have lost his sight mostly, but he never lost his purpose. In fact, he found a new one, helping others overcome their own challenges, just like he did. My dad worked with his hands all his life. He was the first to show up and the last to leave. Whether he was training a new hire or helping a co-worker fix something off the clock, people relied on him — not just for his skills, but for his heart. When he began to lose his vision due to a degenerative eye disease, we all feared it would be the end of the career and life he loved. But instead, it was the beginning of a whole new journey. Rather than letting his blindness define what he couldn’t do, my dad focused on what he could. He learned how to navigate the world in new ways, from walking with a stick to using adaptive tools and technology. He worked tirelessly to regain his independence — not for recognition, but for his dignity. And along the way, he started helping others who were newly blind or disabled, sharing tips, encouragement, and most importantly, hope. He began helping through a blind school that supports people with vision loss, and soon became a mentor to many. He’s the first call people make when they’re scared or frustrated. He helps me figure out my own problems. Even when I’m at my lowest. What’s most amazing is that he does all of this without expecting anything in return! At home, he remains the rock of our family. He still finds ways to fix things around the house — often by feel or creative thinking. He helps my younger brother with yard work, listens with patience, and teaches us the values of grit and gratitude. He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t make excuses. He just keeps going, one step at a time, showing us what real strength looks like. His impact at work hasn’t ended either. While he could no longer do the exact job he once had, he stayed connected with his friends. He advocates for accessibility on the job and works with local leadership to ensure that all workers — regardless of disability — have a voice. He’s a reminder to everyone around him that challenges don’t make you weaker — they can make you stronger and more compassionate. Dad’s story isn’t just about overcoming blindness. It’s about transforming loss into leadership, and hardship into humanity. He embodies everything this award stands for: quiet dedication, extraordinary resilience, and the kind of impact that ripples through a community. He doesn’t seek applause. But I think it’s time he got it anyway. He’s changed lives mostly mine, not with sight, but with vision. And I believe he deserves to be recognized, not just as a man who beat the odds, but as someone who continues to make the world a better place, one person at a time.

Hamaas Ibrahim is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

Hamaas Ibrahim has dedicated his life to uplifting communities across Lake County and Greater Chicago. His volunteer journey with the UMMA Center began in 2004 when he started teaching GED classes to adult learners, helping countless individuals pursue education and better employment opportunities. Over the years, he expanded his role by organizing service drives, supporting outreach programs, and launching initiatives to meet residents’ evolving needs. In 2019, Hamaas joined the UMMA Center’s Board of Directors and was soon elected Board President. By 2024, he became Executive Director. Under his leadership, the UMMA Center significantly expanded its capacity to serve thousands annually with food assistance, educational programs, and social services. His mission is clear: to unite, uplift, and empower the community through compassionate and impactful work. Hamaas’ dedication extends beyond the UMMA Center. As a board member of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), he strengthened collaboration among member organizations and advanced initiatives benefiting the broader Chicagoland Muslim community. He also served on the board of Zaat Chicago, supporting Syrian refugees and displaced families through direct services and advocacy. A proud member of Plumbers Local 130 for 28 years, Hamaas has spent over 17 of those years training apprentices and journey-level plumbers as an instructor. For the past four years, he has also taught nationally for the United Association (UA). His passion for the skilled trades is matched by his commitment to empowering young people. Representing Local 130, he regularly attends high school and community job fairs, introducing students to careers in the trades and opportunities in union membership. Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, Hamaas has devoted over a decade to coaching basketball and flag football at the Waukegan Park District. In 2015, his excellence as a coach was recognized when he received the Coach of the Year Award for his work with the Junior Bulldogs Basketball and Flag Football Leagues. His dedication and ability to build strong, positive relationships with players were instrumental to the programs’ success. In 2016, the Illinois Association of Park Districts honored him with the Good Sportsmanship Award for exemplifying fairness and integrity in youth athletics. Hamaas’ commitment to service and social justice has earned him multiple honors. He received the prestigious MLK Drum Major Award for his impactful contributions, and in 2020, Waukegan Township presented him with the Drum Major Award during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamers’ Awards Breakfast. This rare honor is given to those who exemplify Dr. King’s vision of leadership and community upliftment through exceptional service in faith, business, or public office. What truly sets Hamaas apart is his unique ability to bridge his passion for union work with his deep commitment to community service. Whether he is preparing the next generation of plumbers, guiding young people toward fulfilling careers, or helping families access essential resources, he demonstrates service, leadership, and empowerment in everything he does. Through his decades of work with Plumbers Local 130, the UMMA Center, CIOGC, Zaat Chicago, and various community initiatives, Hamaas has touched countless lives and strengthened the very fabric of our community. His tireless efforts have created lasting, positive change for individuals and families across the region. Hamaas Ibrahim embodies the spirit of a true Hometown Hero. Recognizing his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to empowering others with the Hometown Hero Award would honor not only his achievements but also the countless lives he has inspired and uplifted.

Brian Holtslander is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

https://d2ndy3xguswqvu.cloudfront.net/entries/1186716/6b6ba6df-c5c7-49ba-80cd-f5a6e8b3dab4/original.mp4

Tammie Dobbins is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

https://d2ndy3xguswqvu.cloudfront.net/entries/1186716/de523ef9-396f-462c-a959-76851f4589b3/original.mp4

Darrell Wood is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

Darrell Wood is the embodiment of quiet power and purpose—an extraordinary force doing remarkable things, not for the applause, but for the healing of others. As a union member, cancer survivor, and the Founder and CEO of Cues for Cancer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Darrell channels personal pain into a source of strength and hope for others—especially those in the performing arts community affected by cancer. At work, Darrell is a federal contract specialist who ensures that government resources are used with integrity, equity, and transparency. Beyond the cubicle, they serve on multiple DEIA leadership boards, including CMS PRIDE and the Pride in Federal Service Steering Committee, advocating fiercely for LGBTQIA+ employees and equitable workplace policies. Their advocacy is not performative; it’s transformative—impacting workplace culture at the federal level while offering a beacon of courage to others who often feel unseen. But it is Darrell’s community work that pulses with heart. After surviving testicular cancer, they founded Cues for Cancer to bring light to others on dark stages. Through handmade chemo beanies, uplifting theatrical performances, and outreach rooted in empathy, Darrell reaches children, artists, and families walking the harrowing path of illness. Every stitch they weaves carries a message: you are not alone. Darrell doesn’t wait for change—they create it. They lead with tenderness and resilience, often putting others’ needs above their own. They’ve turned trauma into triumph, broken glass into stained glass, and grief into glittering growth. Whether mentoring LGBTQIA+ youth, lobbying for inclusive legislation, or simply listening to a colleague in need, Darrell leads by example: grounded, generous, and glowing with purpose. They don’t boast. They build. And for that, they deserve to be celebrated—not just for what they’ve endured, but for what they inspire in others. Impact: Life-saving advocacy, community healing, and federal-level equity reform. Memorability: A stage performer who turned cancer survival into a movement of hope. Clarity: This is what a hero looks like in everyday clothes. Darrell Wood doesn’t just power America—they uplift it. Let’s give them the recognition they humbly refuse but deeply deserve.

Daqueen Monroe is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

DaQueen Monroe’s story is one of unwavering love, unshakable strength, and the kind of courage that doesn’t just lift one life—it lifts an entire community. When her son Shaquan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and became non-verbal, DaQueen entered unfamiliar and often isolating territory. Resources were scarce. Answers were few. Support was hard to find—especially for families in urban, underserved communities like hers. But rather than be defeated by the system, DaQueen became a student of it. She asked hard questions, faced even harder realities, and refused to accept a world where her son—or any child like him—was excluded. With no roadmap in hand but her own determination, DaQueen founded The Autism Project – FOR THE LOVE OF SHAQUAN (TAP-FLOS) in 2012. What began with a single community event has grown into a nonprofit organization that now serves hundreds of families across Yonkers and Westchester County. Her mission is simple but powerful: No parent should feel isolated. No child should be left out. DaQueen Monroe is not only the founder of TAP-FLOS—she is it's heart. She has created inclusive spaces where children on the autism spectrum can laugh, play, and connect. Through partnerships with local agencies such as the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) and the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), TAP-FLOS provides educational workshops, advocacy training, and practical support for families navigating the complex world of special education and services. But beyond the programs and partnerships, it’s DaQueen’s personal touch that defines her heroism. She leads with love, listens with empathy, and celebrates every milestone—no matter how small. Her joy is contagious, and her belief in the potential of every child is unwavering. What makes DaQueen a true Hometown Hero is that she didn't just rise from adversity—she turned her struggle into a lifeline for others. She didn’t wait for change. She became the change. And in doing so, she built something powerful: a community where families feel supported, children feel valued, and inclusion is more than just a word—it’s a way of life. Today, TAP-FLOS continues to grow, offering everything from inclusive community events and recreational programs to support groups and life skills workshops. DaQueen is still at the front—welcoming families, mentoring parents, and reminding every person she meets that they are not alone. All while working full - time as a classroom aide for Yonkers Public Schools. DaQueen Monroe is more than a mother. More than a founder. More than a leader. She is a light for families who once lived in the shadows. That’s what makes her a true Hometown Hero.

Robert Negrete is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

For over 10 years I have put together BBQ fundraisers in my community to help families lay their loved ones to rest,Help with medical bills,Help the community's local teen center and most importantly provide an outpouring of love compassion into our community.I recently purchased a 500 gallon smoker that holds up to 40 racks of st. Luis style pork ribs.The process takes away from my busy schedule with planning ,shopping,prepping and an early 2am start od the fire box there is no room for error.The rub is made from scratch i have maintained the same recipe for over 15 years a lil of this a lil of that and a whole lot of love!Low and slow for 3-4 hours spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes and rotating the slabs of ribs.at about 4 hours the ribs are pulled out and wrapped in foil with additional rub bbq sauce honey and brown sugar .after about an hour the ribs are un wrapped placed over direct flame and sauced up for about 10 -15 minutes. By this time the time is approaching and social.media and word of mouth brings in an out pouring of support 11am to about 2:30 and its sold out.We count up the cash and present the family for whom we are hoping with a few words of encouragement love and support and pass over the stack of cash we have made 17,000.00 on the best day.And it sure feels good that we can help out family when they are in need.

Paul Venti | is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

My union brother and dear friend Paul Venti is truly a force of nature! He is pure optimism, empathy, and energy. As an active union member, he volunteered his time in many different union positions such as Executive Board and running charity drives. But it was after he retired that he really took off! The list of organizations he volunteers with is never ending such as “The Missions of Mercy” that has large weekend long free dental clinic several times a year in Ct. Thousands of people have their dental problems handled for free, no questions asked. He has been on their board of directors for many years until recently. He also was the driving force to memorialize our local brothers that died in the Kleen Energy Power Plant explosion in 2010. Paul has then organized a yearly memorial and contacts our senators and representatives, local firefighters, police unions, and the press. A year has not gone by, the memorial has not been attended by all, and he still stays in contact with all our departed brothers' families. I know there are so many more organizations he volunteers with, but his biggest project by far is his nonprofit organization "Fighting the Good Fight Against Hunger and Homelessness." He started it when he moved to Florida after retirement because he saw how the homeless were invisible to most there, and it hurt him to see them abandoned. There were no services at all to help them, so he started making sandwiches and visiting homeless camps. He would sit and talk and really see them as fellow humans. He then compiled some of these stories into a book "Fighting the Good Fight Against Hunger and Homelessness" which he sells on Amazon to raise money for this cause. Paul moved back to Connecticut and continues his fight for the homeless and hungry here. He sells Union pins online which many collect, to raise money for his cause. Many unions across the country donate pins, goods, and money towards this wonderful organization. They all know Paul through his good works whether volunteering and going to disaster areas to help any way he can or speaking to unions on homelessness and hunger causes. I could go on and on, Paul's Facebook page has many pictures of the people that he has met either through helping his organization or through his volunteering. He is truly a wonderful, incredibly special, and unique human being, and I am so immensely proud to call him my dear friend!

Mike Madden | AFGE Local 3347 is your Hometown Heroes Contest Third Prize winner of $2,000.

Mike retired from the US Environmental Protection Agency since 2021. I am still a member of AFGE Local 3347 located in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. While employed, I served the Local’s members primarily as Chief Steward for approximately twenty years. Besides participating in grievances and arbitrations, I considered educating the Local's members about their contract, federal laws, and polices as the most important responsibility in caring for the members; the knowledge imparted helped prevent potential management abuse because supervisors were aware that the members knew their employment rules. An overarching goal that my wife, an elementary school teacher (and member of the NC Association of Educators), and I have had through 38 years of marriage is that we have attempted to not let what a lot of society deems “unwanted” stay unwanted in several aspects of our lives. For instance, we tend to buy furniture and clothes that is used from thrift stores so that it does not go into landfills prematurely as well as wasting resources (which may explain why I gravitated to the EPA for employment). We also have taken in lesser desirable shelter cats, generally the older ones, to give them a good home, though I admit some street strays have walked up to us after spotting us as suckers. Most importantly, we have adopted three children who were classified in the “difficult to adopt” category, and offered them a permanent and loving home. They had a variety of problems at the time of adoption and were not as wanted as e.g., a healthy newborn. The ages of two of them (7 and 3 yr old) were not desirable to most adopting families. Additionally one had cerebral palsy and was profoundly deaf, the second was moderately deaf, physically stunted, and had intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD). Our last child was physically fine, but was a Caucasian-African American child, which in the mid 1990’s in North Carolina was not as adoptable as a Caucasian child. Our children have grown up with family supports and have opportunities to be an active part of their communities and not be placed in institutions where social interactions would be limited and their development having fewer chances to expand. Their communities benefit as well from their holding jobs and being able to enjoy their talents. Our household must be so wonderful that one child has returned to live with us! I also have helped bring other IDD individuals into mainstream sports activities as an unpaid volunteer coach with Orange County Special Olympics for over 25 years now. I coach programs year-round, which encompasses being head coach for soccer, swimming, softball, basketball, and track. I may be getting too old to help the track athletes as they have chided me I have old man running speed and cannot keep up. Special Olympics provides an opportunity to get many athletes out of group homes not only to keep in shape but to socialize with each other and the volunteers. I have served as an unpaid volunteer for the Board of the Arc of Orange County as eventually President. I then remained as Board President as we merged with the Arc organizations associated with Raleigh and Durham into the Arc of the Triangle which required writing new bylaws, dealing with logistical issues, and increasing fundraising. I used the Arc to advocate for those with IDD, overseeing program development that allowed IDD individuals into community activities. I believe my activities have allowed individuals who would have been minimized in my community into the mainstream with a warm welcome.