When Christine Lopez woke up Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, she didn’t expect the day to be so life-changing; literally upside down.

It started as a nearly perfect day in East Los Angeles. The sun was shining, a light breeze, barely a cloud in the sky. Christine and her five-year-old Leilani spent most of the morning looking for a special gift at the mall.

Around one o’clock in the afternoon, Christine decided it was time to head home. With Leilani buckled into her car seat enjoying a snack, she got behind the wheel of her SUV. She queued up Leilani’s favorite playlist, and headed for the nearest intersection.

The mother and daughter laughed and sang along to the music while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. When it finally did, Christine lifted her foot off the brake pedal, started to make a left turn — and then it happened…

In the blink of an eye, Christine’s wonderful day turned into a nightmare. A vehicle ran the red light and broadsided the Lopez family at 40 miles per hour. The smaller gas-electric hybrid impacted the SUV’s rear passenger side door and quarter panel, causing it to spin around several times and ultimately flip over.

When the glass, metal, and plastic stopped flying and the dust settled, they were upside down and facing the wrong way in oncoming traffic on a heavily-traveled street.

“I must have lost consciousness for a moment or two, but once I came around, Leilani was all I could think about,” Christine recalled. “I was upside down, and the car was eerily silent. I was afraid to look back. But when I did, I saw my daughter’s smiling face staring back at me. She was also hanging upside down in her car seat — safe and sound — giggling, ‘I’m upside down, mommy. Wheeee. That was fun,’ just like she had just been on an amusement park ride or something.”

Montebello Police Officer Oscar Chavez was the first emergency responder to reach the crash site and was surprised to find no one seriously hurt.

"Not many people walk-away from such a wreck unscathed. Whenever there’s an overturned vehicle or car on its side, we expect the worst, often finding a severely injured person or persons inside the vehicle,” shared Officer Chavez. “But that wasn’t the case here. We don’t normally see a motorist involved in this serious of a collision walk away without a scratch, especially a child. It was amazing, and says a lot about proper use of restraints.”

Most would say Christine and her daughter were lucky, that fate was on their side that day. But Christine was also smart. Had she not been practicing what she learned from a child passenger safety seat inspection undergone a few days prior, the outcome could’ve been much different.

Just four days before and at the urging of a close friend in the California Highway Patrol, Christine decided to attend a child passenger safety/safety seat inspection event in her neighborhood sponsored by State Farm®.

Ninety-six percent of parents like Christine, roll up to an inspection station confident that the seats protecting their kids are installed and being used correctly.

Fajardo says most people don’t. “Some seats get passed down from kid to kid, borrowed from family members, or purchased at second hand stores, yard sales or thrift stores,” she explained. “We don’t recommended secondhand seats because you never know what you’re going to get. The effects of wear and tear or other environmental factors over the years could’ve compromised the straps, plastic, or locking mechanisms.”

During the inspection, Fajardo made one other change: she moved Leilani’s seat from the passenger side to the center of the back seat.

While sitting in the middle isn’t a safety requirement, it worked for Christine since Leilani was generally the only rear seat passenger – and as luck would have it, this was the reason Leilani wasn’t sitting by the door that was struck four days later.

After the evaluation was complete, Christine was a bit frustrated but grateful. Officer Fajardo replaced her expired booster seat with a smaller safety seat with a five point harness. Then, taught Christine how to install it and how to properly restrain Leilani in it.

“It was intense and humbling, learning that I was putting my daughter at risk,” admits Christine.

While the child safety seat played a pivotal role for Leilani, it wasn’t the only passenger safety restraint at work in this case. The seat belt and airbags played critical roles, too. It quite possibly saved Christine’s life.

It’s been ten years since Christine and Leilani dangled upside down on Montebello Boulevard.

While the physical bumps and bruises have all healed, the memories still linger.

“Every time we drive by that intersection, Leilani says, ‘Remember what happened here, Mommy?’ I say, ‘How can I forget, baby.’”

Leilani, now almost sixteen, like many teens, has no urge to drive herself. She’s more than content letting her mom stay behind the wheel.

Christine still wonders what could have happened if she had stayed in bed on October 22, rather than go to the child seat inspection.

“What if Leilani’s seat hadn’t been replaced?” wonders Christine. “What if her seat was anchored in the passenger side rear seat at the time of the collision? What if I hadn’t buckled up properly? Would we still be alive?”

What if, indeed.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. It's more than a slogan; it's who we are.

For the past 100 years, we've made it our mission to restore lives, help rebuild neighborhoods, invest in communities, and support education and safety initiatives – like car seat safety - where we live and work. It's what being a good neighbor is all about. 

Here are their stories...

Aria the American Bull Dog

Wanting a family dog is a common request from kids and the Terraneau crew was no different. Josh Terraneau, Riverside, CA State Farm agent, and his wife decided it was finally time and brought the whole family to the shelter to find their new family member, an adorable puppy.

"The moment our family walked through the local shelter and met Aria...it was kismet," said Josh. "My youngest son was 18 months at the time and Aria began sniffing him. It was obvious there was a natural connection and curiosity to one another."

The family asked if Aria could be let outside to play to see if they were a good fit. Josh describes the moment of seeing Aria running around the yard as witnessing the dog "blossoming." At that moment, the Terraneau family knew they had found their puppy.

As the one year anniversary of Aria's adoption nears, Josh shares, "I cannot imagine my family without her. She's just such a big part of our family"

Santa Paws and Fido

A passionate owner of five dogs and an advocate for dogs and safety, Linda Newell, a San Diego, CA State Farm agent, works hard to educate her community. She teams up with local veterinary offices and school educators to teach children about dogs. She distributes an activity book, Fido! Friend or Foe to the children.

"I love meeting the members of my community – the dogs and their owners," said Linda."And it's so important to teach the kids about dogs and how to be safe."

Linda also teams up with Santa Paws during the holidays. Together they provide her new customers, who are dog owners, with doggie goodie bags, and the opportunity to get a holiday photo with their pets.

Hundreds of people take advantage of this unique opportunity including a local military wife whose husband was deploying in a few days. The special picture gave her family comfort while her husband was overseas serving our country during the holidays.

The Playful Golden Retriever

State Farm Agent Shea Ferraro describes his golden retriever, O'Malley, as a friendly dog who loves people and the pool. He attributes her friendliness to early socialization with other dogs and people. Since an early age, O'Malley would frequent dog parks, dog beaches, and dog-friendly restaurants. During the summer, you can find O'Malley swimming in their pool. O'Malley enjoys catching a ball in her mouth, and then placing her head on the ledge of the pool. She waits there until someone is ready to toss her the ball for hours of endless fun.

Kensie the Pit Bull

Kensie the pit bull was shaking in fear in the animal shelter. Fortunately, Rob Bills, a Mission Viejo, CA State Farm agent, was with his family looking to adopt a new dog. Rob already was the owner of two loyal pit bulls and he knew he could give Kensie the home she deserved.

"She appeared physically and emotionally wounded," shared Rob. "She only weighed 30 pounds; very underweight for her age and size."

After years of caring for his new family member, Kensie weighs 50 pounds and trusts humans again. Rob says caring for three dogs is a great deal of work, but it's also "wonderful and very rewarding."

While walking your dog with a retractable leash, Rob Bills suggests owners be mindful of releasing the leash too suddenly.

He has observed face-to-face dog confrontations that could pose safety concerns for dogs who are still in training or are not yet socialized. Instead, Rob suggests dog owners talk first to determine whether the dogs can meet and play.

Owner of two dogs, State Farm Agent Andy Popka stresses the importance of getting to know your pet. In particular, by learning his dog Rowdy's body language, he knew which situations Rowdy perceived as threatening. For example, Rowdy used to run to a specific dog bed at their home any time he saw a person wearing a hat and sunglasses. Learning these signs from Rowdy, and their other dog, enabled Andy to tailor their training.

Insuring the underdog and more

"All dogs can be 'great dogs,' regardless of breed, if they are properly cared for, loved and trained," stated Agent Rob Bills.

State Farm determines risk based on a dog's bite history rather than breed. Thus, State Farm does not exclude insuring households solely based on breed.

Interested in reading more about dogs and State Farm, click here to enjoy a Huffington Post blog, Insuring the Underdog.

Trees are the lungs of the earth. Without them, we couldn’t survive. And our trees-our earth-are at risk. Trees improve our air quality by removing pollution from the atmosphere and giving us clean, fresh air to breathe.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, more than half of all Americans depend on forest watersheds for drinking water.

The Blaze of Wildfires

Sadly, forest fires and infestation can take away many benefits trees provide to human and environmental health.

As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. Some human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava.

Nebraska’s One Million Acre Forest

When you think of Nebraska, football and corn may come to mind. But trees should too. In 2006 and 2012, 50,000 trees were burned in forest fires caused by lightning in the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. Burning the Bald Eagle’s and other animal’s habitats. A combined 86,000 acres were burned according to the Arbor Day Foundation. The damage was so bad natural regeneration is not possible, leaving reforestation in human hands.

The Future of Trees

The US Forest Service strives to replicate the natural diversity of trees through its plantings in forests nationwide. Like humans, trees need air to breathe and sunshine, water, and food to grow. Trees fight to stay alive just like humans do. Trees will adapt to change, but forests need to be replanted in order for the adaptation to occur.

The Celebration of Arbor Day

Arbor Day originated 144 years ago by Nebraska pioneer J. Sterling Morton. It is an annual observance celebrating the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

Whether trees provide a backyard swing for your children or a nesting place for diverse habitat, the future of trees is in jeopardy. Without aggressive replanting efforts there will be no seed source to reestablish this unique ecosystem. Replanting trees today will benefit generations to come.

State Farm® is doing their part. The insurance company, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, sponsored the replanting of 30,000 trees over the last 3 years.

“Our forests are part of the long and important legacy of the people and the land of our country,” said Matt Harris, Arbor Day Foundation chief executive. “Thanks to State Farm’s commitment, thousands of trees will be planted to help clean the air, protect water resources, and restore habitat and beauty to forests that have suffered devastation.”

Harris hopes others follow in State Farm’s footsteps. Take a stand with our trees. If interested in supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, donate today and share this story about the importance of trees with family and friends.

Special thanks and photo credit to: Arbor Day Foundation; Bessey Nursery; Dan Morrow; Brad Brandt; US Forest Service; Cydney Janssen; Chris Fankhauser; Diane Clark, Jessica Espinoza, and Moni Hourt from Crawford Clipper; State Farm agents Randy Bauer and Bob Alcorn

My voice is strong

Knowing what I know now I would never have gone

Into the arms of a man who had never grown

As Dawn read aloud her poem, her words were punctuated by painful sounds only she could hear: a car door slamming, tires screeching. She offered to share her story, “Because by doing so I can help to break the cycle of abuse.”

Violence comes home

Not long after her marriage, Dawn began to notice frightening changes in her husband’s behavior. “He would come home from work and you could just feel the tension,” she says. “Suddenly you had a drill sergeant in the house.”

“All of us, but especially the children, experienced a lot of verbal and physical abuse,” Dawn continued. “My older kids (from a previous marriage) were only seven and eight then, but he whipped them and made them do push-ups to punish them. He tied my son to the bed with plastic handcuffs. It was like a nightmare.”

This part of Dawn’s story reached its end on a quiet Saturday morning in San Antonio, Texas. Dawn’s husband was already in a rage.

“I don’t like to argue, so I just let him talk,” she says. “Then I walked outside to get something out of the car and he followed and jumped into the driver’s seat. I was reaching into the passenger’s side of the car, with our two-year-old son on my hip, when he slammed the car in reverse. I thought he was going to run us over so I took off for the house and locked the door.”

As Dawn’s husband pounded on their patio door, she waited for the police. “That was the last straw,” she says. “I packed a duffel bag of things and we never looked back.”

No more bullying or fights before my sight . . .

Finding hope and the right help

After moving to St. Louis, Mo., Dawn found family support and the strength to begin a new life. She connected with Family Resource Center’s Redevelopment Opportunities for Women (ROW) programs.

ROW is a comprehensive set of programs providing the tools domestic violence survivors need to regain control of their lives and break the cycle of abuse and financial hardship. ROW's Economic Action program, supported by State Farm, includes financial literacy, budgeting, saving, credit counseling, as well as a variety of family and emotional counseling support services.

“Dawn is definitely a survivor,” says Suvekshya Joshi, a former ROW Family and Economic Advocate. “She took our parenting and finance classes and qualified for our Individual Development Account (IDA) program. She put her job earnings into a special account where we matched her savings two-for-one so she could purchase a car. Now we meet regularly to work on budgeting, and then we talk about her children.”

The toll of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse has a profoundly widespread, damaging effect. In the U.S. alone, more than 38 million women have experienced physical violence from partners. (CDC). Men who were exposed to domestic violence as children are three to four times more likely to commit it themselves as adults. (Source: World Health Organization).

Financial hardship plays a large role in perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Eighty-five percent of women who leave an abusive relationship return (Forbes), with financial issues being a leading factor in those decisions. Studies have shown women who connect to programs such as ROW are better able to leave their abusive relationships and feel safer, more independent, and more in control of their own lives. (Huffington Post)

Strength finds a new home

My bruises are gone

My thoughts are clear

My inspiration is always near . . .

Looking into those little eyes gave me hope

Dawn’s children have been in counseling for depression, but they are doing well, she says. “My kids keep me motivated. They see how I struggle with finances and keeping our family together, but I tell them, ‘As long as I have air in my lungs, I am going to keep on fighting.’”

And fight she will – not just for herself, but for all women. “My dream,” she says proudly, “is to open a non-profit to help women return to independence after living with an abuser.”

My name is Strength.

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, please seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

It’s 2:30 a.m., and the doorbell rings. Lori Stutts answers the door, knowing deep down it can’t be good news.

The deputy coroner is at the door. She tells Lori the worst news imaginable. Her son, Zach Maurer, 22, had died.

She tells her it was a single vehicle crash that happened late the night before. Airlifted to the local hospital, they tried everything, but they couldn’t save Zach.

September 20, 2005, is a day Lori will never forget.

Facts: Zach’s blood alcohol level was .165, close to three times over the legal limit in Colorado, which is .06. He was not wearing his seat belt. He was traveling between 75-85 MPH, entering a curve with a speed limit of 30 MPH.

“When something bad happens you have choices—let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you; be a victim or a victor,” she shares.

Lori chose the latter—be a victor and let the tragic loss of her only child strengthen her.

“After Zach's death, it would have been easy to just lay down and give up. But soon after the crash, I knew I had to live and share the story with the goal of telling others to think about the choices they make before getting behind the wheel," Lori explained.

She reached out to a local safety coalition, Drive Smart Weld County, which is supported by State Farm, to get involved in their teen driver safety program. Since 2006, Lori has served as one of the program’s most impactful volunteer speakers.

She chose to share her experience to teach others. She speaks to local teenagers about their choices before getting behind the wheel.

Lori uses her platform to tell teen audiences, “You are special and loved, you matter to this world; AND your choices affect everyone around you.”

Lori donated Zach’s car to the safety coalition. It was mounted onto a trailer with a storyboard. Over the years, she has traveled to schools throughout Weld County (3,900 square miles). At times, towing his car, to tell the story to students, teachers and parents.

Lori’s survival strength is evident in the delivery of her message. Students sit silently, listening and viewing pictures of Zach before the crash, news clips and the car after the crash.

Afterward, as students file out of the room, many stop to give her comforting hugs.  Lori will never know how many lives she has saved or changed because of her son’s story. However, if just one teen’s mind was changed, she knows the years of sharing her message of love, strength and choices, was worth it.

En Español

The number of orphaned children in the world is shocking. After going on several mission trips to Central America, Eric Teets and Michael Hawley, knew there was more they could do to help these children.

“Central America has one of the highest numbers of orphaned children,” says Eric, State Farm leader in Florida. “Most of them have been abandoned and many have gone through some horrific things.”

Compelled to do more after each trip, Eric and Michael, an agency specialist, started Living127, a non-profit in 2013. Living127 supports more than 400 children in 11 homes located in five Latin American countries.

“I spoke with several people who were working in orphanages in Latin America,” says Eric about starting the organization. “Through Living127, we provide personal hygiene items, school supplies, and musical instruments for orphaned children. This allows the orphanages to reallocate their budget for other things, such as additional staffing, building improvements, and housing more children. Plus, 100 percent of individual donations go toward purchasing supplies for the children.”

Living127 supports orphanages in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. “One orphanage in Guatemala and one in Panama care solely for children with special needs,” Eric adds. “We also purchase 99 percent of our supplies in the host country which helps support their economy.”

“The most meaningful part of what I do is being involved in something that is far bigger than me,” shared Michael. “I believe in uniting with others to do something you may not be able to do on your own. None of this would be possible without the help and support of others. We are part of something so much bigger than us. We are seeing a difference, and it’s exciting.”

The small group of two to three volunteers visits each location twice a year.

“Residencia de Vida opened a second home and hopes to add a third later this year,” Eric explains. “We want to help these homes grow to provide these children a stable environment. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve consistently had clean clothing, food and been able to attend school.

“Living127 helps keep life in perspective,” Eric adds. “No matter what kind of day I have, when I think of these children, my problems become small. There is no greater joy than spending time with them.”

“This wall is outside an all-boys home in a violent neighborhood in the Dominican Republic,” says Sales Leader Eric Teets. “When the boys step out of the home this is the first thing they see. The statement is: I can change the future. It reminds them to have hope.”

En Español

It was 1980. A group of Chicago community activists wanted to improve the city’s neighborhoods. So they took a little trip down Interstate 55.

The group hopped on a bus and headed south. They saw everything from skyscrapers to miles of corn fields along the way.

Two hours later they were at their destination. State Farm Headquarters in Bloomington, IL

Volunteers poured out of the bus expecting a peaceful demonstration. They wanted the biggest insurer to join their efforts in strengthening Chicago communities.

“It was quite a twist of fate. We were pleasantly surprised by the warm and respectful welcome,” shared Bruce Gottschall. In 1975, Bruce founded Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS). This organization was formed to address the deterioration of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

“All parties agreed to continue an open dialogue in the future,” Bruce continued. “We were hopeful for a strong relationship with State Farm.”

This new relationship allowed State Farm to connect with Chicago’s communities at a grassroots level. They heard first-hand about the wants and the needs of community-conscious homeowners.

“35 years and millions of donated dollars later, the relationship is still going strong,” shared Bruce. NHS is one of the company’s longest standing philanthropic relationships.

"But the relationship is rich and extensive, more than only the financial donations,” Bruce said. “For years, agents and employees have volunteered their time and talents.”

NHS hosted their inaugural NeighborWorks Day event in 1988. This day brings together hundreds of volunteers from the corporate and local level. During the service day they all complete various projects in NHS neighborhoods.

State Farm also formed an internal planning committee to work with residents to plan NeighborWorks Day projects in 1988. Since then, State Farm has integrated several safety programs with NeighborWorks Day.

In 1998, NHS organized the Chicago Home Safety Partnership Taskforce to prevent fire losses and improve homes. More than 25 State Farm agents oversee the homeowner insurance education part of NHS’s New Homebuyer Education program.

“Turns out having a Good Neighbor spirit turned a protest situation into an open dialogue,” remembered Bruce. “That day created years of opportunities for both organizations and helped thousands of people along the way.”

Tori Taylor doesn’t live in a castle. She wasn’t saved by a prince. You won't find a shiny crown atop her head. Nevertheless, some might say she’s a modern day Cinderella. Because, when Tori needed help, an unexpected fairy godmother arrived with a life-changing plan.

Tori’s Story

Unlike many of her peers, Tori didn’t grow up in a loving home. She lacked clean clothes, proper hygiene, and access to nutritious food. “I was sent to school in dirty, poorly-fitting clothing and a packed lunch often containing nothing more than crackers and cheese,” she explained.

To top it off, she was denied opportunities to finish her homework, pursue extra-curricular activities or learn to drive. “My dad and stepmom told me they would kick me out of the house when I turned 18,” she said. “I felt so afraid and alone.”

However, Tori wasn’t alone. Someone was watching.

An Unconventional Fairy Godmother

Michelle Walther, is a site coordinator for Communities In Schools. The national, nonprofit organization gives at risk students the support needed to achieve - both in and out of the classroom.

As a site coordinator at Centerville High School, Michelle noticed something wasn’t right with Tori. One day, she invited her into her office and asked:

“How are you doing?”

A single question led to a series of answers. Michelle learned Tori’s basic needs were not being met. She took immediate action. This included giving Tori clean clothes, opportunities to shower at school, healthy meals, and supplies like notebooks and highlighters to stay organized in class.

“Tori was like many of the kids we work with – so burdened from shortcomings that they can’t concentrate on being a good student,” Michelle explained. “Giving a child someone they can count on to provide for their needs changes their world.”

Tori says the extra help was surprising. “I had never received attention like this!” By the time senior year began, Tori’s life had greatly improved. However, she still had a big concern. “I feared turning 18 because I would be kicked out of my house,” she explained.

Once again, Communities In Schools stepped in to help.

A New Chapter

Michelle connected Tori with Melissa Vance. She warmly took her in. “No child should be forced to the streets just because they reach a certain age,” said Melissa. “Our family was happy to open our home and welcome Tori to be part of it.”

“I had never felt as loved and cared for, as I did then,” said Tori. “I grew up being treated as a burden…never feeling loved and wanted. Becoming part of this family helped me feel like I fit in and was just a normal teenager with a great family.”

Preparing for the Ball (a.k.a. – Prom)

Spring arrived - and with it came the big dance. One day after school, Michelle took Tori shopping for a dress and shoes. The day of prom, she had her hair professionally done.

“In less than a year, I had had gone from dirty, hungry and scared – to happy, loved and on my way to senior prom,” Tori shares.

A Happy Ending

Today, Tori is in her junior year of college, and works in the finance industry. Reflecting on her experience with Communities In Schools, she says she’s overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I don’t know where I would be today without the help of this wonderful organization,” Tori says. “I do know I would not be a part of a loving family, be on my way to a college degree, and have a full-time position in the finance industry. My life now is something I could only have dreamed about before Communities In Schools reached out to help me realize my worth and become the person that I am today.”

With support from State Farm, Communities In Schools is working to build stronger communities and change children’s lives. Tori’s Triumph is just one example of the many children it helps each year.

On top of it all, Jeni manages to volunteer weekly at a local food bank. “I love being here,” she smiled. “It gives me purpose.”

From its sky-high shelves stocked with breads, grains and beans, to coolers of milk, cheese and juice, some might say this place, called Midwest Food Bank looks like a mega supermarket.

But the food here is donated. There are no cashiers and checkout aisles. Instead, you’ll find volunteers. Lots of them.

Each week they give their time and talent to help people in need. They sort and distribute donations. They laugh and form friendships.

“I love organizing the shipments of food we receive,” Jeni smiled. “Semi-trucks deliver the items and each box is a mystery. Opening them is like unwrapping a gift!”

While these boxes don’t come in pretty paper or fancy bows, it’s the items inside that make eyes light up and lift spirits.

“This food does more than prevent hunger. It lets people know they’ll be okay,” said Jeni. “It lets them know others care and are there to help.”

Sometimes the boxes contain rice, or grapes, or lettuce. Sometimes they’re filled with medicine or shoes. And once in while…they contain something a little sweeter.

“Once, we received bags of mini-marshmallows…like the kind you find in kids’ cereal,” Jeni explained. “And while we can’t just give mini-marshmallows to those in need, we can combine them with other items – like veggies, fruit, and yogurt for more balanced meals. We’re grateful for what we get.”

Bill Curtis, a longtime Midwest Food Bank volunteer agrees. “It amazes me how many hungry people are out there. When you work here…you know you’re making a difference. We even started a food bank in Kenya to help communities near and far.”

But beyond the food and fellowship found within these walls, Jeni says you’ll find something else too.

HOPE.

Most feel it the moment they walk through the doors.

“You see hope in the faces of children and families who come here for assistance,” Jeni explained. “You see it radiate from our volunteers – in their energy and enthusiasm.”

Jeni herself understands the impact of hope and a helping hand. Six years ago she fell on hard times, in need of both food and shelter for her family.

With the assistance of not-for-profit organizations and charities (many of which receive supplies from Midwest Food Bank), Jeni managed to rebuild her life. She regained independence and started a new chapter for herself and her sons.

“Those were incredibly tough times,” she said softly. “But we didn’t give up. We survived because help was there, and I am so grateful.”

Today, Jeni continues to pay it forward at Midwest Food Bank because she knows, through help and hope…comes healing. “Now that my boys are old enough, I bring them to volunteer and they love it,” she smiled. “It’s our turn to give back.”

And, through the support of businesses like State Farm – Midwest Food Bank will continue to nourish neighbors near and far.

STORY UPDATE: Effective January 2018, Jeni is now the Operations Manager at Midwest Food Bank. She says hope comes in many forms. Sometimes it's a smile. Or a box of mini-marshmallows. Or a new pair of shoes. But no matter the way in which it's received, care and love are the end result. 

"Creating good in this world...is priceless," said Jeni. 

To find volunteer opportunities in your community, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com®.

(This story was first published November 2016)

Life for baby Mariam, is about to take a drastic turn.

The boy with the cape:

As a child, Jared Shoemaker of Tulsa, Oklahoma was known for helping others. Dubbed the “protector,” it was common to see the brown-eyed boy dressed as a superhero swooping in to save the day.

“Jared was strong, always lending a hand,” smiled his mother Linda. “In fact, when he learned a bully had been taking his younger brother’s lunch money, Jared chose to confront the culprit face to face."

All it took was one intense stare down from Jared, eye to eye with the bully...

The lunch money never wound up in the wrong pocket again.

A decision to serve

“As Jared got older, serving and protecting remained a top priority,” said his father Ken. A State Farm agent with a knack for helping others, Ken thought his son might follow in his footsteps.

“I wanted him to go into business, but Jared always wanted to be a Marine,” he smiled.

Jared joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002, and in 2006 left for his first tour to Fallujah, Iraq.

“Our phone calls were scarce and when we did talk, Jared would tell us he was okay and things were fine,” Ken explained. “To be honest, he made it seem like an uneventful tour.”

Even his letters were basic. But between these lines of ink…a different story was unfolding.

Meeting Mariam:

While serving in Iraq, Jared and fellow service members encountered a frantic woman clutching a baby to her chest. It was clear, the child needed help.

Jared learned the baby named Mariam, had a rare medical condition where her bladder was growing on the outside of her body. Without medical care, she wouldn’t survive, but the decision to help was dangerous. With tensions high in Iraq, Jared and his platoon were frequently under enemy fire. So they created a plan to protect Mariam, her family and themselves.

Hope in the Night:

When the sun set, and the streets were clear, Jared and fellow Marines would visit the baby’s home in secret. But the troops knew these trips in the night were a temporary fix. Mariam needed more care.

Through a series of carefully coordinated efforts - plans were made to fly the baby girl to the United States for surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

A Precious Sacrifice:

That fall, Mariam’s life was saved. But Jared Shoemaker never knew that. Neither did his fellow Marines.

About a month prior to Mariam’s surgery, the men were on a routine patrol when they came in contact with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The bomb went off with a blast so forceful, everything changed in an instant.

On September 4, 2006, Jared Shoemaker lost his life.

He was 29 years old. Two other Marines passed away that day. Only one survived. 

The Protector’s Story: Revealed

Ken and Linda never knew their son had been working behind the scenes to save Mariam’s life, until one of Jared’s commanding officers visited their home.

“After Jared’s passing, he told us what had really been going on,” Linda explained. “It meant so much to hear this…it was very healing for me.”

“It shows our troops are there to make peace,” added her husband Ken. “You truly see the best of the best in these young men. They volunteer to serve and sacrifice. We owe them a lot.”

To this day, the Shoemakers have not met Mariam. A few weeks after her surgery, she and her family returned to Iraq. And yet, Mariam continues to hold a special place in the Shoemakers’ hearts.

Recently the Shoemakers attended a reunion with about 300 Marines, many of whom served with Jared. There, they learned one of the Marines would be heading back to the Middle East.

“He plans to put out some feelers - and see if he might be able to locate her,” smiled Ken.

The Shoemakers continue to pray for the child they never met. They pray for her safety, for her health and happiness.

And they hope one day, their paths will cross. “We would love it if we were able to meet her,” said Ken.

A Lasting Legacy:

In his short life, the boy with the cape, the ‘protector’ who loved superheroes…grew up to do more than save the day. Jared Shoemaker helped save lives.

Photo Credit Stephen Pingry/Tulsa World

“These men and women have a special call to duty, and should be honored,” said Ken. “Jared was there to help, and to protect the citizens of Iraq.”

And through his selfless acts of courage and kindness, Jared’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew...

This protector, turned hero.

After lots of hard work, Adriana learned English and diligently climbed up the career ladder. In five years, she was a plant supervisor learning everything from operating the machines, quality control and digitizing, to management skills.

When Adriana decided to be a stay-at-home mom, she soon realized she wanted to put her skills and 13 years of experience to good use while taking care of her daughters.

So she took a chance. With a small budget, she created an Etsy store selling customized children’s apparel.

Early success turned into stagnant client growth. She thought about closing the shop. With little motivation to continue, Adriana came across some interesting social posts. One of the posts was about a Latin American Association (LAA) women’s program.

Adriana soon joined the LAA program, and it was a wake-up call. The program, which is supported by State Farm, opened her eyes to available resources, smart business practices and methodologies. She received professional guidance and a push to keep trying. She then created Georgia Stitch. It is a family-owned business specializing in embroidering uniforms, apparel and spirit wear for businesses and individuals.

“With the support of the Latin American Association, I was able to gain knowledge that allowed me to re-launch my business,” shared Adriana. “These types of programs are a huge resource to the community thanks to companies like State Farm and others.”

Her goal is to make Georgia Stitch the place where companies’ and individuals’ ideas can be transformed into embroidery, screen printing, vinyl and more. Adriana took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for entrepreneurship. She is a Dream Achiever.

Solo performer and author Sabrina Lamb heard this question at a financial planning seminar. She conducted a little research and learned the answer was a definitive ‘no’. Understanding the problems a lack of financial education causes, Sabrina jumped into action. Leveraging her background, experience, and love of children, she created, World of Money, in 2005.

World of Money (WOM) is a New York City-based non-profit whose mission is to empower youth through the engaged, local delivery of professional quality financial education.

With Sabrina’s leadership and State Farm financial support, WOM has strengthened its commitment to providing children and families day-to-day tools for enhancing their financial capability.

Since 2005, more than 3,000 youth, ages seven to 18, have received the necessary financial foundation to break a generational cycle of poverty. WOM helps to change the way youth view money by equipping them with the tenets for a financially responsible and philanthropic life: learn, earn, invest and donate.

“Our main goal is to enhance the lives of underrepresented children and young adults in the immediate New York City area,” shared Sabrina.

Sabrina took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for helping and empowering youth. She is a Dream Achiever.

Reveca, 13, the oldest of the four kids, tried to get up and help her family but she couldn’t move. Everyone else was okay but she had a fractured spine. She was paralyzed.

After months of rehabilitation, Reveca returned to high school. She didn’t let her injury stop her from going after her dreams. After graduation, she attended college and received a fashion degree.

In 2009, Reveca left her career in fashion design to address a need. She started Backbones, a Chicago-based nonprofit that connects thousands of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) and their families with others to learn, teach and share experiences. The organization also raises awareness about life in a wheelchair.

“I realized the importance of a strong support system after I connected with other people with similar injuries,” Reveca shared. “Those relationships can grow your confidence and motivation; they did for me. And I want others to have that experience through Backbones.”

Reveca took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for helping and empowering others. She is a Dream Achiever.

September 11, 2001 turned life upside down for all Americans. It definitely did for Annie Nicole Nelson's family. Anne was in one of the World Trade Center towers and lost her life. She was the only person from North Dakota to die in the 9-11 attacks.

Through the heartache, Annie's family was still able to find a purpose. As they were going through her things, they found her laptop. They came across a bucket list she'd created. As a young woman, she saw the importance of enjoying life to its fullest.

One thing listed within her bucket list was she wanted to build a home in North Dakota. Her bucket list made its way to foundations and people who were here to help her dream become a reality.

Several groups of good neighbors came together to fulfil this wish. They also added a special component connecting to her family life growing up. Anne’s mother was a special education teacher, and Annie loved working with special needs kids. Anne’s dad taught ski lessons for 50 years.

The end result was a group transforming a ski park at Turtle Mountain in western North Dakota into a place wounded warriors and people with disabilities could enjoy.

State Farm® Agent Bryan Schweitzer and his wife, Heidi, were part of the group wanting to help. Bryan knew Annie’s family and volunteered to fix up the lodge.

"More than 400 people showed up the first day and came back for the next five to seven days to support the effort,” shared Bryan.” It was great to see the community come together."

The ski park, now called Annie's House, is a 12,000 square foot facility with fishing ponds and hiking trails. The park is adaptive for people with special needs, and has a trained staff ready to help. Scholarships are available to help with travel and other costs.

Bryan and Heidi continue to help the lodge in various ways. Bryan volunteers at least 40 hours a year at the lodge. State Farm donates $500 to the organization because of Bryan’s volunteer hours. The couple attends various fundraising events and allows the lodge to use their ATVs and side by sides.

Bryan also spends a lot of time raising money for the program and helped set up the fishing program at the park. He also is very involved with the Race Club.

With continued support, more and more people are able to enjoy it each year. Visitors and volunteers wrote messages within the rafters of the lodge to keep inspiring people who visit.

The simple messages remind visitors to live and plan for the lives they envision. Volunteer for a charity, be a better friend, learn to knit a sweater. These were some of the other items on Annie's bucket list.

Career paths can take unplanned twists and turns…for canines too.

This was the case for three sisters – Duchess, Darby and Pearl. Paws with a Cause (PAWS) bred the sisters to be Assistance Dogs.

The road to careers for the adorable, feisty sisters began with separation at eight weeks and placement in loving foster homes for a year.

The pups were homeschooled to learn basic commands, tasks and obedience. They got to show off their skills to their friends in weekly classes at PAWS. But, it was not all work, there was plenty of time to play for the high energy siblings.

As they approached their second birthdays, the girls returned together at PAWS for more training. They worked hard, but had fun learning advanced tasks like retrieving, picking up objects and opening doors. Like all young adults, the sisters had to master their classes so they could one day become Assistance Dogs.

But, it turned out the three girls, with their rambunctious natures and joy for everything, just weren’t suited for this line of work. Fortunately, PAWS prepared for this with a Plan B.

The Nose Knows

Once again, the girls went their separate ways to explore new career paths. Pearl moved to a foster home in Maine to learn how to detect bed bugs. But after several months, she discovered bed bugs weren’t her calling. Her real talent was sniffing out accelerants.

Meanwhile, at their foster home in Indiana, Duchess and Darby made the same discovery. Three sisters with the same gift!

Supported by State Farm, the girls happily reunited in August 2015 for four weeks of formal Arson Dog training in Alfred, Maine. It was there they became canine crime fighters and found their forever partners.

Graduation was a proud, joyful day for the sisters, even though it meant they would be leaving each other permanently. The girls are living their happily ever after’s in neighboring states.

• Fire Marshal Ben Gouldman & Duchess (Stafford, Virginia)

• Lt. Brian Dalrymple & Pearl (Richmond, Virginia)

• Fire Marshal Danny Hill & K9 Darby (New Bern, North Carolina)

PAWS can’t accomplish their work without help. Because of the increasing demand for Assistance Dogs, PAWS has a foster program for individuals interested in caring for and training a puppy, with the ultimate satisfaction of returning the dog to PAWS to become an Assistance dog. If you want more information regarding the foster puppy program, please visit www.pawswithacause.org.

It was a cold March day in Owasco, New York but Lynn Smith’s heart was warm with love. Like most grandparents, there is nothing more special than spending time with her grandchildren.

Her daughter Kelly came up for the weekend from New York City with her girls, Olivia, four, and baby Mila, 10 months. Lynn’s son, Stephen, who lives nearby, came with his three girls. It was a packed house.

Lynn turned on the portable heater in the back bedroom where baby Mila would sleep since it was so cold outside. Everyone went to bed exhausted after a long day of driving and playing.

At 2:00 a.m. Kelly woke up to baby Mila crying. She went into the back bedroom, scooped up Mila, and brought her into bed. Both fell back to sleep.

At 5:30 a.m. Lynn was half awake when she heard the hallway smoke detector. She initially thought the battery was low but at the same time the ADT smoke alarm was going off. It got louder and louder.

Lynn jumped out of bed and ran to the room with the portable heater. There was a chemical smell in the air. Lynn’s daughter Kelly woke up too. At first she wasn’t worried but then her mom came bursting into the bedroom.

Kelly ran into the room where baby Mila had been sleeping and saw the portable heater was on fire. The flames were already a foot high.

Kelly had Mila in her arms and ran into the room where her daughter Olivia was sleeping. She woke up Olivia, grabbed her hand, and made it out of the front door. Kelly’s eyes were stinging from the smoke but the family was out of the house safely.

Nearly 800 miles away, ADT Dispatcher Amanda Willoughby started her 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. shift at ADT’s Knoxville, TN monitoring center. Her job requires her to be calm and ready to assist customers should a monitor go off.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. she received an alarm notification from the ADT system at the home of Lynn Smith. She immediately contacted the fire department to report an emergency.

At the same time Kelly was calling 911 to report the fire, Lynn received an incoming call.

“This is Amanda with ADT security. Is everything okay there?”

Amanda asked if everybody was out of the house and informed Lynn the fire department would arrive shortly. Within minutes, Owasco Fire Department trucks and ambulances were on scene. Thanks to the quick response, the fire only had time to scorch the bedroom carpet and blacken the walls in half the house.

Being Thankful

“We could have slept through it. The smoke could have killed us,” shared Lynn.

State Farm Agent Ray Haynes was also thankful too. As an insurance agent, he knows how devastating a fire can be for a homeowner and was very relieved his customer Lynn and her family were safe.

On April 22, 2016, six weeks after the fire, ADT held an event at Smith's home. ADT presented the company's highest honor, the LifeSaver Award, to Willoughby and the technicians who installed the home's alarm system. The company flew Willoughby in from Knoxville, TN so she could not only accept the award, but also meet Lynn Smith personally.

ADT and State Farm representatives presented $10,000 to the Owasco Fire Department for its efforts that day. Fire Chief Chris Morabito said the grant will fund the purchase of an air compressor to fill firefighters' bottles before they enter dangerous environments like the one at the Smith home.

"Every two and a half hours, someone in America dies in a house fire," Morabito said at the event. "Smoke detectors are a definite need in every house. If you can hook it up to a center like ADT that makes it even better because you know you're getting somebody to call you back and make sure everything is good."

To learn more about an ADT special offer for State Farm customers, visit the ADT Home Security website or State Farm Home Protection & Automation. Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Home Alert Protection Discount. Contact your State Farm agent for details.

Check out the ADT blog about Lynn’s story.

Can you imagine giving birth to a beautiful baby boy, but never getting to take him home from the hospital? That’s been Nikeisa Johnson’s reality for three years.

Born three months premature, Nikeisa’s son and fourth child, Bishop, requires 24-hour medical attention. Since birth, he’s lived in a hospital and spends his time in a hospital bed.

But soon, that will all change.

“Bishop was born with serious heart problems,” says Nikeisa. “He had an extensive surgery after birth and did well, but a couple of months later, he got pneumonia. He took a turn for the worse. It was touch and go for a while and he has been on a ventilator since. He remained sedated and paralyzed for months.”

Nikeisa and her three daughters currently rent a second floor, two bedroom apartment in an old industrial building. With little space and stairs, Nikeisa is unable to care for Bishop at home.

Last year, hoping to obtain a larger home that could accommodate Bishop’s needs, Nikeisa submitted a homeownership application to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County in New Jersey. Her application was approved in December 2015 for a five bedroom home in Plainfield.

Habitat for Humanity International builds, renovates, and repairs homes all over the world with the help of donations. Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor – called sweat equity – working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. In the United States, Habitat homeowners purchase their houses through affordable monthly mortgage payments.

Nikeisa’s home will be the first barrier-free home built by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County. The home will be made with wider openings and will be wheelchair accessible.

“Bishop mainly lives in his hospital bed now,” explains Nikeisa. “But he’ll have the opportunity of wheelchair mobility in our new home.”

Rutgers University (RU) Habitat Campus Chapter students committed to Nikeisa’s project as a Half House Sponsor. They raised $50,000, which includes a $10,000 matching grant from State Farm.

RU students, with the help of State Farm agents and others, have already built the garage and started framing.

“I came to the build because I grew up in a single parent household and Nikeisa’s story hit close to home,” says State Farm Agent John Powell. “I’ve seen first-hand the hard work and sacrifice it takes to raise children into adults. Now that I am a business owner, I feel it’s necessary to give back to the community.”

As a lifetime resident of Plainfield, Nikeisa is excited to soon own a home in her hometown.

“My daughters, Bishop and I are so happy,” she says. We’ll have a lot more space and we’ll finally get to spend more time with Bishop. It’s a true homecoming!”

There’s the Emily who loves theater, dancing, and performing the National Anthem at professional sporting events.

Then there’s the Emily who is fascinated by atmospheric physics, like the omega equation that determines buoyancy and lift in the atmosphere.

Some might call that a split personality, but as the first female meteorologist to work at KFOR-4 in Oklahoma City, and WCYB-TV in Bristol Tennessee/Virginia, Sutton prefers to describe herself as someone who just refused to choose.

Fusing fascinations

“As a little girl, I always enjoyed the fine arts. But I was also fascinated with weather and science,” said Sutton. “Tornados, in particular, were both fascinating and terrifying.”

While at the University of Missouri to obtain a journalism degree, Sutton’s life was changed in 2004 when she joined the school’s storm chase team and witnessed her first tornado.

“It was a weak tornado in a farm field in Oklahoma,” she said. “I was thrilled by the experience. One month later our team watched five tornados tear across Kansas. That was it. The next day I added meteorology to my field of study. ”

ATMOS 100: Intro to Meteorology

Meteorology is standing in front of a green screen on TV, pointing at a smiley sun face and scary clouds with lightning coming out of them, right?

Not quite.

Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere. Meteorologists use scientific principles to observe, explain, and forecast our weather. They often focus on atmospheric research or operational weather forecasting. Research meteorologists can cover several sub disciplines of meteorology including: air quality, atmospheric physics, and climate change.

Breaking Barriers

Sutton immediately noticed something unusual about her calculus, physics, and other science classes. There were hardly any women. A worldwide study done by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found girls generally outperform boys in science – except in the United States. The gap is thought to be due to gender roles being formed and reinforced early in life, and the incentives different countries offer for pursuing math and science degrees.                                         

Photos by Leia Smethurst Photography

In the past, the meteorology field has been a career path dominated by males. As the first female meteorologist in her two previous positions, Sutton learned quickly that she is seen differently than the others on her team.

“From the start of my career, I noticed that some viewers were obsessed with little things like my clothes and the length of my hair,” she said. “I had to focus on lowering the pitch of my voice so I sounded more calm and professional.”

On The Bright Side

These are barriers that many female newswomen and meteorologists face. But Sutton has also found that there are advantages to being a female in her field.

“I love teaching kids about the nerdy science parts of weather and how it impacts us,” Sutton says.

One of Sutton’s best pieces of advice is aimed towards girls who are forced to choose between fine arts and literature or math and science.

“Why can’t we have both?” she says. “Girls need to explore options and try different things. Don’t let anyone tell you that you must choose between one or the other. You may end up excelling in theater and calculus.”

Click here to watch Emily share her experience with a close call tornado.

Emily Sutton and several other female meteorologists shared their experiences and perspectives at the 2016 National Tornado Summit in March. The summit site shared this about Sutton’s session:

“Being a meteorologist and predicting potentially deadly weather isn’t a job for the faint of heart and some would argue it’s even more difficult for those that are female. Get the forecast wrong, and you’re liable to be labeled just a weather girl, but over the decade’s women are increasingly taking on the role of meteorologists and making strides in the fields of science and meteorology.”

State Farm is proud to be a sponsor of the 2016 National Tornado Summit and encourages both girls and boys to follow their dreams.

It’s the start of a new month. That means Andrea Taylor and her team are busy planning how to get their good neighborly giving fix.

They became addicted after the 2014 holiday season.

“I wanted to do a 12 days of giving program. But, things were just too busy to get organized,” the Gahanna, OH State Farm Agent recalls. “So I decided I was going to commit to a plan for the coming year. 12 Months of Giving was the result.”

Giving back is now a habit. Andrea’s State Farm team identifies needs in their community. They then decide the steps to take to help fill those needs. Each month a different organization in the Columbus suburb benefits from a donation or volunteer support.

“We want to connect with the community in ways other than insurance. We want to get to know our neighbors, and for them to get to know us,” Andrea explains.

Personal passions often play a role in deciding organizations and causes to support. Andrea loves fashion, and helping women enter the workforce is important to her. So, Dress for Success^® Columbus was one of the first organizations selected. In addition to donations, Andrea volunteers as a personal stylist for their clients.

"Andrea has such a caring demeanor with the women we serve in the community. Her positive, energetic personality is contagious,"  said Molly Preston, DFSC Contributions Coordinator. "We are thrilled she is part of the Dress for Success Columbus team!“

Whether it's sponsoring several Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) programs, or filling Caitlins’ Smiles gift bags for children with terminal illnesses, or leading free yoga classes to promote community well-being; each effort is a work of heart.

“One of our most memorable months was last April. We closed the office for a day. My entire team visited families at the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus,” says Andrea.

They arrived during lunch with footballs, stickers, coloring books and teddy bears.

“We introduced ourselves to the families and asked each child to pick some items,” says Andrea. “One little boy was having a rough day and he was crying. When I asked if he’d like a football, he pointed to a bear. He grabbed it, hugged it and stopped crying. Our eyes welled up with tears. We were so overcome with emotion.”

Sometimes 12 Months of Giving attracts attention without even trying. Like the time she was out shopping for items needed by GRIN.

“My cart was overflowing with pasta, and other needed items listed on GRIN’s website,” says Andrea. “When people asked, ‘Are you feeding an army?’ I said ‘Yes, I am!’ I then introduced myself and told them about 12 Months of Giving.”

Many people in the local community are now familiar with the program. It's even extended overseas.

This past September, Team Taylor gathered eight boxes of donated items. They were sent to 10 female service members in Afghanistan. One of Andrea’s team members included handcrafted cards in each box. Her hope was the women could send the cards to their families to help give peace of mind during their deployments.

When three year old Isla came to her mother, Amy Ionno-Carper, with a headache, Amy did the same as any caring parent. But when the headaches became more intense and more persistent, Amy became concerned.

For Amy, multiple medical visits finally led to the diagnosis of Chiari Malformation.

Chiari (pronounced key-are-ee) Malformation is often referred to as the invisible disease, and for good reason. There are no outward signs. The most common symptoms are persistent headaches. Some patients can have as many as 200 different symptoms.

The Invisible – and unknown - disease

Not only is Chiari “invisible” but it’s relatively unknown. And there’s no cure. The Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation is dedicated to education, advocacy and research of this rare disease.

In 2015, thanks to Amy and an army of supporters, the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation received a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist® grant.

Funds from the grant created a lecture series, Consider Chiari, to educate the medical community about the illness. What is known about the disease is understood by a fraction of medical personnel.

Having a confirmed diagnosis is only the beginning for Amy. “I’m just a mom making a change for my child’s future.”

Imagine having no food: Not on the dinner table, or in the pantry, or even in the fridge. This isn’t the scene of a third-world country, but of our very own America. Poverty and hunger are often a joint package.

One of the most common effects of poverty is its negative impact on health and nutrition. Food deserts are parts of the country where people are living without cars or supermarkets within a mile of their home.

These deserts are usually in poor communities. The result: People have few affordable options to feed themselves, often left to shop at mini-marts, only carrying processed foods.

Among all of this is VittleWise, a Chicago non-profit organization that’s rescuing food, delivering it to families in need, and providing nutrition education.

A Welcome Detour

It all started just outside of Detroit. It was here that Ed Beebe grew up loving food. Long story short: he went to culinary school, became a chef, and then his career met a roadblock.

“The recession after 9/11, I remember vividly any restaurant that I worked at, there would be more people knocking at our backdoor than coming in the restaurant,” shared Ed. “Those two things hit me hard.”

Eventually Ed decided to pursue a Masters in Marketing and worked for the American Medical Association for five years. It was here he learned more about nutrition, and the impact of unhealthy food on the body. For a guy who always knew he wanted to do something with food, an idea sparked.

“It all came back to one thing, food education. For a lot of people, their diets still weren’t changing just because they had access to healthier food,” said Ed. “That’s how VittleWise started, finding that fulfillment in doing culinary work and volunteer work.”

Voilà, VittleWise

Feeding Families

In Chicago, it’s estimated that 55 million pounds of food are wasted annually. Through a growing network of donors and food businesses, VittleWise is taking a stab at reducing food waste throughout the city.

Today, VittleWise delivers rescued food to families throughout Chicago. At this point, the recipients are about a halfway split between single-mothers and elderly people.

These families are not only receiving food, but improving their health. For one family in Hyde Park, the healthy food donations allowed each family member to get rid of their diabetic symptoms.

“They took me in as a long lost family member or friend. There’s people that really don’t have a whole lot,” said Ed. “Just dropping the food off, and seeing how happy they are.”

An Open Door

In 2015, Ed came to the State Farm Next Door® facility in Lincoln Park.

“I wanted to make sure I wasn’t jumping into something unmanageable with this new idea of a delivery program,” said Ed.

VittleWise was selected over more than 55 applicants to become the Project in Residence, a six-month residency program that provides the space and knowledge to help project owners launch their business.

“The biggest impact Next Door had was being able to have more of a business mindset. I had the passion and the drive, but not the business mindset,” said Ed. “They knew how to bring that in.”

VittleWise completed their residency at Next Door, and continues to make progress day by day. The non-profit has recently moved to a larger space to accommodate the growing food donations, and two new cookbooks will be coming out soon.

Stay tuned and stay healthy!

Click for more information on food deserts.

Learn more about Next Door Chicago by following @nextdoorchicago on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter here.

The first time Hari Adhikari rode on a plane was not only across the globe, but it was a one-way ticket.

Hari’s family was forced to relocate from Southern Bhutan as refugees during the 1990s due to harsh discrimination. Hari’s family spent seventeen years living in refugee camps where resources were always in short supply.

“Being in the camps was tumultuous to say the least,” Hari recalled. “The local Nepalese treated the refugees pretty badly and you did not get equal treatment. These stories can be pretty painful to tell sometimes.”

By the time Hari boarded his flight to the United States for resettlement in Tucson, Arizona, he had spent a majority of his life in refugee camps.

As a 17-year-old immigrant, he faced significant challenges when he arrived in the United States. Though he attended an American school, no one was on hand to explain to him where Asian Americans fit in the United States. And the part-time job he took to help provide for his family left little time for self-exploration.

OCA changed his course

It wasn’t until Hari’s family discovered OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA) and he began engaging with their programs that he was able to grasp a part of this picture.

OCA is a national network of advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. This is done through leadership training as well as the work of local chapters and grassroots advocacy at a national level.

Hari’s father first attended board meetings to help volunteer for the census. But after Hari attended a meeting he realized this was a community he wanted to be a part of and give back to. So he deepened his involvement by becoming the Tucson Chapter’s Secretary.

Hari is a part of a new generation of Asian Americans that doesn’t fit into the East Asian categories like Japanese or Chinese. Both of which tend to dominate the common perception of Asian Americans.

For many individuals like Hari, OCA serves as a place where they can connect to the larger Asian American and Pacific Islander community. A community that can be divided in their everyday experiences by generation, nationality, or immigration status.

“Getting involved in OCA was a big stepping stone for me. I learned what it means to be an immigrant in the United States and the kind of things I need to be aware of as an Asian American,” Hari recounted.

Paying it forward

Hari’s first experience with an OCA program was planning one of the organization’s signature youth programs, Asian Pacific American - Youth Advocate (APA-Y). Tucson is home to a large refugee community. Hari helped bring basic education of Asian American history and advocacy to students struggling with culture shock.

“APA-Y teaches young leaders about advocacy and what we can do in our community to help each other out. Immigration, education, and mental health are all things that the Asian American community needs to be actively engaged in,” shared Hari.

Hari’s journey with OCA did not end there. He was selected to attend the annual Japanese American Citizens League/OCA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. This program focuses on training leaders to affect change in their community through advocacy with government officials.

“I never before got to see the lobbying process here in America and I got to see how Congress works first-hand,” said Hari. “I learned things are not as easy as you think; that our voices need to be heard.”

“OCA has helped put me in a position where I must speak up,” explains Hari. “Going through all these State Farm programs was an eye-opener, and I did not know a lot of the things I know today.”

The journey isn’t over

Hari’s journey, like the journey of the thousands of individuals who have benefitted from OCA programs over the years is not over. OCA has inspired him to continue doing work that will go on to benefit his community and individuals like him.

Each year, State Farm makes the training of more than 750 Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders possible through their sponsorship of OCA programs. These important programs open the door for full participation in America’s social, political, and legal circles that Asian Americans like Hari are so often left out of.

As Hari will tell you, “These programs have made me a more aware citizen and a more aware member of the Asian American community.”

Your influence informs their perspective on being safe. You hear and see it in the way kids talk about and put safety into practice. Take action to keep kids safe from preventable injuries. Talk to them, demonstrate safe behaviors and share these State Farm tips so they will be safe, not “afraid anymore!

Find more tips on pedestrian and bike safety at SafeKids.org.

But the Vestal and Binghamton communities in the Southern Tier of New York state are more than up for the challenge.

The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, one of the top equipped public observatories in the Northeast, opened its doors in 1974. Today, there are plans to expand the center, creating a science park with an outdoor learning facility, a playground and a (STEM) educational experience.

Currently, Kopernik serves 10,000 people annually. The goal is to double the visitors through expanded programming and the new science park.

Sounds like a great plan. But the community needed more funding. Fortunately, the Junior League of Binghamton heard about the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program through a local State Farm agent, Dean Hurley.

Not only did they win one of the 40 grants, but the crowdsourcing program helped kick off the half-million dollar science park project campaign. It reenergized the community about the need and importance of STEM programs. “We will have playground equipment unlike any other playground in the area. It will be a destination for people of the Southern Tier and tourists,” said Rachel Consolazio, a member of the Junior League of Binghamton.

“There’s opportunities to have a merry-go-round that has a generator built into it, so as the kids are running around, they’re creating electricity and running devices. Or, they might learn about friction through a slide,” said Drew Deskur, Director of the Kopernik Observatory and Science Center.

Soon the new, expanded (and free!) park will be open. Those goals aren’t so lofty anymore.

What fifth grader doesn’t look forward to a field trip? Even if it means doing some homework before so students will get the most out of the day.

Ask a number of students from Denver elementary schools, and they’ll tell you they don’t mind the extra homework. “I’ve been waiting to do this since second grade,” said an 11-year-old student.

What is he waiting for? The Young AmeriTowne experience and his day in Towne. This unique financial literacy program focuses on educating students early. The kids learn about various topics like supply and demand, job skills, and banking procedures.

Students also learn to give back. They are encouraged to consider donating a percentage of the wages they’ll earn at Towne, to a non-profit of their choice.

Participating fifth grade classes go through a 30-hour curriculum. It prepares them for the day-long trip. They learn about the democratic process as students’ campaign to serve in specific jobs at Towne.

Another student, who won his classroom’s Mayoral election, shared, “It was the most exciting thing we did in school.“

Students arrive for their day at Young AmeriTowne, headquartered at Young Americans Center for Financial Education in Denver. The students-turned-citizens apply the principles they’ve learned in the classroom to operate a 17-business town.

“The students instantly take their jobs seriously and focus on their duties as a Young AmeriTowne citizens,” says Melissa Castro, a teacher at Fulton Academy. “They apply real world scenarios in a way that is meaningful to them.”

“I’ve taught the Young AmeriTowne curriculum to students from two schools with very different demographics, yet the results are the same; an interest in learning and connection to real life,” shared Melissa. “Students who usually take a back seat in the classroom are taking charge and leading others.”

Each year, more than 25,000 fifth grade students visit Young AmeriTowne. As the students’ day in Towne comes to a close and they board the bus, the lessons learned will leave a lasting impression. One day they will be the leaders of our community.

After lunch, John, an engineer, left the house to head back to the office, but first decided to get the mail. Marilyn put on her coat and prepared to do last minute Christmas shopping.

Marilyn thought she heard someone calling for a dog. She heard the voice again. It was louder and more urgent. Curious, she followed the voice, toward the end of her driveway

As she reached the end, about 35 feet from their front door, she saw John. He was lying in the snow, conscious but unable to move, and seriously injured.

He repeated the words “hurt” and “truck” to her. The mailbox door was open with the mail still inside. Marilyn quickly called 911. John, her husband and best friend, was rushed to the hospital.

In an effort to keep John alive, the hospital staff quickly worked to identify the extent of his injuries. Throughout all of this, John remained conscious and kept repeating, “hurt.”

As she held his hand, he stared directly into her eyes and lightly squeezed her hand two times - their secret way of saying of I love you. Then he went into cardiac arrest and passed away. Marilyn would never see him smile again.

John was hit and killed by a truck when he was collecting his mail. An alert was put out for the driver, who did not stop at the crash scene. The 20-year-old, who turned himself in, said he thought he hit a snowbank or mailbox. He also admitted to texting while driving. Investigators reported the driver’s eyes were off the road for seven seconds.

After a five-day trial, the driver was acquitted of all charges. Marilyn decided more needed to be done to raise distracted driving awareness and laws needed to be changed to hold distracted drivers accountable.

Her next journey

The local Junior Woman’s League approached Marilyn about planting a tree in John’s memory. Marilyn, however, had a different idea. She asked the women to purchase thumb bands for distribution throughout town, with messaging designed to encourage drivers not to text while driving.

At the local high school, the resource officer distributed the thumb bands. After an article about the effort was printed in the local newspaper, donations began to flow in for more thumb bands. Local businesses handed them out to customers, more donations came in.

Marilyn knew more needed to be done.

She actively sought out public speaking opportunities and became a passionate advocate for “hands free” driving legislation. Marilyn was contacted by Sue Centner of the Community Alliance for Teen Safety (CATS), which receives funding from State Farm.

“We heard about Marilyn and her courage, and wondered how sharing her story could help save lives in our Derry community and throughout New Hampshire,” said Sue. “Marilyn was determined to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Marilyn joined forces with CATS, the Derry Police Department, and Dartmouth’s Injury Prevention Center to produce a televised roundtable discussion about New Hampshire’s proposed hands free driving law. This program was distributed through the cable networks throughout the state.

Marilyn remained a positive force, working with local and state police, CATS, the NH Driving Toward Zero Coalition, and other highway safety advocates. They supported a legislative effort that resulted in New Hampshire becoming the 15th state to ban drivers from using hand-held electronic devices while driving. The law took effect on July 1, 2015.

Marilyn believes legislation and education efforts will help prevent further tragedies like hers. So she continues to share her story at high school assemblies, hoping to make a difference.

“I remember, after Marilyn finished speaking during one presentation, the students spontaneously stood and applauded,” said Sue from CATS. “Marilyn clearly made an impact and she continues to do so throughout the state and at national traffic safety conferences.”

Marilyn is committed to preventing this type of tragedy from happening to others. “John was incredibly generous and dedicated much of his time to his community, serving as a firefighter for 18 years and as the fire chief for four,” she said. “He was an umpire, a master gardener, and a well-known columnist for a local newspaper.”

“One thing that would make me happy is to have the driver responsible for John’s death to join me at speaking engagements,” said Marilyn. “I think he could be a phenomenal advocate and that could be a big step in the healing process for us both.”

The High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) aka “Hip Hop High School” in St. Paul, Minnesota lives and breathes this concept. With financial help from State Farm, they know how to motivate students through music. They use music to teach the basics - reading, writing and math - allowing kids to better understand.

It all starts like any other classroom, textbooks and studying. But instead of a test, students take the lessons and write music about it. Students get studio time in the school’s state of the art facility keeping them focused on learning.

HRSA students recently took courses about budgets, credit cards and how to save for the future from the nonprofit, Make a Difference.

The HRSA youth took what they learned and created music to share their knowledge with their peers. The songs not only shared important financial tips, but are a fun, unique way to learn.

Challenging students to channel their passions into something positive can lead to amazing results. Listening to the songs, you wouldn’t guess kids ages 17-21, were the writers, talent and producers. Click here to listen to their tracks.

Make a Difference Wisconsin and Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest plan to weave these songs into their classrooms. These songs will bring new energy to financial literacy classes and events.

“As an organization that teaches kids financial literacy, the songs created by these talented young people bring a freshness and relevancy to this important topic that will help us educate and inspire the next generation,” Ryan Stauff, Vice President of Corporate development from Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest shared.

These students are using their passions to learn important concepts. And their songs are inspiring and engaging other teens with their messages too.

Holiday Hearts, hosted by The Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, is one way professional football player Andy Dalton and his wife, Jordan, give back to their community.

For the Muskopf family, and for other families like theirs, attending Holiday Hearts is an opportunity for quality family time.

“As a parent of a child with a terminal illness, we are trying to create as many memories in Brody’s short life as we can so that we have wonderful memories to last a lifetime,” said Brody’s mom Ric Muskopf.

Where It All Began

Andy and Jordan Dalton always knew they wanted to give back. Andy, a successful professional quarterback, got his motivation from a college coach whose granddaughter had been diagnosed with cancer. Andy learned she was a fan, so he reached out to offer his support. “I wanted her to know she was not alone,” he said.

Jordan’s inspiration came from friends who are special education teachers, and from her life experiences with service organizations.

In 2011, they formed The Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation and provide opportunities, support, resources, and life-changing experiences to families with seriously ill and physically challenged children. “This experience (meeting the young girl with cancer) is what really inspired the mission of our Foundation.”

“I’m getting to live out a dream that I have wanted since I was a little kid, and these little kids are just fighting for their lives,” shared Andy. “When you see the smiles on these kids’ faces, regardless of what you are doing on the football field, it doesn’t matter.”

Enjoy Being a Kid, and Not Being a Sick Kid

This past December, the Andy Jordan Dalton Foundation hosted Holiday Hearts to help families from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital enjoy a night away. Seventeen families enjoyed a fun holiday-themed evening with Andy and Jordan, including dinner, karaoke, holiday treat-making, a bear building station, games and presents. Each family received a family gift and Christmas tree along with additional gifts from their wish lists. Best of all, families were able to spend quality time with each other, something the Daltons cherish during the holidays.

Ric Muskopf couldn’t agree more. “These events have been so meaningful because they involve our whole family and not just our sick child,” she said. “They can enjoy being a kid and not being a sick kid.”

“For my husband and I, seeing our children happy is the greatest gift of all. These memories as a family are unforgettable, and we are so grateful,” said Ric.

For the Daltons, it’s being able to make a difference. “You really see the direct effect the Foundation has on families. That’s where my heart was when we started the journey. They’re so appreciative of anything that can be done,” said Jordan.

For more information about the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, which is supported by State Farm, please visit andydalton.org or visit them on Facebook.

*Photo credit: Greg Burnett, Robert G Foto

The town residents enjoy a 360 degree view of mountains, rivers, plains and spectacular coulees without a way to access and enjoy these spots safely. With the support of residents and city and county government, a committee was formed in 2011 to help make a change.

A proposal for an exciting eight mile route, was mapped and broken into segments, all around and through Cut Bank. It would provide access to an untapped world many in the community had never seen. A segment of the trail would be designated a safe route through town to access public recreation spots. The scenery and access are two immediate benefits of the effort, but the trail would also promote Cut Bank as a better place to live, work and visit for generations to come.

This endeavor was a lofty goal, with an immense price tag. But the determination of this small town is as big as the 27 foot concrete penguin landmark that greets visitors as they enter the community.

The trail committee heard about the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program. Fortunately, Cut Bank was one the 40 winners from across the country in 2015 to win the grant.

Cut Bank could move forward with the most exciting section of the walking trail. This is due to the combination of volunteers, donated materials, and the $25,000 grant. The Coulee Route is a visually stunning 1.5 mile section of trail that follows the natural valley carved out by Cut Bank Creek.

The new paths carved through the Cut Bank community allow residents the opportunity to get out and walk, explore, and be active. “All you need is a pair of shoes,” says Burke McCormick, Route Chairman, Cut Bank Trail.

Across the country, schools are teaching students, not just with a text book, but by getting their hands dirty. Literally. And, with the help of State Farm, they are helping their communities and the environment in the process.

Crellin Elementary teaches students how to keep the body and the planet healthy

Your chicken door needs to be closed each day at a certain time? What do you do? If you are a fifth grader at Crellin Elementary in Maryland, you build an automatic chicken door that runs on solar power.

From working in the greenhouse, cleaning the wool from a sheered sheep, to taking a walk to learn about the hemlocks, Crellin Elementary Students (K-5) are learning in unique ways.

The kids, along with their parents and teachers, learn about healthy, sustainable lifestyles and how to protect the environment. They feed the animals, plant vegetables and compost leftovers from school lunches. And the students don’t mind doing their chores…at school.At the school, they also have a lab the students use to study and collect data.

After spending time in the barn, first graders were curious about which roosting box the hens preferred when laying eggs. For two months, regardless of the weather, these little scientists went to the barn to collect data. Using the results, the second graders prepare the “Sunshine Farm” eggs to sell.

“Using the environment to teach content skills and processes is part of the approach to teaching and learning,” said Principal Dana McCauley. ”(They) strive to be self-sustaining at Crellin by tying agriculture into the curriculum.”

Virginia Chance School “Green Team” creates organic garden and compost system

The Virginia Chance School in Louisville, Kentucky has an eight-member “Green Team”. The chosen fourth and fifth graders annually lead the environmental and energy conservation charge at the independent school for children age two through fifth grade.

The Green Team’s first big undertaking in 2012 was overseeing the building of a 60-foot greenhouse to create an organic garden and compost system.

“The building of the greenhouse really changed our school and our learning environment for the better,” says Ms. Cummins, the lead teacher.

Subsequent Green Teams have introduced an Aquaponics system into the greenhouse, planted a rain garden, and built rain barrels. Next on the horizon is building a chicken coop.

The produce the students grow is used as fresh snacks for the student body, student-run farmers market, cooking classes, monthly taco dinners. Leftovers are donated to a local food bank.

In May of 2015, the National Energy Education Development Project named the Chance School the top elementary school in the country. “I think what made their project stand out is the ability to tie in growing their own food and conserving water into energy conservation,” said Ms. Cummins.

The school was honored by a visit from First Lady Jane Beshear of Kentucky in recognition of all of the great things the Green Team is accomplishing.

Tucker County High School grows 50,000 bedding plants

High school students can get into the action too. At Tucker County HS in Hambleton, West Virginia, students are learning valuable life skills.

Through the Farm to School program, the students sell their produce directly to the high school or other schools. The school’s cafeteria is now serving meals with produce grown in the greenhouse.

The culinary program, part of the career & technical education program, has also expanded with the addition of fresh produce from the greenhouse. Students learn how to can and preserve fresh produce for school meals.

Last year, 50,000 bedding plants were grown in the high school green house and sold to the community and surrounding counties.

With these programs in place, TCHS can make money from the greenhouse facilities and culinary programs to, ultimately, help support the students

What do you do when you are feeling blessed by the career you chose? Seven State Farm agents in Nashville, Tennessee, chose to give back to the community where they live and work. They created their own 501©(3) non-profit called “Nashville Community Partners”.

“Our purpose is to promote and solicit donations to support the exceptional work of people and organizations which impact our community in profound ways,” says group leader Valinda Burks. “As independent business owners, we recognize the importance and the power of involvement.”

One of their most rewarding events is the annual Santa Store. During a two-hour party each December, they provide toys and other gifts to children ages 0-12 from 100 families.

The group publicizes the Santa Store via television spots asking for nominations of worthy recipients.

Darnell Clay explains, “As agents, we hear of families that are in need. The Santa Store is our way to try to help them and others that are dear to them.”

“Parents and children watch Christmas movies, have treats, take photos with Santa, and select free gifts in the Santa Store,” says participating agent Terry W. Jones.

According to agent Dejuan Buford, “The best part of the day for me is I get to play Santa. It’s such an awesome feeling to see the kids’ faces when they get to see Santa and take a picture. It makes me feel good and takes me back to my own childhood. Some of the parents are really happy to see Santa too!”

“This non-profit group has made a positive impact in the Nashville community since 2010. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward into the new year,” said Darian Horne, the newest member of the group.

Current members of the group are State Farm agents Valinda Burks, Dejuan Buford, Darnell Clay, Darian Horne, Terry W. Jones, Leonard E. Jordan, and Bryson McCarley.

As far back as I can remember my family has always flocked to the kitchen during the holidays – a beloved and common occurrence in most Latino homes. Over the years this gathering became an annual, multigenerational holiday celebration in our family that still carries on today.

Each year, we came together to prepare tamales – a traditional staple for Hispanic holiday fiestas. It’s a recipe that required everyone to help out, including the children. As a result, my abuela enforced certain rules to avoid the risk of cooking fires. Here are some of the rules and tips I learned from her and apply in my own kitchen with my family.

Maintain a “kid-free zone”

My abuela kept us children away from the heat and open flames of the stove. As a young girl, I was often assigned small, yet safer tasks, like washing banana leaves used to wrap tamales.

Keep flammable items away from your stovetop

Cooking with open flames is a common method of cooking for Hispanic families. Items that can easily catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils or food packaging – should be kept at a safe distance. I can still remember the slightly singed dish towels and potholders in my mom’s kitchen. They were a good reminder to remove stovetop clutter.

Take precaution when cooking with oils

Many Latin dishes involve cooking with oils, and my home is no exception. My abuela abided by a few important rules: always keep an eye on what you’re frying, add food gently to your cooking oil and lay a net guard, screen or lid on top of the pan.

Keep your eye on the stove

Another important tip I share with my children today is to never leave a stove unattended and here’s why. A friend of mine, Lori, needed to boil water a few Fridays ago. She put the water to boil and then went to the living room to watch the evening news. 

About 10 minutes later she smelled what seemed to be a match burning. She turned back, and the kitchen was filled with thick white smoke. Turns out she had turned on the wrong burner. One that had a plastic container sitting on it and the container was on fire.

Lori didn’t have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the smoke detection system (remember to check your smoke detectors twice a year!) for the front of the house had not gone off. Had she fallen asleep, this situation could have turned out very different.

Always check the oven before you preheat

If you are like me and my friend Marcia’s grandma, you keep unused kitchen items, like pots and pans, in your oven. And sometimes you forget they are in there when you preheat your oven.

Marcia’s grandmother was living by herself in an apartment with limited space compared to her home that she lived in for years. So to make space, she stored pots and pans in her oven.

Over the holidays a couple of years back, she was heating the oven to make a pie but she forgot the items were in the oven. One of the items was a plastic microwave pot with lid.

Well, you can imagine what happened next. Fire in the oven…luckily, Marcia was there and saw it and called 911. Two fire trucks and about 10 firemen later…the small fire was extinguished. There was no damage to the apartment but she learned to never store anything in the oven again!

From my kitchen to yours, please enjoy the holiday season with your families and kept your loved ones safe!

Jennifer Patterson knows what it’s like to lose something special. When she was five-years-old, her playhouse was destroyed by a tornado. The remains were found in the neighbor’s yard, scattered like matchsticks.

Growing up in tornado alley, you learn at an early age to plan and drill – especially for Oklahoma tornados.

March 25, 2015 was just another day at work for Jennifer, the executive director of nonprofit Aim High Academy. She didn’t anticipate anything unusual, just the daily ritual of running a nonprofit in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The day was filled with helping young girls prepare for a state gymnastics competition. They had trained all season, and the gym was packed with more than 60 girls polishing off preparations to their routines.

Aim High Academy is a faith-based nonprofit that uses gymnastics to give children hope and confidence to succeed in life. Established in 2007 by Patterson, the organization teaches more than 250 children each week, and sponsors a competitive gymnastics team of 40 girls who take part in competitions across the country.

Patterson knew the Tulsa area was under a weather watch, but that’s nothing unusual for Oklahoma. “It was a typical spring day for us,” she remembers.

While sitting in her office, she heard the weather radio alarm activate. The alert did not include the Tulsa area, but it heightened awareness and reminded her to review disaster plans with Aim High’s staff. She quietly made the rounds, making sure each staff person remembered what to do and where to go if the weather deteriorated.

“I was keeping my eyes on the clouds and they began to turn green,” she said. One of the parents shared weather reports of possible rotations to our west.”

Suddenly she had an urge: “Get them to the basement now.” As she turned to take action, the weather radio activated again and the preparation began to pay off. Instructors quickly and efficiently moved all students to the basement of the gym.

As they gathered in the cold dampness, the lights flickered, then went out. Children began to panic. One of the instructors pulled out a guitar and started playing music to soothe them. The wind and noise increased outside, and the group began to pray in the darkness.

Several instructors waited upstairs to help members of the neighborhood get safely below ground. Being able to step into a basement is a rarity in the state. In fact, because of Oklahoma’s soft, red clay, the Aim High gymnasium was one of less than one percent of structures in the state with a basement.

The roof began to peel away and disappear, while loud creaks, cracks and bangs sounded. A rushing wind left a vivid memory for Jennifer. “I felt as if my insides were lifting up, and then there was silence,” she said. “All that was left was the sound of crying children and running water.”

When Jennifer finally climbed the stairs and opened the basement door, a wall of water gushed in from broken pipes and torrential rain. The sight of clouds and lightning was unnerving, especially when she had expected to see a roof overhead. Large portions of the building had collapsed around them.

She stood in shock looking at the sight around her, silently thanking God for the safety he had provided for the many children below. A calm came over Jennifer and she descended back to the basement with a smile and reassurances for the young gymnasts.

When rescue crews arrived and saw the destruction, they feared the worst. “Then everybody realized what a miracle it was,” Tulsa Fire Department Captain Toby Houck told a FOX 23 television news reporter.

They found everyone safe and unharmed in the basement. Water had risen to most of the girls’ knees. Firefighters quickly shed their own coats, wrapped them around the children and carried them one-by-one to safety.

“The compassion and tenderness the firefighters showed our students was overwhelming,” Jennifer said. “For a child that had just experienced the trauma of a disaster, having a firefighter angel carry them to safety and the arms of their parents was very comforting.”

Not one person out of the more than 60 who weathered the storm in the collapsed gymnasium sustained injuries.

That tenderness played itself out again in June when State Farm provided a disaster recovery grant to Aim High Academy. Tulsa firefighters were reunited for the first time with the children they had saved. Unscripted and without warning, the little gymnasts rushed across a room at a hotel ballroom and took turns embracing and thanking those who had saved them. News media, legislators and other public figures attending the event were visibly moved, several brought to tears.

While she’s back to her daily workday ritual, Jennifer remains vigilant. She believes in miracles and in being prepared. Besides staying on top of the best exit and safe routes, she keeps a storm kit on hand. It contains essentials that could be useful during and after a disaster.

Armed with her resources and faith, Jennifer is ready to do cartwheels around any challenge – just like her talented young performers do every time they take to the floor.

The Geis family had been in their home only one month, when Michelle heard a knock on the door. Indianapolis firefighters were going door to door in their new neighborhood as part of their annual October smoke detector blitz.

Michelle and her husband Christopher were still unpacking when the firefighters told them they needed new, working smoke alarms. Michelle was thankful for the great service in their neighborhood but didn’t realized just how grateful she would be five months later.

In March 2015, Michelle was home alone with her three youngest children. She heard a beeping sound. She thought it was a truck backing up, but soon realized it was her new smoke alarm. Moments later, her son ran in and said the upstairs was on fire. Michelle got her three year old, two year old and one month old out of the house and called the fire department. The entire back of their home was destroyed.​

Later that summer, the Geis family thanked firefighters and State Farm volunteers who installed the alarm in their home months before.

Michelle spoke through tears to the volunteers and firefighters. Though their home was severely damaged, her children were unharmed.

During the same smoke detector blitz in October 2014, smoke alarms were installed in Johnie Mae Pannell’s home.

A few short months later, Johnie Mae was sleeping on her couch when the smoke alarm woke her up. She was able to get in her wheelchair and out of her home without any injuries. Firefighters said, due to the amount of smoke in the home, if Johnie Mae hadn’t gotten out when she did, the story could have had a different ending.

“As firefighters, we hope for the best”, said Captain Rita Reith with the Indianapolis Fire Department. “It’s hard on us to see people lose it all. But to know these smoke alarms saved lives - that is the best outcome.”

For 15 years, the Indianapolis Fire Department and State Farm have worked together on fire safety education. Every October, the fire department focuses on one neighborhood to promote awareness.

Through the years, more than 30,000 smoke alarms have been distributed and are in the homes of local residents. The exact number of families and children who have benefited from the program is unknown. But the city has seen a dramatic 75 percent decrease in the number of child fatalities since the program began.

“Unfortunately, these smoke detector blitzes can’t happen in every neighborhood”, said Reith. “Keep your family safe. Check your smoke detectors, replace batteries and get a new smoke alarm every ten years. If you need help contact your local fire station.”

Dead ends

Both of his parents passed away, and miles and matters separated the rest of his family. With his condition worsening, Sam intensified the search for a possible match in 2013. He finally reached an estranged cousin in California. In questioning how other family members dealt with the genetic disorder, the cousin revealed the family secret Sam’s mother had taken to her grave: Sam was adopted. His known relatives would not be a match. He realized the already difficult task would now be close to impossible.

A successful corporate software sales director for Microsoft, Sam was now too sick to work. Online research revealed that someone falsified his birth records to make it impossible to find his birth family. Further, the hospital in which he was born had closed and its medical documents shredded…another dead end.

Every genetic test available found no close relatives in their databases. Sam’s friends all began to test to see if they could help, but the process was slow and tedious. Further, if a match was found, the donor had to be in perfect health. Slowly, each was eliminated for various reasons.

Sam’s “slow boat to hell,” as he called it in a Dallas TV interview, was taking a toll. Sam made frequent trips across country to Mayo Clinic for evaluation and treatment. He was now on dialysis; a procedure he knew could keep him alive, but was no way to live. Some people’s health declines on dialysis, and Sam was not doing well. He prepared his wife, Julie, and their two children for the worst. That included educating Julie about the household insurance in case he didn’t make it through his health situation.

Conversation connects important dots

Linda Horton is Sam’s State Farm Agent, she enjoys his intelligence, kindness and his jokes. Sam likes Linda’s caring personality and thoughtfulness, and he even referred business to Linda. The two stay in touch as insurance needs change. Over a lunch, they discussed his insurance coverage, his condition and his dire need for a kidney to match his Type O blood. That conversation with Linda changed – if not saved – his life.

That same week, in addition to caring for customers like Sam, Linda was also interviewing team members for her growing agency in north Dallas. One of those interviews was with Adrian Serrano.

Adrian talked about his professional accomplishments, his personal life, goals, ambitions and bucket list. The Army reservist, deployed in Iraq in 2004, shared a story about a near-death experience on the battlefield. Adrian said he had “made a deal with God” that if he lived, he would “live his life for God.” Adrian went on to tell Horton he had an O blood type and aspired to be an organ donor. Linda immediately made the connection to her friend and customer, Sam Miller. She told Serrano, “I have a client with an O blood type and he’s also in dire need of a kidney!”

Horton introduced the two. With his previous potential donors all disqualified for one reason or another, Sam was running out of hope. Though certainly grateful for the introduction, he was wary of getting his hopes up that a complete stranger, introduced by his insurance agent, would turn out to be his donor.

However, Adrian was a perfect match and willingly donated his kidney. On the February morning Sam was to have a surgery to re-route blood vessels in his arm for more efficient dialysis; he instead had a transplant. His “slow boat to hell” was starting to turn around.

A match made in heaven

Some might say it was an amazing coincidence. Adrian and Sam feel God had a plan from the beginning.

God orchestrated this from day one,” said Serrano in a Dallas television interview.

Miller said he found faith. ”All of a sudden, I was alive again. We don’t know where this leads, but what a beautiful testimony and sacrifice for, really, a stranger.”

Sam and Adrian are both doing well.

Adrian is back at work, though not at State Farm. Sam suffers from migraines, but nothing more serious. He continues his recovery at home in Dallas taking his wife, son and daughter on trips when their schedules allow.

As for resuming his search for family, Miller says for now he is enjoying his life, family and “taking a breather for a minute.”

Learn more about organ donation at donatelife.net or organdonor.gov

Click here to watch the interview with Adrian Serrano

Everyone in Tulsa Knows Debra

The amazing smell washes over you when you open the door. You try to fight it, but your mouth can’t help but water as you scan the trays of glazed donuts, long johns, cinnamon rolls, fritters, and bear claws.

It’s not a fair fight.

The manager at the counter of Cherry Street Daylight Donuts smiles and greets everyone. And they smile back at her. Almost everyone in Tulsa, OK knows Debra Dickens Holmes.

Debra does tax preparation, teaches child passenger safety and defensive driving courses, and owns a donut shop.

Oh yeah, and she’s a cop. A cop with a donut shop.

“I know what everyone thinks,” Debra says as she laughs. “But for me, this is about developing relationships with people, celebrating birthdays with the kids, and being a part of a big, happy family.”

Public Servant and Public Service

A Tulsa Police Officer for 28 years, Debra’s well known around town. A member of the Safe Kids Coalition in Tulsa, Debra has installed thousands of car seats. One event she coordinates in a Tulsa minority community even includes a car seat giveaway combined with a massive Easter egg hunt.

Among numerous other activities, Debra also coordinates a statewide awards event for Oklahoma law enforcement efforts in traffic safety called the Buckledown Awards. State Farm supports many of these events and organizations through Good Neighbor Citizenship grants and local volunteers.

“When I was a new police officer, I realized very quickly I could enforce the law all day by writing tickets,” Debra says. “But I wanted to be involved in preventing those things from happening in the first place.”

And that’s how the donut shop happened.

A Cop Buys a Donut Shop

While spending her Saturdays teaching defensive driving courses, Debra would stop to buy donuts for her class.

She got to know the owners of the donut shop and was made aware of their plans to sell the business. “I fell in love with the people there and thought this would be a great way to make people happy.”

In the fall of 2014 Debra bought Cherry Street Daylight Donuts and began making Tulsans happy.

On any given day, her uncles, mother, son and other family members are greeting customers along with Debra, sharing some sugary sweet happiness.

“As my career as a policeman winds down, I wanted to continue to touch people in a positive way. The donut shop helps me connect with the community and impact people’s lives.”­

Many impressive personal achievements fill his 80 years. Yet, walking into school and meeting his first grade teacher is memory that still burns bright.

Ms. Mamie Labon Foster, a young first grade teacher, brought hope and inspiration into the life of a boy who had already experienced a lifetime’s worth of hurt and hardship. It was her hug, reassurance, and fervent belief in the power of reading and education that set him on a path of achievement.

Before stepping into Union Baptist School, Shelley had already witnessed the violent murder of his mother by his drunken father. But this is not a story about a childhood tragedy; rather, it is testament to the power of a teacher in the life of a child.

Ms. Foster faced many challenges educating students in the segregated, poverty-stricken Rosedale neighborhood of Birmingham, AL during the early 1940s. Most students entering her class did not have literate parents or access to books in their homes. Her presence in Shelley’s life provided a sense of stability away from the chaos surrounding him.

Her encouragements that first day of school might have been a small part of Ms. Foster’s day, but to six-year-old Shelley, they became a mantra. He began to believe in himself, just as Ms. Foster did. He bounced around Birmingham, living with different family members and changing schools often, but education was always his priority.

Shelley did see his beloved Ms. Foster again…the day of his high school graduation. He did not expect the cheers the others received when their names were called. But to Shelley's delight, Ms. Foster stood up and said, “That’s my boy!” For the second time, she was the one there for him at just the right moment.

Shelley Stewart went on to be a Civil Rights activist, radio personality, advertising executive, community leader, and philanthropist. And thanks to Ms. Foster, he remained a student and avid reader. Always an advocate for education, he now spends his time supporting teachers and students with The Mattie C Stewart Foundation and their innovative dropout prevention programs.

Shelley had many reasons to drop out of school and fall victim to the influences of his neighborhood and family, but he did not. Ms. Foster showed him education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, abuse and crime.

The story of Dr. Stewart and Ms. Foster, is not specific to a time and place. In classrooms across the nation, it plays out daily. Teachers continue make dramatic differences for students facing challenges each and every day.

Did you have a Ms. Foster in your life? If so, please join The Mattie C Stewart Foundation and State Farm and #ThankATeacher.

The Mattie C Stewart Foundation is named after Shelley’s late mother. It is dedicated to keeping students in school and reducing the national dropout rate. Dr. Stewart saw too many community members ending up in dire circumstances, including prison. Studies have found approximately 75% of the inmate population is high school dropouts. The Foundation, using school-based programs like The Choice Bus, Inside Out documentary and Learn2Earn has served 2,028,664 students since its founding in 2007.

During the first part of the 25-minute experience, students watch videos and discuss the impact of education. They see how their school choices affect their earning potential over their lifetimes. Then the students see the second half of the bus. It is a full-size replica of a jail cell, providing a brief experience of incarcerated life. The message is powerful and simple: a good education can lead to a lifetime of opportunities. Each student has the ability to make choices that will lead to positive or negative outcomes.

In 2015, State Farm provided 33 weeks of touring support to take The Choice Bus experience to schools in 11 states. In total, the programs will influence 40,000 students in one calendar year, at no cost to the schools.

To learn more about the Choice Bus or request a school visit, visit their website at http://www.mattiecstewart.org/​.

He was That Guy whose life was envied by many.

Unfortunately, Matt is now That Guy who killed a father of six in a drunk driving crash.

The Accident

On March 1, 2009, a few months after joining the Philadelphia Kixx, Matt sustained a career-ending knee injury. A week later, feeling discouraged about his situation. Matt went out drinking with a friend. On his way home, Matt was speeding down the Atlantic City Expressway and crashed into the vehicle of Hort Kap, killing him instantly.

Matt didn’t receive the news he killed Kap until he was in police custody. As he sat in the holding cell, contemplating the consequences of a DUI charge, he overheard the dispatcher describing Kap as “deceased.” In an instant, Matt’s world came crashing down.

“I couldn’t comprehend the weight and I had a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach trying to understand the full magnitude of the word ‘deceased’– and that my actions caused it,” described Matt. “It was total mind confusion.”

As Matt was awaiting his sentencing, the Bible Club counselor at Middle Township High School approached Matt’s mother. He asked if Matt would be interested in speaking with students at the school.

“My mom left the decision up to me and I told her after much thought and prayer that I always stood up during all the good in my life; and that I should stand up now during the bad and take ownership of my bad decision,” says Matt.

Prior to sentencing, Matt partnered with the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance (SJTSA) and was able to make 34 “I’m That Guy” presentations to more than 7,000 students in high schools and colleges throughout South Jersey. His goal was to spare someone else from following in his footsteps, and the process was cathartic.

Matt was charged with aggravated manslaughter and sentenced to five years, five months in prison.

“I never thought I’d be in an ugly environment like prison, but instead of fighting my circumstances, I decided to accept them and become intentional in making the best of them,” explains Matt.

While in prison, Matt focused on positive activities and encouraged others to do the same. He started a Bible study group, tutored fellow inmates in English, and wrote 15 books. He also kept a daily blog to chronicle his life in prison.

Taking Advantage of Second Chances

Matt was released from prison on August 3, 2014. He quickly partnered with SJTSA again who, through the support of a State Farm grant, committed to hosting a series of presentations to high school and college students throughout New Jersey and neighboring states. Matt was the keynote speaker.

Matt’s first presentation since his release was to Cumberland County College, where students were gripped by Matt’s raw and honest story. He doesn’t sugar-coat his actions, feelings, or the crash, and humbly requests young people do not follow in his footsteps.

“The variety of ways the kids connect with Matt is powerful and continues to be evident through the following of his website and the blog he wrote from prison,” says SJTSA Program Manager Teresa Thomas.

In addition to sharing his message with thousands of students, Matt has other plans for his future. With the help of his mother, Matt created the Be Still Foundation. His foundation advocates responsible decision-making, the prevention of risky behavior, and provides strategies for overcoming adversity.

More and more baby boomers are discovering the benefits of shared housing in their golden years. After all, more than a third of baby boomers - the generation moving into retirement age - are unmarried. Single boomers are also overwhelmingly female - just like Blanche, Dorothy and Rose, and just like three real world women from Pennsylvania.

Karen Bush, Louise Machinist and Jean McQuillin met in early adulthood. Their lives followed the usual trajectories: marriages, children, careers and houses.

“All of us owned our own houses. We each lived independently-comfortably, modestly, but securely,” Louise says.

However, children grew up and moved away, marriages ended, and soon the friends found themselves in their 50s, living alone, and facing retirement. That’s when Karen had an idea.

“I was happy living the way I was,” Karen recalls. “But I thought when I did retire, I could see myself becoming isolated.”

Retirement comes with risks, and adjusting to life without a paycheck can be challenging. It can also be lonely. “Many retirees face a lack of community, a lack of people around during the day or evenings,” Karen points out.

Early in 2004, Karen turned to Louise and asked if she would go in on a major investment with her: a house. But not just a house, a home they would live in together.

Louise was game and pulled Jean into the conversation. “We identified what we’d want, in terms of geography, culture, educational opportunities, hobbies - all sorts of things,” Karen says. “We had remarkably similar lists.”

“The punch line,” Louise says, “was ‘Why wait?’” Three months later, they closed on a new, co-owned house.

“It was ridiculously fast,” Jean agrees, “but we laid lots of groundwork. We consulted a financial planner and a lawyer. Here we are - nine years later!”

Louise ticks off the many benefits, expected and unexpected, of living with housemates:

“The environment: We feel good we use fewer utilities. The social support system and community. And definitely the money - I’ve saved more for retirement, which is paradoxical because this was supposed to be retirement!”

The three women share their experience and advice in a collaboratively written book: My House Our House: Living Far Better for Far Less in a Cooperative Household.

They all agree collaboration is what makes a shared housing arrangement succeed. “It’s imperative for people sharing a home to make sure they respect healthy boundaries that ensure everyone’s wellbeing. You need to be on the same page about lifestyle,” says Louise.

There’s something about their age group that helps too. “It seems to be the boomers that drive shared housing,” Louise says. “It’s something we did when we were young, and we just don’t have the barriers other generations have.”

Paki Wieland, another boomer, met her housemate, Francis Crowe, as their generation was driving the counterculture of the 1960s.

“When I first visited western Massachusetts in 1968, Frances was one of the first people I met,” recalls Paki, now in her early 70s. It was the height of the Vietnam War, and Paki and Frances, were passionate activists, working together at demonstrations and peace committees.

When the war ended, Paki went to college and became a professional. Frances continued working at a peace center, supported by her husband, a radiologist. The women lost touch. Neither had any idea their lives would once again converge.

But Paki’s marriage ended and Frances’ husband died. Paki was preparing to retire from a teaching position at Antioch New England Graduate School but had not thought about what retirement would look like. Frances started renting out the downstairs of her house. Just as Paki put out the word she needed a place to live, Frances’ tenant moved out.

Frances suggested that her long-ago acquaintance move in. When Paki showed up with her bags in the fall of 2002, both women considered it a tenant/landlord relationship. It hasn’t stayed that way.

“We became more and more involved in our lives together. It was very gradual,” Frances says. We each have our own living space, but we share the house, and she’s good company,” Frances says of Paki. “We read the same books. I pass the paper on to her.” Paki agrees. “If we go somewhere together to a film, I’ll organize us to do that,” she says.

Considering Paki is younger than Frances, you might guess she’s Frances’ caretaker - but you’d be mistaken.

“My physical abilities have diminished in the last 10 years,” Frances concedes, “and Paki is mindful of that. She checks in on me.” Still, Paki isn’t Frances’ nurse.

“Increasingly I became aware of the way our lives overlapped,” Paki explains. “When I first moved in I didn’t imagine living here this long. But it’s worked very nicely. Frances certainly doesn’t plan to go into any retirement - age place, so as long as we can both stay here, we’ll do that.”

“There was a gentleman from a school district in Texas, and he said that they looked at the number of students that were not reading at grade level at fourth grade to determine the number of prison beds they would need ten years down the road,” said Debbie Clark, a retired teacher from Hinton Area Elementary School in Hinton, West Virginia. “The next day I looked into [how many of our students were reading below grade level,] and when I found out ours was above 57 percent, I thought, we have to do something.”

Soon thereafter, Clark and Pat Mick, a fellow retired teacher, decided to tackle this problem by addressing student’s nutritional needs, noting the link between nutrition and school achievement. “If you’re hungry, you can’t focus, you can’t do your schoolwork, you’re always thinking about your stomach growling,” observed Karen Bollinger, a reading specialist with the school.

“In the first three years of a student’s school[ing], they learn to read; after that it’s read to learn,” said Mick. The conclusion: these critical years help dictate future success.

Yummy Bags: Food for Thought

So this year, the two of them started Yummy Bags. Yummy Bags’ mission is to address both issues – education and nutrition. The organization provides nutritious meals to third and fourth graders with low reading proficiency at Hinton Area Elementary, in a community with a very high unemployment rate.

Select students get to take home meals for the weekend when they’re not in school and getting the food provided there. In addition, books are also distributed with the hope students will continue to read, or someone reads to them, until they’re back at school on Monday.

Launching in March 2014, Yummy Bags started their service to 15 students. By June, that number was up to 45 and now they are serving, on average, more than 60 students each week.

“Someone cares about them.”

The community has rallied to the cause as well. This past May, their votes of support helped Yummy Bags earn a State Farm Neighborhood Assist® grant of $25,000. To continue to build the education piece in tandem with the nutrition piece, this additional funding will help Yummy Bags launch an after-school tutoring program in 2015. Here, trained adult leaders will work with students on their reading proficiency.

Thanks to this program, teachers are already seeing improvements. “Attendance has improved, because they know every Friday they’re going to get it and they need to be here – and [they know] someone cares about them,” says Bollinger.

With programs like Yummy Bags, kids can focus on school work and not when they’ll be able to eat their next meal. As Bollinger puts it, “When we put the bag in their backpack, you see their face light up and a bright smile and you know that you’ve done something good for that child.”

Just ask Ryan “Shipwreck” Shupe. He has been at Camp Journey, a special camp in Idaho tailored to the needs of pediatric cancer patients, for 11 years – one of those years as a camper himself.

At the age of 10, Ryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. While that can be difficult to deal with as kid, Ryan found some relief when was introduced to Camp Journey. “Camp helped remove those barriers I faced between being a kid with a disease and just being a kid,” he said.

A camp counselor for the past decade, Ryan watches on as 6 year-old Micah Woertink and his friends climb rope courses, swim and enjoy group activities with other kids their age going through the same thing.

This is a much welcome change from the hospital environment Micah is used to, says his mother Grace. “It’s definitely a reward for all of the junk he’s been through,” she said. “He’s so excited to be here and already can’t wait until next year.”

A community of hope, a safe environment

Camp Journey provides a community of hope where children diagnosed with cancer, both on and off treatment, can leave their worries behind. For one week they can enjoy a fun-filled outdoor camp experience tailored to their needs. What makes the camp unique is its entire medical team of pediatric oncology nurses and doctors who are on site at all times to take care of any medical needs. The kids can fully experience the outdoors in a safe environment.

“For us to be able to see that child in a happy setting as well as in our professional setting completes the picture for us of why we love to take care of these kids,” explains Ruth “Rowdy” Seignemartin, R.N ., Director of Nursing at Camp Journey.

The other thing Camp Journey provides is opportunity. Cancer is an expensive disease. Families are often hard-pressed to pay for an experience like that at Camp Journey.

“Coming up with money to send your child to camp is probably something most parents couldn’t do,” says Kari “Kool” Allen, Camp Journey Camp Director, “so we find the funding elsewhere so parents don’t have to worry about it.” The camp runs on 70-80 volunteers like Ryan, and funding from grant programs like State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist.

This year State Farm awarded Camp Journey $25,000 to help give kids the opportunity to spend a week in the outdoors, participating in typical camp activities while making friends who understand and share their situation.

During their time at camp, these kids develop independence and confidence, learn new skills and make memories to last a lifetime. As Kari says, “Until there’s a cure, there’s camp!” Learn more about Camp Journey and how you can help at the camp’s website.

For years, Josh Thompson, Jeremy Wetting and T.J. Duckett were working independently every Thanksgiving to provide families with a holiday meal. Thompson and Weitting were providing several Thanksgiving meals to families in Southwest Michigan. Duckett, a former professional football star, was giving out turkeys in Lansing through his non-profit, New World Flood.

They became aware of each other’s efforts and they decided to join forces four years ago to create the Hands Up Project. Since starting with only a handful of families each, and a goal to double their efforts each year after, their effort has grown exponentially. Now they make an even bigger impact on Michigan families.

“Being able to provide that one meal of the year where families spend time together and connect is what it’s all about for me,” said Jeremy, a State Farm Agent in Otsego, MI. “It’s about contributing to your community when you have the ability to do it.”

To help cover the costs of assembling and donating over 1,000 turkey dinners, the group organizes fundraisers. Duckett serves as a celebrity bartender or barista, signing autographs in exchange for tips. Proceeds are used to purchase supplies for the giveaway. Duckett was a 1998 graduate of Loy Norrix High School. He was a star running back at Michigan State University before being drafted in the first round to play football professionally. He then went on to play in in Atlanta, Washington DC, Detroit and Seattle.

Duckett started a non-profit, New World Flood, to “flood the world with service." New World Flood spread the philosophy that a single raindrop is the beginning of a flood. The Hands Up Project believes that people want a “hand up, not a hand out.” Those constructive beliefs have resulted in a synergy, making a profound impact in southwest Michigan each Thanksgiving.

“People are in need all over. We have an opportunity to take care of a few of them, if just for one day,” says Duckett, who grew up in Kalamazoo and now lives in Lansing. “It’s important to give back. I realized the secret is to give and serve and put as much energy into this mission as I did into football.”

As a rural Kansas town deals with a tragedy, K-9 Tana and her handler, Kansas State Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Rose Rozmiarek, try to determine fact from fiction after a fatal home fire. Follow the story of K-9 Tana and other accelerant detection dogs from their training in Maine to careers and years of service in their communities as Arson Dogs.

LINK TO STORY

LINK TO STORY

“I think that with the movement of the horse, and sitting on the horse, it’s making neurological connections, helping areas of the brain that control the balance,” said Lisa, Giovanni’s mother. “He’s now able to sit up straight on his horse, and he’s walking a lot straighter.”

The Nicholas’ are not alone in seeing the benefits of riding. They are just some of the clients of Therapeutic Riding and Off-Track Rehabilitation. T.R.O.T.R., based in Woodland, CA near Sacramento, specializes in the therapy.

“The children that we help have a variety of issues,” said Shannon Johnson, Executive Director for T.R.O.T.R. “I know quite a few of the kids I work with are on the autism spectrum.”

The benefits of therapeutic riding are seen by parents and instructors, and studies are helping to identify the scope of the improvements (see infographic). Researchers and advocates theorize that the combination of physical and mental stimulation, and the immersive environment inherent in riding, plays a role.

The operation differs from a normal stable in many ways. For one, instructors and staff are in close contact with the riders to protect them. And the environment is shaped to suit the needs of riders.

For example, T.R.O.T.R. recently underwent upgrades including a new softer riding surface, a ramp to help load kids onto the horses, and equipment to maintain the arena, funded by a grant won in the State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program.

For some kids, these improvements are critical – larger children would be unable to mount their horses without the assistance of the ramp, for example.

But the effort pays off.

“It’s nothing but joy when you bring the kids out here and put them on the horses,” said John Bolden, president of Board of Directors of T.R.O.T.R. “The smiles come over their faces and they light up. That’s what it’s all about.”

Ever wonder what thieves look for before breaking into a home? Well, we asked one…

Two teen boys speed up to a quiet house on their bikes. They look just like what they are: two young teens from middle-class backgrounds. But they also look nothing like what they are: repeat criminals intent to break into this house.

Charlie London* was one of those boys. Despite his relatively stable upbringing, he’d been shoplifting from local stores for a few years. Now, he was scoping out bigger game. His paper route let him pick likely targets; he and his friend would come back later to rob them. They were successful often enough to keep doing it, again and again, until the police officer showed up on London’s doorstep. Soon after, he found himself heading into the juvenile detention system. The good news—for London most of all—is that he is now a grown-up in every sense of the word: a happily married father to two young kids, and a teacher of adolescents. He turned his life around.

So we asked London to share what would have deterred him back in the day. The following actions may reduce your risk of a home burglary.

*not his real name

Keep the Lights On

“We have our house well lit all the time—24 hours a day,” says London. It won’t slow down a daytime break-in, but if a burglar has to choose between a brightly lit home and a darkened one, guess which one he’s more likely to go for? The Department of Justice classifies outdoor lighting as a security device—it’s that important. If you’d like to keep the electric bill down, motion sensors turn them on only when someone is stirring.

Trim the Hedges

Weed your garden and shovel your walk. If you don’t maintain your yard, it looks like you’re not home—and that’s very inviting. Also tall, overgrown shrubs make it easy for a thief to break in without someone noticing them. “You have to harden your target,” said London. Not only does an overgrown landscape provide cover to an intruder, but it can make it easier for thieves to climb in, so keep your lawn and garden tidy.

Fake a Daily Presence

You might be surprised at who is paying attention. “I was a paperboy back when I was breaking and entering,” explains London, “so I was familiar with all the households and their routines.” He knew when their occupants were home and when they weren’t—and if someone went out of town, he picked up on subtle cues. Foil similar burglars—have someone pick up your mail and packages. You can also leave a radio or TV on inside, giving the impression that someone’s at home—and awake. Or invest in a remote switch on system so you can control your lights or TV throughout the day. Also, when you do leave on vacation, minimize the amount of time your bags are visible on the curb.

Give Thieves a Sign

“If I saw a sticker for a home security system, that would have been enough of a deterrent recalls London. “Once, we broke into a house and an alarm went off. We immediately turned around and just ran.” Stickers for a home security system are one trick; another is a trusty BEWARE OF DOGS posting. “Dogs certainly would have discouraged me from breaking in, even though I knew my way around dogs,” points out London. If you happen to love dogs and can afford a home surveillance system, by all means go for it! But if you’re allergic or cash is tight, fake it with signs. Dummy surveillance cameras enhance the illusion and are not difficult to put up.

Invest In Double-Glazed Windows

There’s a reason you see barred windows in high-crime areas, after all—glass is vulnerable. Anyone can break it. “Once we made sure no one was home and no one was in visual range,” explains London, “our methods were very unsophisticated. We simply cracked a window.” If your windows are uncrackable small-time burglars, like London, are thwarted. Double-glazed windows are an expense, but they also help to insulate your home more effectively and cut down on street noise. Can’t afford it? At least keep your windows locked.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

While many robbery deterrents from London’s day remain unchanged, there’s a lot of new technology out there, ”home security was less sophisticated back then, and in our neighborhood it was also less prevalent,” he says. Today, home monitoring systems can make it far easier to keep your property secure even when you’re out of town. Systems like ADT Pulse and the Iris Smart Kit from Lowe’s allow you to keep an eye on your home remotely through a smartphone or tablet. Discourage intruders by using home automation features that allow you to lock doors remotely or sound an alarm and record video if your front door opens unexpectedly. With all the recent advancement in technology, a home monitoring system is a great way to deter intruders and keep an eye on your home while away.

…But Not Your Disadvantage

It’s all well and good to be wired and connected, but consider who might be connected to your connections. Never advertise your comings and goings on social media—78 percent of burglars in a British poll said they’ve used Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and other social media platforms to target likely properties. More than half said online status updates clued them in to who was home—and who wasn’t. First things first—turn off location services on your phone, which bad guys can (and do) use to figure out where you are. If you’re on a fabulous vacation, wait till you’re home to post the photos to Instagram.

Store Things in Less Obvious Places

Even if you do everything right, a burglar still can make it in, so keep your stuff out of harm’s way. Don’t keep jewelry in the master bedroom—don’t keep prescription drugs in the medicine cabinet. Burglars want to get out quick, so if they don’t find what they’re looking for in the first 10 minutes, they’ll leave rather than search. And for heaven’s sake, don’t leave your house keys near the doorway! According to the British poll, more than half of those surveyed said homeowners practically invited them inside, leaving their keys easily accessible.

It was a day that started like any other day. School was out. Summer was just getting underway. Seventeen year-old Brian Garlock awoke early and went to his summer job cleaning rental properties with his friend in Pineville, North Carolina.

Just before noon on this ordinary Thursday, following behind his friend's car, Brian turned left - not realizing there was a truck driving toward him. The truck hit Brian’s car on the driver’s side door with an impact so great his car spun 180 degrees. He was then struck by another pick-up truck. Although he was rushed by ambulance to the nearest hospital and then flown by medical helicopter to the main trauma center in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina; Brian’s surgeon notified his family he did not survive.

Tammy’s Devastating Discovery

Nine days after an accident that changed Brian’s family forever, his parents had the unimaginable responsibility of dealing with what remained of Brian’s car. They had given it to him one week prior to the crash that claimed his life. As his mother, Tammy, was diligently searching to get everything from the car that had to do with her child, she spotted something wedged behind what used to be the driver’s-side area. Tammy was determined to retrieve the item. Crawling through twisted metal and over broken glass, what she found was Brian’s cell phone - still intact.

She took the phone home and plugged it in to charge. What she discovered after turning on the phone was a devastating truth. At the time Brian was making that left-hand turn behind his friend’s car, he was also attempting to call his girlfriend to let her know he was running late for their lunch. He never saw the truck barreling down on him. Brian Garlock was fatally distracted in that instant by his cell phone. His family will never be the same. The grief of losing him continues.

An Instant Message Reminder

Tammy Garlock is now on a mission to save others from experiencing the type of tragedy her family went through. She is a strong advocate for teen driver safety. She collaborates with safety partners, including State Farm. She also speaks at schools and driver’s education classes.

She hopes the pink and black “Remember Brian” bracelets created in her son’s memory will serve as an instant message of a different kind. Tammy encourages drivers to remember how quickly things can go wrong when reaching for, or using a phone, while driving.

“Make a better choice than my son did that day. The life you end up saving could very well be your own.”

You can learn more about Tammy’s efforts and make a pledge to stop using your phone while driving on her website, DyingChangesEverything.org.

“You can imagine, I’m at the height [of success], you know what I mean?” remembers Rob. “And then one call. Boom. It’s done.”

In the months and years that followed, Sims struggled with the void left by his father, known in his playing days as the “Gentle Giant,” whom Sims remembers as “a real country man” from Union, South Carolina.

“He was just the best person you would ever meet,” Sims said. “He would take anybody in. He would feed anybody, clothe anybody, anything he could do.”

Finding help, delivering a message of hope

Despite his success in the years following his father’s passing, Sims found himself feeling empty – until he was able to work through his long-standing grief and focus his attention back out to the community, living the way his father would have lived and helping others who suffer loss like he did.

Sims and his family have learned to take their love of Mickey and focus it outward. Now, Sims honors his father by helping others who are on the same journey and raising funds for Cornerstone of Hope so that it can help others find peace.

Cornerstone of Hope, in Cleveland, Ohio, was founded by Mark Tripodi and his wife, Christy, after the loss of their son. The organization is supported by State Farm.

“When we tried to find support in our town, in our community, it was exhausting,” Tripodi remembers. “I’m proud to say that we’ve been in the community for many years now. And all of our programs are geared towards serving grieving children, teens and adults.”

A father’s lasting legacy

And Sims reminds others through his words and deeds what it means to be a father and to leave a lasting legacy: from the memories of a life well lived that children carry, to ensuring the economic security of the family through life insurance and financial responsibility, to doing good works in the community that last long after a man is gone.

“Everybody’s got a time, everybody has got a day when it’s going to be over,” Sims says. “But you leave your mark, just by being the person you are while you’re here and setting your family up for the future.”

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Sadly, his small town community has faced tornadoes of historic proportions – two of those storms among the strongest ever recorded. His city, home to beautiful neighborhoods and thriving economic development, has earned the unfortunate distinction as the frequent target of killer tornadoes.

“By 2013 we were beginning to ask some questions of each other,” said Terry Cavnar, State Farm Agent and Moore City Council Member. “We can no longer ignore this. We can’t say this isn’t going to happen again because it continues to happen. So, we began to look at the options.”

In the past 15 years, the city of Moore has fallen victim to tornadoes on three separate occasions. In 1999, an EF-5 tornado swept through the community causing $1.2 billion in damage, and taking 40 lives. In 2003, an EF-4 devastated the town. Most recently in 2013, Moore faced a second EF-5, killing 24 and causing $2 billion in damage.

After each storm, Drake and other city officials were left to wonder what – if anything – they could do to better prepare their community for these catastrophic storms. After the 2013 storm, they decided to take action.

A Time To Act

The search for answers led to the formation of a special committee made up of council members, builders and citizens to re-examine building codes and ensure all new construction was best equipped to deal with extreme weather.

The committee called on Chris Ramseyer, Associate Professor-Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma to help in the planning effort. Even before the 2013 storm, Ramseyer had been studying the performances of residential structures in high-wind events and was very familiar with the city’s plight.

“I was here the next morning,” Ramseyer said of his hours following the 2013 tornado. Amongst the utter devastation, Ramseyer found what he was looking for. “We had a house with a slab essentially wiped clean. It was EF5 damage,” he said. But just seventy feet away, a home stood largely intact. The two homes were too close to have provided for much difference in wind speed, Ramseyer concluded that the structure must have saved the second home.

The committee developed their plan of attack and agreed all future homes needed to be practical, affordable and repeatable on a large scale.

“Chris looked at it from both structural integrity and also cost. The impact it would have on the cost of residential construction,” said Drake. “And I think the homebuilders bought into that, and they had confidence in him.”

Building Better AND Stronger

The result was to refine the building technique, rather than adding new materials. The new approach called for a change in the basic house framing, pushing builders and contractors to expand upon their normal approach. Longtime Moore builder, Tom Pollard notes,“ it’s not even a big cost issue, it’s just an educational process.”

“The biggest difference is in the framing,” said Cavnar. “With some more tie-ins, especially between the walls and the roofing, strengthening in your openings, framed openings, windows and doors.”

In addition to the added protection, there was more good news: The cost.

“Our research shows that you can do it for a cost of roughly a dollar a square foot,” said Ramseyer.

Drake and the committee are enthusiastic about this new approach as a means to protect, preserve and prepare the homes of Moore.

“We were ecstatic,” said Terry Cavnar. “We could do something that would withstand an F3 tornado, 135 miles an hour, for a minimal amount of cost. We were thrilled.”

And while the success of these measures will ultimately be born out in the coming tornado seasons, for now this process stands out as a great example of what can be accomplished when a community works together.

“This has been one of the easiest code changes I’ve been involved in,” said Drake. “I didn’t think that would be the case when we started this process, but it was.”