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

When their dad took a new job, sisters Anjana, now 20, and Ananya Murali, now 18, moved with their parents from India to Montana when they were little. It meant adapting to a different culture, climate and community. As they put it, “we were the diversity in Montana.”

After 9/11 happened, life got more challenging as the Murali family were among the few in Helena with dark skin. “I asked my mom to take me to the store for lotion to make my skin white,” says Anjana. “That’s when I remember my mom saying she wanted to educate the community, and she started with my kindergarten class.”

The Muralis’ community outreach in Montana was a positive experience, especially for the girls, and that inspiration continues, following another move — this time to the Milwaukee, Wis., area in their teenage years.

“My mom is one of my biggest heroes,” says Anjana “She took initiative to educate the community.”

“She organized a booth at the annual Helena Fair about Indian culture and traditions. Visitors to the booth could try on sarees (Indian clothing), get henna designs, watch and listen to Indian music/dance performances, and even taste Indian food for the first time,” Anjana continued.

“She gave numerous presentations in and around the community about Indian culture, especially arranged marriages. Through her efforts, she was able to dispel misconceptions about our culture in a positive way,” Ananya, shared.

Anjana and Ananya have continued that legacy by focusing on youths in their new community of Milwaukee. Both have pursued their Girl Scout Gold Awards to better their corner of the world. Together, they created a non-profit organization called “Educate, Engage, Empower, Inc.” in order to continue their projects and reach out to youth all over the world.

Finding Their Niche

Ananya decided to tackle teen suicide related to bullying.

“I worked with local organizations like the police department, mindful yoga and self-defense instruction to create a camp for middle school girls — not just for them to find a way to share their problems, but also to be leaders in their community,” Ananya says. “It was a huge success and it motivated me to continue my efforts, so I kept applying for grants and went to India to do five camps over the summer. I learned that bullying is actually an international issue.”

As a senior at Shorewood High School, Ananya has involved more than 1,000 youth through presentations at Girl Scout troops, school events, Native American reservations, International Youth Peace Conferences, and the United Nations.

Anjana was motivated by a less traumatic experience than her sister, but no less impactful, when she lost a competitive chess match to a boy.

“It wasn’t that I lost that made me angry. It was that he said he would beat me just because I am a girl,” shared Anjana.

It motivated her to find a chess coach and practice enough to become the girls’ state chess champion in Wisconsin in just a few years.

Anjana’s efforts took off when she launched her mission in her new community near Milwaukee, creating “Queen’s Game”, the first all-girls chess camp in the United States in 2012. It was an experience that put wheels in motion and led Anjana to becoming a member of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.

“The whole idea behind my chess camps is to break gender barriers in both chess and in life.

You could see the girls blossom as leaders and in their confidence,” Anjana says. “I remember one girl said to me she had never won a trophy in her life and never saw herself as a champion until that day.”

Now a sophomore, pre-med student at the University of Pittsburgh, she has conducted five chess camps for 500-plus girls and also started an elementary school chess club.

Small Scale, Great Impact

Ananya recently received a Global Youth Service Day grant through Youth Service America to combat bullying and empower girls to become leaders. Her event took place on April 16 at Glen Hills Middle School in Wisconsin. It featured Senator Lena Taylor and other local community leaders. They talked about cyber bullying, empowering girls, the DARE program, yoga, leadership and the importance of community service.

Anjana joined the State Farm Youth Advisory Board to also make a difference. The members are 17-20 year old students from around the country who collaborate on funding service learning projects around the country!

After just one meeting with the 29 other “YABBIES”, she was convinced she was in the right place to continue her mission.

“Sometimes it seems like big boulders aren’t being moved by teaching girls chess in the grand scheme of things,” Anjana says. “But seeing these other people involved with Youth Advisory Board, they are moving mountains in their own world. It’s a great motivation to keep my flame going.”

Dog bites are one of the most preventable injuries to children. But without a basic understanding of dog body language and how to be a responsible pet owner, children are repeatedly put into harm’s way. In fact, the most common age for dog bite attacks is children between 5-12 years old.

Kindness is Powerful is a new joint effort to educate children on dog safety. State Farm is teaming up with celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, kindness ambassador Megan Blake with Super Smiley, and Leah Brewer with 2013 Hero Dog of the Year, Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful focuses on teaching the value of kindness, positivity, and how to be responsible around dogs. The campaign also focuses on children and providing messaging around the need for education on dog bite prevention. Dogs trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program participate by conducting demonstrations and sharing information about working dogs.

What will event attendees learn about?

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, from the Animal Planet show “It’s Me or the Dog,” provides important information about how dogs see people and interact with us.

Ambassadors of Kindness Super Smiley and Megan Blake demonstrate how being kind and respectful to dogs can result in a life-long friendship with your pet.

The importance of a dog’s body language and proper etiquette to employ when approaching dogs is demonstrated by Leah Brewer and Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful works with local organizations (YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, community organization, schools, etc.) to host Kindness is Powerful events for elementary and junior high age school children.

For more information:

• All Dog Breeds Deserve a Chance

• Victoria Stilwell: Information and Resources to Help Reduce Dog Related Injuries

• Elle the Pit Bull webpage

• State Farm Canine Assist Team Starting 5

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.”

In 2015, Alec and his family traveled from their Wisconsin home to Florida for vacation. While in line to buy ice cream, his friend noticed a dark shadow in the pool. Alec realized someone was drowning.

Alec, who still gets chills reliving this memory, didn’t miss a beat. That day the 18 year old reacted, jumped in the pool, carried the young boy out, and used CPR to resuscitate the six year old. A year later, the young boy is still the normal child he was before his tragic incident at the pool.

The American Red Cross recently honored Alec at their Brave Hearts event in Wisconsin. He received the Youth of the Year Award sponsored by State Farm for his quick-thinking, life-saving actions.

To take a CPR class or learn other life-saving skills, visit www.redcross.org/takeaclass. Families can also download apps that provide first aid and water safety guidance apps @ www.redcross.org/apps.

Alec’s advice if you find yourself in a similar situation: “Take a deep breath, don’t panic, and do what you need to do to help.”

Sounds like a great firefighter in the making. And a true hero.

RELATED INFOGRAPHIC: Backyard Pool Safety Reminders

When a vacant home in Madee’s Milwaukee neighborhood was up for sale last year, his uncle told him and his brother to go for it. Madee’s uncle is a contractor who works with ACTS Housing. He thought the young men would like living close to their parents.

The brothers went to the ACTS Housing raffle in June, 2015 thinking the home could be a fixer-upper. The young men believed this could be their opportunity to own a home. They put their names into the raffle and Madee ended up winning. Now all he had to do was come up with $3500.

He was nervous about next steps but ACTS was by his side. ACTS Housing put together a deal for Madee to buy the house. They coached him about his finances and grants. They also recommended contractors and provided him a loan for repairs.

By working with homeowners like Madee, ACTS Housing fills a gap in the housing market. Often, vacant and vandalized houses are tough to sell. ACTS families turn these houses into homes. Since 2008, ACTS has helped families purchase and rehab 915 houses in the city.

The new homeowners also save money switching from renting to owning. ACTS Housing makes a difference by strengthening neighborhoods and making homeownership dreams a reality.

Madee received a $2,500 grant and a loan from ACTS to support the renovations. Madee pays only $360 a month, not including utilities, for his home. Compared to the monthly average rental cost of $700, this is significant savings. For Madee, it’s not just about the savings. He explained, “I am proud to be a homeowner!”

Creating a Safe Neighborhood

Madee is living with his parents while he completes his home and hopes to move in soon. He shared that the neighborhood is a quieter place than when he was young. Madee explained, “The area has a promising future. When I was young, crime was bad. One time a bullet even penetrated my parents’ house. But now, I feel safe in my neighborhood.”

Now, many families call his neighborhood home. Businesses moved into the area and police patrol more often.

Madee wants to help keep the peace by starting a community watch. He also hopes others will buy vacant homes in his neighborhood to keep building up the area.

“I would recommend to others that they try this process,” the new homeowner shared. “You just need to plan a scope of work and stick to it.”

Learn more about the current state of American Neighbors @ www.statefarm.com/neighbors

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.”

The reward for good work…is more work. At least for Clare Pfotenhauer. The former police officer retired at 50 and then started a new career. Clare shared, “Retiring at 50 was too young.”

Let’s rewind to June 1988. Clare Pfotenhauer just graduated from the police academy and began her exciting and rewarding career with the Illinois State Police in Chicago.

Her very first night on the job, Clare was called to a traffic crash. What she saw was horrific; an unrestrained child was trapped underneath the dash of an overturned vehicle. “I believed this experience was a sign I should begin working on child passenger safety issues”.

Within several years, she progressed through the ranks and became a Safety Education Officer. For more than 18 years, she conducted child seat inspections, organized traffic safety programming and even ran safety education booths at the Chicago Auto Show and Illinois State Fair. She knew she found her niche in safety education.

Clare was an integral part of the department. In 2011, she was promoted to Sergeant in the Patrol Unit. Just a year later she was transferred to the Public Information Office Safety Education Unit as the Statewide Coordinator.

Clare’s work in the Safety Education Unit gave her the opportunity to focus on community programming. She was involved in a variety of activities including:

• Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Training, Recertification Classes and Seat Inspections;
• Traffic Safety Programming;
• Safety Education Booth at the Chicago Auto Show, the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin County Fair;
• Lifesavers Conference as a presenter and organizer; and
• Safety Education Officer Conference as a presenter and organizer and press events for holiday emphasis periods

On December 31, 2015, after 27 years of service, Clare retired from the Illinois State Police as the Northern Deputy Chief Public Information Officer. But this hero couldn’t just walk away from what had become her calling.

“I started my career with the Illinois State Police at the early age of 21,” shared Clare. “As a result, I maxed out my time with the Illinois State Police and retired at 50. Now, I’m following my passion, working to improve child passenger and teen driver safety.”

She is now the Child Passenger Safety Coordinator for Cook County and neighboring counties. She also serves as the Regional Traffic Safety Liaison, providing traffic safety programming for teens and seniors at RUSH-Copley Hospital.

Through the efforts of Clare, State Farm, and other traffic safety partners, Illinois is able to provide educational, interactive and engaging traffic safety programming for all ages statewide.

This superhero may have retired but she is still making it her job to save lives. Thanks Clare!

To read how auto safety work like Clare’s saved a young girl’s life, read Saving Leilani.

Ducks and chickens, butterflies and birds, fruits and vegetables, and even a pond full of fish… Sounds like a special field trip for school. But at Legacy Elementary in Madison, Alabama, it’s every day.

In 2009, Legacy Elementary School received a State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant to build an outdoor classroom and pond. Over the past seven years, the outdoor classroom has grown close to one acre with plants and animals all around. Every student, kindergarten through fifth, experience and contribute to the pond each day throughout the year.

“The pond is truly the kid’s pond,” shared Keith Trawick, Principal. “They work on it year round. They pull weeds, spread mulch, plant flowers and vegetables and feed the animals.”

The pond is truly unique. People from across the world come to see the pond because they don’t see this at their schools.

Each grade has responsibility for a different part of the outdoor classroom. The kindergartners are responsible for the ten raised vegetable gardens. The fifth graders help the kindergartners with their responsibilities with the gardens.

“I like the fact teachers go to the pond as much as possible and connect our lessons to the pond. We do math and science there.” says fifth grader Lily Judge

Another way students help each other is during Big Fish Day. Every month, twelve fifth graders plan activities and teach the younger grades at the pond.

In addition to Big Fish Day, a Student Pond Committee meets every other week. They clean the pond, fill up feeders, sweep walkways and feed animals. Students learn life lessons each day at the pond.

In the summer, the school hosts a farmer’s market that showcases the outdoor classroom. Vendors come a couple of Saturdays in the summer, and people come check out the pond. Last year, a high school student brought and sold his honey at the market. Profits go to the Pond. Eventually they would love the students to sell vegetables they grow.

“Our school is the only one in the county to sponsor a Farmer’s Market. The Market was a goal we reached and it has been a huge success. Anything we can do inside, we can extend to the outdoor classroom,” says Ms. Janel Ramsden, Legacy Elementary Teacher.

“In the second grade, we raised butterflies in class and set them free in the butterfly garden. It is one of my best memories at Legacy and the outdoor classroom,” says fifth grader Hunter Mason

Every year, the fifth graders have a fishing day. The Alabama Wildlife Federation comes to teach them to fish and they get their youth fishing license. It is one of the most anticipated days for fifth graders.

“We’re very proud to have Project Pond certified by Alabama Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and effort put forth by our students, teachers, and community,” says Trawick. Project Pond is the largest certified outdoor classroom in the state.

Legacy Elementary School reaches more than 700 students each year and thousands of people from the community. Administration, teachers and students take pride in their outdoor classroom and their way of learning. How can you help your school learn through unique ways?

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.

Nestled in the Wabash River valley of southeastern Illinois, right along the Indiana state border, lies the small town of Mt. Carmel. A community of approximately 7,300 people, it looks like your typical, picturesque Midwestern town.

What truly makes this town unique is how its high school students and teachers rally together with the community to ensure every driver is as safe as possible on the road.

Mt. Carmel High School first participated in Celebrate My Drive (CMD), a State Farm teen driver safety program in 2013. Since then, the high school has won $225,000 in grant dollars to assist with safe driving initiatives and school improvements.

The unified force and CMD success is amazing for a town the size of Mt. Carmel. But to see the true impact of these efforts, one only has to meet one local family.

“Mt Carmel is a very close community, people care about each other. We are very quick to unite when it’s about our kids,” shared Principal Pat Cheesman. “That was true fifteen years ago when Jason lost his life, and it is still true today. Our passion for our kids drives our teen safe driving efforts at the high school.”

June 25, 2001: a day they would never forget

It was a normal summer day at the Ile house. Mom (Cathy), Dad (Curt) and their three sons, Jason, Steven and Michael were going about their day. Cathy fried a chicken and baked a coconut cream pie for dinner, some of Jason’s favorites.

Cathy just got home after running errands and her senses told her something was wrong. Where was Jason? He was baling hay earlier, but should be home by now, she thought.

The phone rings. It’s the local hospital and they tell her come quickly, Jason and Steven were in a car crash. She couldn’t believe it, two of her boys in the same crash!

Cathy and Curt rushed to the hospital. They learned Jason was in a car with three friends (and football teammates). The foursome were driving to town for a bite to eat after bailing hay. On the return trip, the driver accelerated the car to jump a railroad track; an act of reckless driving known as “hilltopping.”

When the car met the gravel road, the driver lost control and sideswiped a concrete bridge abutment. The impact split the car behind the driver’s seat where Jason was seated.

Jason wore his seatbelt, but sustained 21 internal injuries and died. Cathy asked about Steven, only to learn it was a different Steven and not her son.

There was a brief second of relief, but the loss of Jason hit the family hard. Earlier that week, Jason sprained his ankle and didn’t feel up to baling hay. Cathy told him to stay home to rest. But his dad told him to toughen up and go - something he would second-guess forever.

Jason’s lasting impact

Jason was part of a very close class at Mt. Carmel High School. Principal Pat Cheesman’s son was actually part of Jason’s class. With a small school, students are usually close, but this particular class was different.

Pat says the community has never forgotten Jason, and their love for him helps drive their efforts today.

State Farm agent Dan Schonert’s daughter was a classmate and close friend of Jason’s. To this day, every time the agent thinks about the moment they heard about the wreck, he gets emotional.

“We are a small town where you get to know most of the kids as they grow up with your own kids. They become like extended family. We all hurt deeply when one is hurt or loses their life,” Dan shared.

It was difficult but the family honored Jason’s wish to be an organ donor. Because of their brave, selfless decision, an eight year old boy and 10 month old boy received organs that would allow them to live and lead normal lives.

Jason’s death prompted Cathy and Curt to work with legislators to pass (HB4006) a new law which made the crash a felony. Under HB4006, if a person drives a vehicle and uses an incline in a roadway, such as a railroad crossing, bridge approach, or hill, to cause the vehicle to become airborne, the driver commits reckless homicide if he or she unintentionally kills an individual while “hilltopping.”

Moving forward through the pain

When the school and the community got involved with CMD, the family saw it as a chance to get involved too.They shared their story, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing what they did.

Steven, who took his brother’s death very hard, opened up and gave radio interviews about his brother’s fatal crash. Steven also started the Jason Ile Memorial Golf Scramble. The annual event raises money for a scholarship fund that awards $1,000 to graduating seniors with clean driving records.

Today, Mt. Carmel High School continues their push to educate drivers, young and old, about staying safe on the road. As prom and graduation season nears, the school is gearing up efforts to promote safe driving during these major celebrations in a teen’s life.

Safety tips are periodically shown on flat screen monitors throughout the school, as well as emailed directly to student. Students have created billboard messages, public service video announcements, and will soon have a new driving simulator to help new teen drivers.

The community has continued to join in. Schonert and another State Farm Agent, Ken Saxe, participate in many of the school’s activities. Local law enforcement have safety checks around the school to make sure everyone is being safe.

“Dan and I will do whatever we can to promote teen driving safety, to keep our kids safe and our community strong,” Ken said.

The end of the school year is a celebratory time for high school students with proms and graduations. With automobile crashes still the leading cause of death for teens, State Farm wants to help teens and their parents Celebrate Safe, Drive Safe with these tips:

RELATED INFOGRAPHIC: 5 Safety Reminders for Parents of Teen Drivers

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.”

Shari inspires students to develop critical thinking skills through art. She is one of six Studio Artists, who provide art instruction to third through fifth grade students in the Tempe Elementary School District in AZ.

“When kids solve an artistic problem, they think about how to do something and then they try it out to see if it works. This is actually the scientific process”, says Shari.

It’s true, some people are born with artistic talent, but many more learn creativity by being in the process.

Young students are great examples of how easy it is to learn to be creative. Most don’t have a fear of art assignments, because they don’t know if “it’s the right way to do it”. They just jump right in, which develops the building blocks to critical thinking.

“There is a part of my brain that shines when I do art,” says Alex Rojas, student.

Studies show art in schools strengthen student achievement in all academic areas. The U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts followed academic achievement at public schools for 10 years. They found math, reading, science, communication and critical thinking skills increased after students received art instruction.

The Studio Artists Program provides intense three-to-four-hour art workshops for every third, fourth and fifth grade student in the Tempe Elementary School District.

Fortunately, this year, State Farm, the City of Tempe and the Tempe Elementary School District joined forces to provide arts programs in the district, helping all students learn through this successful art program that connects working artists with elementary students.

The art projects and encouragement are doing more than building confidence—they are helping to close the achievement gap.

Curry Elementary and Curry Cougar - George Heslop, Studio Artist. Photo by Amy Garza, TESD Photographer

Designing a Curry Cougar label with George Heslop, Studio Artist. Curry Elementary School. Photo by Amy Garza, TESD Photographer

Street Art Fonts taught by Such Styles, Studio Artist at Aguilar Elementary. Photo by Pat Burdette, TESD Fine Arts Coordinator.

Texture Wall at Frank Elementary. Taught by Sue Norton-Scott, Studio Artist and photographer.

*videographer credit: Tempe Elementary School District

José Antonio Garcia grew up watching his dad run his own jewelry store in Mexico City. From his dad, José learned the tricks of the trade and developed a passion for the business. Later, José had a jewelry store of his own. He also worked for the police department in Mexico. Then, because of safety reasons, he decided to move to the United States.

That was 20 years ago. José moved to Beverly Hills, California, to work with his cousin, who owned a jewelry store. After a year in California, José moved to Birmingham, Alabama, at the invitation of a friend. He lived with ten people doing construction work.

José yearned to work in the jewelry industry. He found a job at a well-known jewelry store. The owners not only gave him a job, but also helped him get a car and a place to live, and even sent him to English classes.

Finally, after working and saving for 11 years, he had enough money to start his own store, García’s Fine Jewelry. The business grew, but Jose knew he needed help to take his business to the next level. Fortunately, he knew of an organization called Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!). ¡HICA! facilitates economic integration by building family wealth and encouraging savings among Hispanic immigrants. It helps Alabama create vibrant and economically healthy communities.

José contacted ¡HICA! and learned about the Asset Building and Economic Development Program (ABED). The program offers entrepreneurs help to launch, manage, expand or improve their small businesses. It helped Jose file his taxes and manage his bank accounts.

“Seeing entrepreneurs fulfill their dreams is the best part of my job. I love to see them working for themselves and thriving,“ says Johanna Alvarez, ABED Program Director. “I am excited to see how Jose grows his business even more.”

José’s wife Dolores helped him with taxes and finances through the ABED courses. The couple even applied for and received a loan through ¡HICA!’s micro-lending program. With the loan, José was able to buy a jewelry machine. With it, he can do a six-hour-by-hand job in 15 minutes. This has helped him increase his business.

It turns out the jewelry store was just a start. Recently, José and Dolores had an opportunity to buy a local restaurant. They did and Dolores is now the manager. She also helped with the Holiday Tamales Sale, ¡HICA!’s largest fundraiser.

“I feel I am just at the beginning of a long journey. My goal is to be like the large jewelers,” says Jose. “One day, I want to win first prize in designer and jeweler competitions with my store. I have won twice while working with the other jewelry store. But it would mean so much to win first prize with my own store. I thank ¡HICA! for all the help they provided me, my family, and our two businesses. I know we can continue to grow both.”

“¡HICA! is grateful to State Farm for its support of the Asset Building and Economic Development program,“ says Isabel Rubio, ¡HICA! Executive Director. "Because of it, many Hispanic families in Alabama are on the path to financial stability and upward mobility.”

Gene Gaines is similarly reluctant to revisit more painful times. Before Westside Works, he had to spend occasional nights outside because he didn’t have a home.

Howard and Gene were out of work when they decided to take a leap of faith and apply to the Westside Works program. Both men entered a four-week, intensive training construction program. They learned hands-on skills and received industry certifications.

When you talk to them now, it’s as though they’re on top of the world. And they attribute their change in attitude to the power of Westside Works and their new construction jobs.

Participants in the Westside Works program experience transformations that are nothing short of remarkable. Today Gene and Howard are full-time employees of Holder Construction Co. in Atlanta, working on the team building the new State Farm building being built in Dunwoody, Ga.

Westside Works is long-term neighborhood organization, supported by State Farm that focuses on creating employment opportunities. And it is changing people’s lives in the Westside Community of Atlanta.

Dez'Siray is an honest kindergarten student in Youngstown, Ohio. She would tell you when she misbehaved.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Dez’Siray is among the 63% of children living in circumstances of significant disadvantage. Nearly 35% of Youngstown’s population is living at or below the poverty line. These statistics are common in many U.S. communities.

However, in Youngstown, the United Way is helping students like Dez’Siray with an integrated community effort called Success After 6.

Since joining Success After 6, Dez’Siray’s reading assessment grew by 179 points. She has shown significant growth in her reading skills, and has also shown great strides in her behavior.

Now, she proudly tells you when she did well in school and during her after school program.

GIVE

The Success After 6 program (referring to six years of age) resulted from years of research. It focuses on children’s need for a safe place and positive environment to succeed. It brings together school and community resources focused on academics, health and social services, as well as social and emotional development.

The “community school” concept encourages coordination of academic, social, and health services through partnerships between public schools, local educational agencies, and community based organizations.

This “one-stop-shop” for families is key to the program’s success. The Youngstown Community School (YCS) includes a food pantry and provides after school and summer school opportunities, field trips, and dental and vision screenings - all under the theme of “Bringing It All Together!”

ADVOCATE

Brenda Scott, or “Miss Brenda” as she is affectionately known to the YCS students, is the Success After 6 coordinator. She oversees tutors, health screenings, and volunteers. She also runs a three-hour, after school program, which includes academic support, fitness, the arts, and a warm meal.

Miss Brenda asks parents to “tell it to me straight!” Their feedback and engagement has helped set high expectations for the students.

Together the parents and administration created the Success After 6 program goals:

• Improve grade level reading
• Increase parent and/or guardian involvement
• Focus on attendance and decrease tardiness
• Provide after school food and transportation

Support of the Success After 6 program is evident. Parents and teachers report an improvement in their children’s behavior. Students are completing their daily homework and have a 95% school attendance rate.

VOLUNTEER

Programs like Success After 6 rely heavily on community volunteers. In Youngstown, students from Youngstown State University’s honors program are regular classroom volunteers.

In January, eleven State Farm Agents from Youngstown volunteered to create the “State Farm® Reading Oasis.” There, students can sit comfortably on colorful beanbag chairs and select and read age-appropriate books. State Farm Agent Jan Cefalu helped spearhead this effort.

“As agents, we feel it is important to give back to the community. The State Farm culture is to be a ‘good neighbor’,“ said Jan. "The youth of the community are our future. If we can play a small part in their development, as role models and leaders, we are happy to do so.”

Choosing the right emoji can be difficult. Deciphering another person’s emoji message can be just as hard. However, followers of @TrooperBob_SCHP receive the message loud and clear: Safety is always #1.

Standing 6’5”, Sgt. Bob Beres of the South Carolina Highway Patrol is a formidable presence, in person and on social media. Armed with a phone and some creativity, he uses emojis to get the message out about safe practices behind the wheel.

South Carolina is no exception to the national trend of increasing numbers of roadway deaths. As of November 29, 2015, 860 people lost their lives on SC highways compared to 733 deaths recorded during the same period of time in 2014.

@TrooperBob_SCHP recently took to Twitter for a Q&A with @JakeStateFarm and @StateFarm. Check it out:

By the time Javon Gay was in 6th grade, he was his baby sister’s caretaker. While their mom worked, Javon fixed his sister’s breakfast, combed her hair, and got her to school on time. He also found an after-school job – learning how to survive in a rough neighborhood.

By 18 he had been in juvenile detention and dropped out of school. By 21, he was working a low-wage job and felt stuck.

Then Javon got arrested for driving on a suspended license. At first, it was just another thread in his long-running string of bad luck and bad choices, until he saw an Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s (ULGA) Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) poster.

Taking Initiative

“I had never heard of the League a day in my life. But that poster made me want to get involved, to make something of myself. I went in the very next day,” Javon recalled.

Javon was coached first to set his sights on the most important step to achieving his goals: passing the GED exam. In November 2014, Javon earned his GED, passing the test on his first attempt.

For Javon, this outreach is all a part of his larger plan to care for youth. “I also want to give back and to thank people who are helping me reach my highest potential,” he says.

In June 2015, Javon was honored with three other young men for their achievements at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s annual Spirit of the League awards ceremony.

When accepting the honor, Javon said, “When I came to the Urban League, I had no direction. But because of the support and guidance they provided me, I have my GED and enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan College to study to become a dentist.”

On a better path

UYEP is much more than a training program. It takes a holistic approach to educationally and professionally develop young men and women, ages 18-24 who either did not complete high school or have had a brush with the law.

The program also offers daily access to caring, compassionate and supportive adult case managers – known to the youth in the program as “Empowerment Advocates” and “Peer Advocates” who help youth address and overcome challenges along the way so they can stay on course to succeed.

“The participants come to us with limited skills to compete in the marketplace. We help them connect with their talents, passion and purpose in the form of a career pathway, secure the education and training they need to embark on the career, secure employment and gain the valuable life skills that they need to succeed,” said Tracey Mosley, program director of the ULGA Empowerment Center.

Since 2013, UYEP has helped 115 young people enter education and jobs programs that are putting them on the path to economic stability and positive contribution to their communities.

A Helping Hand

Through the contribution of many community members, including State Farm employees, ULGA has come a long way toward empowering our youth and stabilizing communities that have been hit hard by crime and economic downturns.

“They represent so much talent and untapped potential. There are more than 90,000 of what we term as ‘at-opportunity’ youth in our region who need what UYEP has to offer,” shared State Farm Agent Cedric Taylor, a supporter and volunteer. “When we support youth and young adults to succeed, we not only reach their generation, we also support the next generation of parents and their children to live quality lives and contribute to our communities.”

My name is Doug Darrell and I’m a retired police officer. One of my hardest duties as a cop was knocking on a door to tell a parent their child had been in a crash and would never return home.

I’m also a dad and when my sons reached driving age, I was scared to death. What if, one day, some police officer came to my door to tell me my son was dead? After confiding this to a friend, that friend challenged me to do something.

At a picnic table in 1999 we created the Streetsafe Lifesaving Driving Experience. It’s a combination of driving exercises and discussions with students and parents about responsibilities, choices, driving behaviors, costs and consequences. The end goal: help save teen lives.

Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, so I never anticipated any difficulty in convincing others something needed to be done. For years, experts told me “nothing works with teens” and “you’re wasting your time.” Banks turned us down, we couldn’t find insurance, and even willing first responder instructors doubted Streetsafe could get off the ground.

Eight years after the picnic table discussion, we finally had a breakthrough. We were able to get insurance and secure financing. My wife and I invested personal savings, bought vehicles and equipment and held the first Streetsafe session in July 2007…in the rain.

The response from students – from the first session through today – reinforces our belief that we are on the right track.

“It was a great opportunity to bring the real dangers of reckless driving into perspective. Working with the instructors was refreshing,” shared Celestine Eshiet, a student participant. “They were non-judgmental and were really in it to help us appreciate the idea of street safety. I’m now committed to driving safer and watching my speed.”

Parents thank us for teaching them about the financial liabilities they face having an inexperienced driver on their insurance and for reinforcing their own role and responsibilities in their child’s driver education.

“StreetSafe was a fantastic experience for my son! He thoroughly enjoyed it and has a greater respect overall when driving. It also scared him a bit, which is good,” shared Todd Engle, a parent. “He needed to see what overconfidence can do to an inexperienced young driver. I know my wife and I made the right decision enrolling him in the course.”

In 2008, the first full year of StreetSafe, we completed ten hands-on sessions. Today, we have 10 regional teams and over 200 first responders, district attorneys, and judges teaching the program throughout NC.

“Of all the feedback I receive from the community, I consistently hear nothing but praise about this program. Whether it is high school students, college kids, or parents, everyone agrees this is time well spent,” shared Ben David, New Hanover County District Attorney.

Thankfully, State Farm has been along for the ride since 2009, supporting StreetSafe programs with funding and agent volunteers.

In 2015, we completed 153 hands-on-sessions, dozens of alcohol education workshops and high school presentations reaching nearly 12,000 young drivers and their families.

Never in our most far-reaching dreams did we expect to find ourselves reaching more than 80,000 people.

We hoped to find a way to make kids safer and more responsible on the road. We think we have. And if we save just one life, it has been worth it….

“It takes a village to raise children.” How many times does one hear that phrase in a lifetime? Imagine raising a successful individual without the support of friends, family and acquaintances along the way to offer their advice and expertise. Think about it for a minute. Northfield, Minnesota figured out just how important caring adults can be in the lives of youth, so they set up Northfield Promise, a Healthy Community Initiative (HCI).

Through this effort, the group has pulled together resources to support Americorps Promise Fellows in the schools, coordinate a citywide after-school network, offer scholarships to low-income youth to participate in sports, and provide mini-grants for youth-designed community engagement initiatives. Since 1993, they have been strengths-based in their approach; seeking partners who see possibilities, and are similarly committed to data and outcomes, all of which has resulted in a history of success in securing funding.

And their success shows. Persistence and a positive approach have helped the district improve its graduation rates, and serve as a role model for other areas of the state.

Leslie V. was lucky enough to be a product of this success. Leslie heard about the program from her fifth grade teacher. She had been a part of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and felt her involvement in Northfield’s Promise would help her give back and help others in similar situations.

Leslie shared, “Volunteering with Northfield Promise allows me to broaden my leadership skills by learning from our community leaders. I look up to other members of the Reading Team and have learned so much from them already. Northfield Promise has also given me the opportunity to be a role model for younger kids.”

Northfield is just one area of the state that is working toward increasing high school graduation rates and collaborates closely with Minnesota Alliance with Youth to share best practices and learn how the state and nation as a whole can help more young people complete their high school education. As time goes on, graduation rates for students of all backgrounds and ethnicities has been increasing and a goal of 90% by 2020 has been set.

“In Minnesota, we share a common vision of success for our youth; one in which all youth are highly connected to their communities, have hope for a brighter future, and are able to fulfill their dreams,” shared President/CEO of Minnesota Alliance with Youth Sarah Dixon. “We know that by 2020 74% of all jobs will require a high school diploma or more, and we are committed to ensuring that graduation and employment success is achievable for every youth in our great state!”

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

Imagine growing and learning in a secret garden time has forgotten. A peaceful, tropical, edible treasure – the Grimal Grove.

The Grimal Grove in Big Pine Key, Florida was designed by a reclusive, engineering genius, Adolf Grimal in the 1950s. Mr. Grimal carved fresh water ways, ponds, cisterns, and built raised garden beds. He formed a lush tropical garden from limestone rock with his bare hands.

After he died in 1997, the two acre paradise, filled with edible plants, was forgotten and tuned into a place of drugs, violence and trash. The Growing Hope Initiative purchased the property in 2013 to restore it.

“This is a community-engaged, edible park”, says Patrick Garvey, founder of the Growing Hope Initiative. “We grow and sell spices, fruits, vegetable, and crafts built by students and volunteers from the community”.

The Grove also hosts year-around community events such as fruit festivals and youth environmental education and skill building workshops.

Students and volunteers from the community learn how to make, grow, and package fruits and other products created at the park like jams, soaps, and chocolates. Proceeds get reinvested back into the youth program.

“I find many of my students really want to understand where their food comes from,” says Jen Sullivan, Big Pine Academy middle school teacher. “They love to eat the items they grow. Thanks to the Grimal Grove Park, students are also growing fruits and vegetables at our school now and at their homes.”

“I’m using the skills learned at the park to create and grow my personal garden at home,” says Alex Bailey, seventh grader at Big Pine Academy. “I’m growing mint, basil, onions, and tomatoes. I’m even learning how to make chocolate from cocoa trees and forging metal safely from a blacksmith that lives in our community.”

“There is so much to learn and do here at Grimal Grove,” says Trent Halama, a student at Key West Collegiate Academy. “And it will help me better understand and protect our environment.”

“I’m getting my high school friends to work along with the middle school students at the park,” says Annastacia Cassidy, a student Key West High School who is studying to be a food technologist. “We want to make this park productive and beautiful again for everyone to enjoy.”

“Instead of playing video games or watching TV after school, students can now learn and put into practice valuable lessons they learn at the park,” says Jen Sullivan.

“Our youth will be advocates and catalysts in the amazing restoration of a unique, edible community park. We could not have done this without the help of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board,” says Patrick Garvey. “This is a lost piece of paradise and we are bringing it back to life,”

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

Charles Ortiz knew he wanted to go to Rusk Elementary School. Not just because his older sister went there or because it’s an award-winning STEM magnet school. He wanted to go because of the Geo-dome.

Planting a seed…

When Brenda Boyer joined the staff at Rusk near downtown Houston, the school had a few fruit trees and gardens for outdoor learning activities. During her first year teaching, she came up with the idea of building a geodesic dome.

“With a dome, we could grow and learn all year-round and make a club out of it, pre-K to eighth grade,” Boyer explained.

The principal was on board and charged Brenda with the fundraising. This was no small task. Brenda had almost given up on the Geo-dome. Then, in the spring of 2012, she came across a crowdsourcing philanthropy program called Cause An Effect (now State Farm Neighborhood Assist®).

“I applied online and completely forgot about it. Several weeks later I got an email from State Farm and ignored it,” Brenda shared. “I got another email and thankfully I opened this one and took action. We made it to the next phase and had a chance to win the $25,000.”

Watching it sprout…

The school and its community pulled together.

“The Facebook voting was very, very exciting,” shared Charles’ older sister Dominique Ortiz, a seventh grader at Rusk at the time.

“We didn’t really think we would get it. Mrs. Boyer is the most devoted and tenacious teacher I’ve ever had. It was cool to see it finally happen,” Dominique, now a sophomore, said.

Nourishing the bud…

The geo-dome wasn’t built right away, so the teachers continued to teach in their hands-on style.

Kindergarten through eighth graders learn the basics of growing food. They plant the seeds inside the dome and then replant them in the gardens later. “The kids think it’s really fascinating to watch something pop up out of the dirt in their little Styrofoam cup!” Brenda shared.

The students did a lot of work in science class and in summer camps.

“Whenever you get to touch something it will stick in your mind better than a textbook. It really helped me learn better,” Dominique remembered.

It also gave her a new appreciation for what it takes to grow food.

“We put so much effort into growing the plants. It makes you not want to waste anything. Not everyone in the world has this abundance” Dominique shared.

Appreciating the flower…

After years of difficulties from permits to new building construction, the Geo-dome was finally built.

The dome was ready for use in October 2015. Charles had been looking forward to it for three years.

“The dome will let more students experience growing plants and food. It will help us remember better, having this experience. And you are going to be proud of what you got out of it, because of all the effort you put into it,” shared Charles.

Now, every student at Rusk gets to work in the dome and experience this unique outdoor learning environment. The school will also be able to produce more food and share their hard work.

“The Star of Hope Mission homeless shelter is just blocks away from our school. We want the dome to not just be outdoor learning but also a service-learning project,” Brenda said. “We will engage the Mission and give food to help those who need it the most.”

“Giving back to their community will teach the students a different kind of lesson. Giving is caring. Hopefully this is a lesson that will last a lifetime. ”

The State Farm Neighborhood Assist program connects individuals and communities with local non-profits to build safer, stronger, better educated communities.

SFNA invites people to submit a community cause about which they’re passionate and can rally behind for a chance to win one of 40 $25,000 grants, exclusively through Facebook.

Hope can come in many forms.

In Albany, Oregon, hope may show up in your driveway as a twelve-passenger, 2003 Lincoln Towncar driven by a charismatic, passionate and caring local insurance agent.

By day, Mike Speten can be found double-checking his customers’ coverages or helping them recover from the unexpected. However, by night, he is a willing chauffeur of families and individuals facing personal challenges in their lives.

Mike’s drive for helping his community is guided by more than a GPS. It is fueled by a combination of faith, positivity and an unwavering passion to assist.

Blessing others with a night out on the town

In March 2014, Mike and fellow insurance agent, Ron Brockman formed the nonprofit H.O.P.E. Albany. Typically the two are business competitors, but not in this effort. Together, their mission is to find people struggling. They then provide respite from illness, job worries, or a brush with tragedy by gifting folks a night on the town.

Focus on Community.

“A majority of my conversations with members of the community were about the negative things going on in the media. Crime, poverty, problems in schools, and family struggle were all reoccurring headlines in our community news. It weighs heavy on our hearts and minds,” says Speten.

H.O.P.E. Albany’s mission was born from the recognition of those challenges and takes action to help those in the community facing them.

Leads on who might need some H.O.P.E. come from the community. The organization is not only looking to help families with financial barriers, they look for where offering the gift of time together with family and friends can inspire hope. They then utilize the talent, resources, and goodwill of the community to make a special memory happen.

"Families and individuals facing challenges in life sometimes need a short break from it all which is exactly what H.O.P.E. Albany provides…along with a little bit of style and pampering,” says Speten.

The "P” in the organization’s name represents how these special occasions are realized. Partnering with local businesses and individuals is essential to success. H.O.P.E Albany’s partners - local, statewide and divine - are essential in making a request not just a reality but also a treasured memory.

No request has been more memorable than one made by the staff at South Albany High School. They were seeking help for a special student facing dire circumstances. Diagnosed with a brain tumor and given only months to live, the teen’s medical expenses were piling up. Her family could not afford for their daughter to attend her senior prom.

Not only did the organization help her and friends go to prom, but the school, police department and local businesses united to make sure they had a fancy dinner, limousine, and a fun activity to make it a special night for her and a cherished memory for the family.

Thanks are often paid to H.O.P.E. Albany with tears of joy, letters of gratitude, and long lasting friendships.

“After an event, emotions are all over the map. Sometimes, I get a chance to sit with these families for dinner and talk about life. Honestly, I feel I am more blessed spending time with them than they may feel after the event,” says Speten.

The goal is to make a difference in one family’s life when they are facing a tough time. However, it is often the case that theirs are not the only spirits lifted. After hearing about the experiences of those who get the H.O.P.E. treatment, others in the community are inspired.

"Sometimes a family we helped goes out and does something special for someone else that is struggling. At that moment we know we made an impact in this community,” concludes Speten.

Residents of Murphy, Texas log onto Facebook for the same reasons as millions of others across the country – for entertainment, gossip, conversation and to share news big and small.

But what makes one group of women in this Dallas suburb stand out is they’ve also tapped the power of social media to help their real-world neighbors. From helping families in need to sock drives for the homeless, they have made a major impact in the lives of hundreds of deserving people.

Coining themselves the Moms of Murphy (MoMs), the secret Facebook group was started in August 2012 by Hedy Berg as a hyper local buy/sell site. A short while later, Hedy connected with a fellow photographer, Sarah Toth who became the second admin for the page.

With Sarah taking on a leadership role, the focus of the group shifted as well. In addition to its buy/sell origins, the group began to focus on networking and philanthropy.

“It’s not all about selling baby clothes anymore. People are so eager to be a part of the group now. We had to limit membership to Murphy residents only,” shared Sarah.

All through online organizing, Moms of Murphy have held several drives and craft fairs to help those less fortune. Recently they held a sock drive.

“We learned the most needed but least donated item in shelters were socks. So we pulled together and donated more than 2500 pairs of socks to area shelters,” said Sarah.

In 2013, Sarah had an idea to take their positive impact via social media even further.

“We have a community that is very giving and has the ability to do so,” Sarah said. “So, let’s give someone a great Christmas; let’s bless a family.”

Since the initial idea, every holiday season, the MoMs “Bless a Family” with a connection to Murphy. The first year, they helped two families who were in dire need of help.

One Garland, TX family was led by a grandma raising her deceased daughter’s three children. The MoMs gave them a memorable Christmas and even paid for daycare for the two younger children for five months.

All through networking and organizing via the Facebook group, the MoMs were able to turn the family’s water back on and fill their house with much needed furniture, groceries and Christmas presents.

In 2014, the MoMs selected the Mullen family. The parents of three children both had stage four cancer. The MoMs went above and beyond for the Mullen family by paying several months of their mortgage, donating and buying children’s furniture and clothes, and cleaning out and re-organized the garage and pantry, ultimately stocking both with groceries.

“It all came from the MOMs and our connections. Sadly, Dwayne Mullen, lost his battle with cancer in March 2015. We still help out the family with meals and other things as needed,” shared Sarah.

Throughout the year they adopt “mini-bless a families.” Recently the home of a family member of a MoM was hit by a tornado and another local family had a house fire. The MoMs stepped up to help.

What the MoMs are doing has grabbed national news attention., but they are humble and continue with their good works.

This year, through a new application process, the MoMs picked a family from neighboring city Sachse with ties to Murphy to bless this holiday season. Mom Kristina has breast cancer and the financial and caretaking impacts of the disease have hit the family hard.

The MoMs came together and have been able to grant the family almost everything on their Christmas lists, something the family will NOT be expecting on Christmas morning.

The MoM who nominated them, Shari, was even able to take the girls on a shopping spree to get some wardrobe essentials, thanks to the money raised at the MoMs November Craft Fair and other generous contributions by members of the group.

“We have been able to take some of the stress out of the holiday season,” said Sarah. “Not only from a financial standpoint, but physically having to worry about shopping for the three children, wrapping gifts and all the details that go into making a holiday great.”

Kristina finished her last round of chemotherapy in mid-December and was thrilled to “ring the bell” which indicates the official end of her chemo treatment.

To date, the group has more than 1700 members, several who work for State Farm. State Farm is one of the larger employers in the Dallas area, with approximately 7,000 employees. Jodi Wooten, is one of those MoM/employees.

“Being a part of the MoMs of Murphy is a natural extension of being a State Farm employee,” shared Jodi. “Both my company and my Facebook community really believe in giving back and serving.”

“The Bless a Family events are an outcome of Sarah’s great idea but that’s the great thing about the group - someone brings up an idea and then says, ‘Hey would you like to join me and make this happen in our community?’ The power of social media to do good is amazing,” shared Jodi.

The MOMs encourage other towns and Facebook groups to take the initiative and make a difference year-round!

Look for opportunities right around you – you can also make the most impact on your immediate neighbors. Whether it’s donating socks for the homeless, taking a meal to someone in need or organizing a charity event – it will make a difference!

At-risk students are reaching new heights thanks to Project S.O.A.R. (Success, Opportunity, Achievement, Responsibility). A joint project between Buffalo (NY) Public Schools and non-profit Cradle Beach, the program provides long-term mentor support to 310 students.

Project S.O.A.R. matches students with a one-on-one, positive adult mentor, every day – including summers - for 10 years of the student’s life. The mentors, who receive AmeriCorps training, provide hope, opportunities and life changing experiences.

“This (the one-on-one match) is truly the building block of everything else we do. When a student has support every day of their life it snowballs into success, shared Nick Schifano, Director of Project S.O.A.R. I’m proud of the students who have found a purpose and a reason to take their education seriously because of the mentors and Project S.O.A.R.”

“The only way to be successful is to value your education and always have a goal to strive for, Schifano continued. As a program, we have a lot of work to do but we will celebrate the small successes and strive to be our best for the children we serve.”

Since the program’s inception in 2010, there have been several success stories. Here are a few.

Annabelle

As a fifth-grader, Annabelle was argumentative and disrespectful with classmates and teachers alike. Far too often, her actions landed her in the school’s Student Support Room where she missed out on learning time.

Project S.O.A.R. paired Annabelle with an AmeriCorps mentor at the beginning of the 2014 school year. She began to open up and her attitude and behavior improved. She spent more time in class and her grades improved. She was much less disrespectful, and when she was, she realized and apologized.

"What I like about Project S.O.A.R. is that every single morning I give you guys hugs and you’re so happy to see me. Everybody is loving and caring, and I can talk to you guys (the mentors) about everything, especially since you guys helped me through my mom’s passing and everything else over the past two years. Project S.O.A.R. is really fun, and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”

Today, the sixth-grader has confidence in her leadership skills, accepts others, and focuses on her academics. Annabelle even participates in class and after school programs. She now brings a positive, contagious energy to class instead of disruption.

Jalissa

When Jalissa was in third-grade, she was quiet and shy. She had difficulty completing assignments, rarely participated in class and often missed school. A struggling C- student, Jalissa didn’t believe in herself or think she could make the honor roll.

After four years working one-on-one with a mentor, she has shown steady improvement. She has more confidence and self-motivation. Jalissa now has someone in her life that gives her the strength to believe in herself and set goals

Today, Jalissa is in sixth-grade and has perfect attendance. Gone is the shy and quiet girl. Now she leads her peers by encouraging them. When others are bullied, she stands up for them. She is an Honor Roll student who is outgoing, energetic, bright, and a true leader.

“My mentors helped me get my grades up and my attendance too,” Jalissa said. “Having a mentor helped me because I have someone to talk to.”

Jason

One of the first nine students in Project S.O.A.R., Jason is now exceeding expectations six years later.

In the fall of 2009, Jason was full of energy and anger. He lacked self-control, and struggled to focus in the classroom. He did not know how to connect with his teachers and peers. Instead, Jason wandered the halls during class.

Though kind and compassionate, his inability to build relationships made him feel left out. Jason’s mentors worked with his mom to develop a plan and paired him with an AmeriCorps tutor and a mentor in his classroom.

The daily classroom interaction Project S.O.A.R. provided allowed his mentors to discover most of Jason’s anger and acting-out stemmed from academic struggles and the need for more one-on-one tutoring.

With someone to count on, and the comfort of daily support, Jason blossomed into a kind, caring, and motivated leader. Last school year, he helped others by tutoring and mentoring the new Project S.O.A.R. third-graders and excelled at summer camp as a peer counselor.

Now a high school student, Jason continues to succeed and is a model for all Project S.O.A.R. students.

Nyshon

Nyshon enjoyed the notoriety his actions generated from his classmates more than getting his education. He barely progressed from one grade to another.

Project S.O.A.R. paired Nyshon with a mentor who helped him write out specific goals. They found Nyshon enjoyed solving mathematical problems. He only needed a little guidance, confidence in his ability to learn, and a caring adult who could answer his questions.

By the end of the 3^rd semester of 6^th grade, Nyshon settled into his schoolwork. He rejoined the class in a group setting. He no longer had to sit at a single desk on the outside of the group. His behavior had changed for the best.

He achieved perfect attendance as well as the merit roll. His improvement was noticeable, but he would not be satisfied until he reached his goal of making the Honor Roll.

He applied himself more than ever to passing the sixth-grade. He turned his work in on time and boldly asked for extra credit to secure his place on the Honor Roll. His efforts to make the Honor Roll paid off. In the fourth semester, Nyshon earned a 92% GPA to place him on the Honor Roll.

Nyshon also participates in Project S.O.A.R.’s Summer Enrichment Program. “I like going to the Project S.O.A.R. summer camp because I get to spend time away from the T.V. We learn new things and go to a lot of the different places during the summer. Going to a Bison’s game was my favorite part.“

Results gain attention and monetary support

The unique educational and leadership programs offered by Cradle Beach, like Project S.O.A.R., have attracted attention from leaders and businesses in the community. In the past ten years, several State Farm agents from the Buffalo area have worked together to raise and donate more than one million dollars to Cradle Beach. With the continued support of their community, Cradle Beach will help change the lives of hundreds of students, and in turn the community as a whole, for years to come.

All-Pro linebacker Derrick Johnson has faced some tough crowds in the ten years he has played football in Kansas City.

Today’s crowd goes a little easier on him: it’s a gymnasium full of small children listening to him read a storybook.

“I wish I could climb like you. But I think being different is very cool,” Johnson reads from the book.

For Johnson, this is more than just a fun day away from the grueling schedule of a professional football player. This is serious business.

Training Camp

Growing up in Waco, Texas, Derrick was fortunate to have a great role model for education: his mother. “My mom was a schoolteacher for 40 years. Education was very important in our house growing up, and that always stuck with me. My mom loves working with kids, and I got that trait from her, too.”

But he realizes not everyone is lucky enough to have a great start in their schooling.

So in 2012, after establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Kansas City defense, Johnson established Derrick Johnson’s Defend The Dream Foundation, with a goal of leveling the playing field for a generation of inner-city students in Kansas City.

“In the inner city, if reading levels are below average when entering fourth grade, the chances of those students graduating high school are low. We can make sure that doesn’t happen,” the linebacker shared.

The Playbook

On the field, Johnson has made more than 900 tackles. Off the field, his ambition has been even greater: his goal is to impact the lives of more than 30,000 at-risk children in Kansas City by the end of 2015.

“Education connects kids to the opportunities of their future - it’s the key to getting them out of the situation they are in now,” says Johnson. “By doing just a little bit more and doing it early, in elementary and middle school, it’s going to help them in the long run.”

So far, Derrick and his foundation have focused their work on two main areas: encouraging reading and helping meet kids’ basic needs for school. “We can change the lives of the kids in our own community by encouraging them to read and helping them to feel that reading is cool,” says Johnson.His “Hitting the Books” campaign challenges Kansas City-area students to read a combined 100,000 minutes for their schools, with top readers recognized at special events. Derrick’s foundation has also provided 15,000 books to more than 5,000 at-risk students in 2015.

Also in 2015, the foundation opened its first five “DJ’s Discovery Den,” which partners with Scholastic to transform unused space in a school into a comfortable reading area stocked with more than 1,000 books.

In the fall, Johnson held his second “Gearing Up!” back-to-school program, providing backpacks and essential school supplies to 300 inner-city students. The program is sponsored by State Farm.

Bringing It Home

His family’s past has shaped his outlook, but his family’s future is driving his desire to help as many kids as he can. “Two of my passions are education and working with kids,” says Johnson. “I have four young boys of my own, who I love very much. The foundation lets me combine two things that I love and make a difference in the community in which I live.”

That community has also played a part in motivating Derrick to act locally. Johnson has been a hugely popular player among Kansas City fans. That was never more apparent when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2014 and was forced to miss most of the season. Fans cheered him on during his recovery and after his return – he’s back in action in 2015, leading the team in tackles.

“I love Kansas City. Our fans have been so supportive of me and our team and I want to give back to them.”

Coming from someone who has seen first-hand the kind of difference a good education can make in the lives of students, families, and communities, Johnson’s message is clear: “You can do whatever you want to do, but education has to come first.”

Nineteen year old Gaetana Almeida seems like your typical teenager. She is a sophomore in college who loves her family and her home state of Maine.

She also really loves dogs. A LOT!

When Gaetana was younger, she wanted a dog, but her parents said no. Instead, at 10 years old, she volunteered at a local farm owned by head trainer for the State Farm Arson Dog Program, Paul Gallagher.

After two years, Paul asked Gaetana if she would like to foster an arson dog. She did, and simply told her mom, Wendy, with a laugh, “We’re getting a dog and you don’t have a say in it.” Gaetana is the only teenager currently raising arson dogs in the area.

Arson dogs are trained to sniff out accelerants that may have been used to start a fire. The dogs go through extensive training before becoming certified arson dogs. Then, each dog is matched with a human handler – a law enforcement officer trained to investigate fire scenes.

An estimated 17,400 arsons in residential buildings were reported to U.S. fire departments each year, from 2010 – 2012. These fires resulted in 275 deaths, 800 injuries, and $513 million in property loss.

During the same time period, an estimated 9,000 arsons occurred in nonresidential buildings each year, resulting in $282 million in property loss.

The connection between a girl and her dog

Shadow was Gaetana’s first foster dog. “I was super attached to him,” she says. “He was crazy, but sharp. His handler wasn’t sure of him at first, but now loves him immensely.”

Gaetana receives the dogs, all Labrador retrievers, when they are between one and two years old, and has them for approximately six months. She gives them back when they begin intensive accelerant detection training. After they finish their training, they are matched with handlers across the U.S.

“While I have them, I give them lots of love and exercise,” says Gaetana. They are hyper dogs, so we run a lot. Plus, we have goats, sheep, chickens and cats, so the dogs get used to other animals.”

Gaetana shares how difficult it is to give up the dogs after she’s become attached to them.

“Shadow was the hardest because he was my first foster dog,” she says. “I put work into them and become attached, but I know they’re going to good homes. I get to meet their handlers, but it’s still hard to say goodbye to my best friends.”

Gaetana fondly remembers each dog by sharing how they all have distinct personalities.

“Tanya was a sweetie, but very protective,” she explains. “Ransom was an absolute goofball. Anyone who worked with him had to have a sense of humor because he was so silly. Patty was sassy and had an attitude for two. And Vinnie always wanted to cuddle, but unfortunately, didn’t make it as an arson dog. He’s now living with a Maine chemist who creates accelerants for the arson dog program.”

Patty, who graduated from arson training in spring 2015, is one of Gaetana’s success stories. Over the past several months, an arsonist started more than 10 fires in Beaver Falls, PA, causing a great deal of damage and public alarm. Patty and her handler, Dave, were called to a scene where Patty alerted him to the presence of gasoline on the arsonist’s shoes, resulting in a confession.

The young girl was so proud of her former student “That was awesome, “Gaetana says. “I’m so excited! That’s my girl!”

Patty, along with Gaetana’s other dogs, are trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program, which was established in 1993. Since its inception, more than 350 dogs and their partners have been trained and now work throughout 44 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.

“It’s great these dogs are doing such a great job in helping communities by sniffing out accelerants and putting arsonists behind bars,” says Gaetana.

Where are Gaetana’s dogs now?

• K9 Vinnie is living with a family in Maine was a pet
• K9 Shadow is partnered with Richard Howard at the Evansville Fire Department in Evansville, IN
• K9 Ransom is partnered with Barry Overman at the Elizabeth City Dire Department in Elizabeth City, NC
• K9 Tanya is partnered with John Galaska at the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office in Georgetown, DE
• K9 Patty is partnered with Davis Seidl at the Beaver Falls Fire Department in Beaver Falls, PA

To read more about State Farm and our support of all dogs please read:

• Second-Hand Animals: First Class Heroes
• All Dog Breeds Deserve a Chance
• Insuring the Underdog
• Fire Dogs: Man’s Best Friend, Arsonists Worst Nightmare

While on a delivery to a local business, George Berkeley, owner of a local UPS Store, needed to walk across the street. As he looked left for the traffic flow, an illegally parked car on his right backed up and ran over him.

Fortunately, the South Orange Rescue Squad was in the right place at the right time. The members of the rescue squad quickly sprang into action, getting the car off George and transporting him to the hospital in record time. George’s injuries were not life threatening, and he continues to praise the Squad for their prompt and professional service.

It is dedication like this that helped the South Orange Rescue Squad gain support of the local community. This support would became critical as the Rescue Squad would soon need saving.

Rescue Squad sends out a 911

Like many volunteer departments around the country the South Orange squad struggled to stay afloat in a time when private ambulance companies were on the rise. Their headquarters was in jeopardy of being displaced when a developer purchased the building where they were located. Through negotiation, the developer agreed to donate land elsewhere for the rescue squad, but they would need to build a new headquarters.

Catherine* became an advocate for the squad after they saved her husband. When her husband went into sudden cardiac arrest, Catherine immediately called 911. With their usual fast response, the squad arrived before the police and were instrumental in saving the life of this husband and father of two. The family was so thankful and they told friends and family about the great work of the squad. Soon, funds started rolling in. The Squad also entered the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program.

Catherine shared information with local media outlets and anyone who would listen. Her efforts helped them gain great community support and they won one of the $25,000 grants.

Realizing anyone can experience an emergency like her family, Catherine is working with the squad to make sure the community has access to first aid and CPR classes. The classes will be held at their new facility, in a special training room that was made possible in part by the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant.

The new headquarters is being built and is expected to open December 2015.

“The renewed support from the community and our new facility will help us start a new chapter at the Rescue Squad.” Melanie Troncone, President of the squad said, “It showed us that our hard work and dedication is appreciated by more people than we imagined.”

Local legislators, Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey and Assemblyman John F. McKeon all rallied to support the squad. McKeon shared, “They serve an important purpose in our community by ensuring our neighbors receive crucial emergency medical aid, free of charge.”

Once the new headquarters is open, it will be dedicated in memory of Mary Connor, matriarch of the South Orange Rescue Squad. After joining the Rescue Squad in 1969 Mary dedicated more than 40 years of her life in service to the Rescue Squad and the community. Mary also served as President of the Squad for many years.

Another way the Squad is making sure the community will always have supportive services is through their Cadet program. The program is run through the local high school and instructed by members of the Rescue Squad. Students take classes in first aid and safety and then volunteer on evenings and weekends to cover shifts with the squad.

Working alongside certified emergency medical technicians, allows the cadets a hands-on experience and sets them on a path of helping others recover from the unexpected.

Squad Captain Dan Cohen said “Being displaced caused the community to think that we were no longer around. But the support we received through our fundraising campaign helped get us back in the public eye. Now they know we are here…just like a good neighbor.”

*Catherine is an alias

South Orange Rescue Squad STATS

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.

Searching For Help

Brian’s wife Shannon was familiar with programs that helped veterans get into homes, but didn’t know of any programs that helped veterans with necessary home repairs. That is, until she heard about HomeStrong USA’s Heroes Home Repair program.

Brian and Shannon recall the moment they learned their home had been selected for construction assistance. They were filled with overwhelming gratitude, knowing that fixing their dryer ventilation, attending to some electrical and mold issues, and installing maintenance free landscaping would change their lives drastically.

The family watched, with awe and appreciation, the transformation of their home. Shannon was very grateful. The HomeStrong USA volunteers even invited their children to participate in the work. “To this day, Cody and Allison still point out to me, which plants they helped plant. I love that. After all, it’s their home too,” said Shannon.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, as the work was wrapping up, HomeStrong USA arranged for the Ladd family to be honored. Family, friends, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the completion of the home repairs, as State Farm Agent Marshall Scott, presented the family with a new American flag.

State Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County) shared, “Efforts like this by HomeStrong USA not only improve the quality of life for a brave Marine, but let’s all our veterans know their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“Seeing these projects actually get completed and turn out so great, really gives me a new sense of pride in my home; one that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m truly grateful for everyone coming out to help our family,” Brian shared after the ceremony.

“Every one of our active duty military service members and veterans deserves a safe and healthy living environment for themselves and their families,” says HomeStrong USA CEO, Jed Davis, “We are honored to give back to those who make the American dream possible.”

HomeStrong USA was a 2015 State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship grant recipient, which provides funding to support education and volunteerism, and the Heroes Home Repair program.

Want to see more military home transformations by HomeStrong USA and State Farm? Meet the Chacon Family.

Rialto Army veteran and single mom of 6 surprised with free home repairs ABC Video

Everybody has dreams they wish to see come true. Soon it becomes clear it’s more than wishing, it takes a lot of work and discipline. Then life happens and dreams are diverted. However, with key information, training, hard work, and people who care about giving back, circumstances can change and dreams can become a reality.

Most people don’t grow up dreaming to be homeless at age 20; never renting an apartment their entire adult life and living on the streets. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) it is a stark reality many people face every day.

“Everyone expected me to be dead by now,” says Marcos Torres, a 46-year-old professional landscaper. A doctor predicted Marcos would be dead by 30 because he had been drinking since he was 14 years old and was a full-blown alcoholic by 20.

After being convicted of a felony at 14, drugs and alcohol consumed his life. “I started drinking at parties and it just spiraled out of control. I didn’t know how to stop,” Marcos says.

The drug and alcohol abuse began taking its toll on Marcos’ life. Marcos had a dream to join the military, but convicted felons aren’t accepted. His alcohol and drug abuse, felony conviction, and joblessness eventually led to him being homeless.

He started experiencing health issues and found himself $20,000 in medical debt. The odds of survival were stacking against him. He was deep in a hole, one in which too many people find themselves.

Being homeless is still more common than we think.

There are many causes for youth being homeless. NAEH points to family conflict, divorce, neglect, and abuse as the primary reasons. A large majority of young people experience short-term homelessness then return to family or friends. This wasn’t the case with Marcos. He didn’t know where to turn for help.

The turning point

“Then I was introduce to Pastor Manuel and he is the person who helped me,” says Marcos. “I knew of God, but didn’t know God,”

Pastor Manuel talked with Marcos about getting financially stable and shared Trellis’ financial literacy and first homebuyer’s education program information with him.

“God uses people to help you, and Pastor Manuel is that person for me,” says Marcos. Pastor Manuel helped Marcos find a job with a landscaping company, set goals to stabilize his life and make plans for his future.

With Pastor Manuel’s support, Marcos started confronting his alcoholism and drug abuse head on and started preparing himself to enter Trellis’ programs. Trellis helps those who don’t know where to start, get their financial lives back on track. They provide education and planning workshops covering first-time homeownership, foreclosure intervention and prevention counseling, and financial coaching.

Marcos worked hard to change his life. Before he knew it, he was enjoying his first paid vacation and attending out-of-state conferences. “Marcos was very disciplined from the start,” says Brenda Lopez, Trellis Coordinator of Financial Initiatives. “By the time Marcos entered Trellis’ program, he had cleaned up his act and was sober.”

Getting ahead

Another vital step Marcos needed to keep him off the streets was understanding how to manage his finances. He was introduced to a board game Trellis uses to identify what a person’s dominant behavior is around money.

“The game asks clients questions to determine if they are spenders, givers or savers,” says Patricia Garcia Duarte, Trellis President and CEO. “This helps us and our clients better understand why they spend money the way they do.”

Without ever having a job, Marcos didn’t have a clue what type of behavior he had with money other than spending it on drugs and alcohol. He went from being a spender to being a saver, putting $200-$300 a month in Trellis’ matching saving account program or an Individual Development Account (IDA). IDAs help clients save $5,000 to reach their financial goals.

One of Marcos’ goals is to be a homeowner. He is on track to have $5,000 saved by year’s end for a down payment on a home. Trellis’ credit education courses have helped Torres’ establish credit and see his score go from zero to more than 650, putting him on track to fulfil his homeownership dreams.

Marcos has now experienced his first paid vacation, attended an out-of-state professional landscaping convention, and is looking forward to purchasing his first home for himself and his family. He has taken the necessary steps to make all of his dreams come true and proving it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Visit NeighborWorks America for more information about financial education and homebuyers programs.

Most of us remember asking that question when we finally got our license.

Getting a driver’s license is a symbol of independence for 16 year olds. But, for some, it may no longer be as important.

Lack of money and a car, busy with other activities, and teen driver safety laws in their state are some reasons teens are waiting longer to get behind the wheel. (State Farm, 2013)

Some teens also shared they are nervous or scared to drive and that is why they are waiting to get their license. And with good reason, the number one killer of American teens is car crashes.

High School Junior Logan Watkins, in Winter Haven, FL recalls the many “medi-vac helicopter” rescues at the busy intersection near her home. “It really scared me. I knew the online driver’s education requirement wasn’t going to be enough for me to be confident and competent behind the wheel. So I wasn’t in any hurry to drive.” Several of her classmates felt the same way.

When Logan heard about the Teen Driver Challenge program from her school administrators, she was very interested. The program was developed by and offered, state-wide, by The Florida Sheriff’s Association.

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The Challenge is not a supplemental or advanced driving course. It is a defensive driving program that covers various topics including:

• Vehicle Dynamics
• Human Factors
• Responsibility and Liability
• Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
• Night Driving
• Aggressive Driving

The course is an intensive, half day of classroom instruction and half day of practical driving in the teen’s car with a Florida Sheriff’s Deputy. This includes the reminder to always keep two hands on the wheel and two eyes on the road.

Logan was grateful for the in-depth classroom study which included actual crash videos and, especially, the personal instruction in her own vehicle.

“I’m more comfortable behind the wheel and I feel more prepared to react to other drivers’ habits and potential dangers.”

So, teens today may have a few reasons to wait to drive, but for some Florida teens, one of the reasons isn’t fear of the danger and the new responsibilities thanks to The Teen Driver Challenge.

State Farm is the major sponsor of the Teen Driver Challenge. Their gift helps keep the classes FREE to teen drivers.

As a child, Tajha’s family was constantly on the move. Although they never had a reliable shelter to call home, Tajha refused to fall through the cracks.

“If you’re in an environment you don’t want to be in, push yourself,” says Tajha, “I knew there was so much more out there for me.”

It Takes a Village

Luckily, she wasn’t alone. Tajha surrounded herself with a number of helpful role models along the way.

One such supporter was her teacher Miss Fleming, who encouraged Tajha to pursue the world of possibilities that lay ahead.

Equipped with great mentors, Tajha graduated second in her class, and the president of several clubs. These achievements earned her leadership service awards from Toastmasters and GRAD Cincinnati, funded by State Farm.

The GRAD Cincinnati scholarship brought Tajha new mentors such as the organization’s Program Manager Jamell Taylor and its Executive Director Patricia Stewart Adams.

Jamell says he knew right away Tajha was different from the others. “[She] is wise beyond her years,” he said fondly, “She has dreams and is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make [them] come true.”

At a Crossroads

Dreams of a better life led Tajha to Ohio University, but the move from a small high school to a college of 27,000 students was overwhelming. Midway through her freshman year, the transition intensified as Tajha’s family lost their home due to financial hardship.

Tajha struggled to balance her education with her ever-growing pile of worries. This left little time for making friends or being happy. Soon, Tajha thought about dropping out and returning to Cincinnati.

During those trying times, however, her mentor Patricia helped her back on her feet. Patricia reminded her that opportunities don’t always knock more than once.

Tajha reflected on how far she had come and repeated her mantra to herself.

When you want to give up, just think where you will end up.

With renewed motivation, she was able to finish her first year with a 3.5 GPA, an internship with the Community Food Initiative, and plenty of friends to boot.

Chasing the Dream

While college life still has its challenges, Tajha is making the best of it. Her infectious smile, captivating personality, and determination will enable her to overcome whatever life throws her way.

After college, Tajha plans to work for the United Nations or the Peace Corps, with the goal of creating a culture that connects people. Her dream is to establish a non-profit organization that both mentors and provides full-ride scholarships to 7th – 12th grade students.

Real life throws you curve balls. Some of the most challenging are financial. Even with age and experience, adults can quickly find themselves in jeopardy. So it’s not a surprise teens, who are inexperienced and unaccustomed to making decisions with long-term consequences, are especially vulnerable.

Unfortunately, most teens have little financial instruction or experiences to help them form a strategic financial game plan. That can have catastrophic impact on recovering from debt or financial burdens as an adult.

Students at high schools in Pennsylvania are learning ways to get ahead of the game by playing Real Life.

Team competitions make Real Life scenarios fun

Real Life helps students understand the importance of the financial decisions key to future success. It is presented by Junior Achievement (JA) of South Central Pennsylvania and led by local business people.

Through games modeled after those they know and love, teens play Financial Jenga, The Price is Wrong, Real Life, and Insurance Jeopardy. They also participate in a Budget Builder activity as a part of the daylong Real Life experience.

“Real Life provides high school seniors with a glimpse of the financial decisions they will soon be making as young adults,“ said Tom Russell, President of the Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania. “It’s also a fun way for students to begin a conversation about insurance which plays an important role in those decisions.”

The popular Insurance Jeopardy component is similar to the game show. It is a team-based competition intended to help students understand basic insurance concepts.

“Insurance Jeopardy was really fun and a big learning experience. It helped me to learn about insurance policies and terms that I’d heard but never understood,” said one Central York High School student.

Game co-hosts Steve Horning and Trish Howser, real-life State Farm agents, helped students learn about discounts and policy limits, but they also learned from the students.

“It was fun to see them engage in real life decisions and realize that insurance impacts everyone’s life, young and old. The students were very interested in how not having the proper insurance can hurt them and their family and were truly concerned about the choices they will be making beyond high school,” Howser said.

Play to win

Private and public classroom partnerships can strengthen students’ financial confidence. However, failing to plan weakens even the best financial advice. Financially smart students do plan and do make good decisions – and they retain and share that knowledge.

The principal at Central Dauphin High School shared with Junior Achievement an email received from a parent after a Real Life session:

“The seminar the school held for the students last week regarding finances was amazingly eye opening for Haley and her friends. I truly hope that CDHS continues to provide this for the students going forward (I have a 7th grader this year and would love her to be exposed to this as well).

Haley learned so much. She now has a better understanding of the reality of life, money, jobs, income, prices of products, utilities, etc. We spoke in depth that night and the sweet child expressed how much she respected me for being able to be a single mom and make everything come together.

Haley said, “I am never moving out! I won’t be able to afford anything. It really helped to understand why College is a MUST!“

Risk is part of the game of life

As these young adults go out into the “real world,” the skills they learned through Real Life will help them become financially savvy adults. They will think twice before purchasing new iPods, laptops or cars. Those new experiences and new purchases will come with new risks that require a financial and insurance plan.

These students are prepared to play. After all, in the real game of life, no one wants to be in jeopardy.

State Farm supports Junior Achievement on the national and local levels through philanthropic outreach and volunteerism. In addition to Real Life, agent and employee support of JA programs like Finance Park and BizTown earned the company the Bronze Level U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for contributing over 5,000 service hours annually.

We all know that nursing isn’t easy. But, seeing patients recover and thrive makes it all worth it. Most people may not remember or connect with their doctors or other staff like they do a nurse or Certified Nursing Assistant.

Because let’s face it, they are the heart of healthcare. The empathy and care they provide to patients helps encourage strength and recovery. It takes special people to see people at their worst, most difficult time and support them on their course to getting healthy and enjoying a great quality of life.

The job opportunities also provide a great quality of life for those who purse these careers. Christopher Strickland, a 52 year-old father, who was laid off as a cook at a local pub, realized this job path could create stability and help him earn a better income. He was experiencing difficulty finding steady employment and wanted to work in a field where there’s a need.

It was happenstance that he came across an ad in the newspaper about the Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) program and the chance to receive a scholarship to complete the training. He decided to apply and was awarded a State Farm® scholarship to achieve his goals.

Christopher quickly realized through his training that nursing was the right fit for this next step in his career journey. His charisma and sense of humor went over famously with the residents at a nursing home where students perform their clinicals. Residents developed meaningful relationships with Christopher, and it helped them feel comfortable being in their most vulnerable state.

As Christopher shared excitement for his new opportunity, his son, Ali, took notice that nursing is a field that will always have a need for qualified individuals. Ali, a 23 year-old young man didn’t have a job at the time and wanted to find something that would provide a decent salary. He decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, applied and was awarded a State Farm scholarship to complete his training.

“Nursing has always been a field dominated by women, but more patients are wanting to have a choice as to whether a man or woman takes care of them.," NAT Coordinator Tanya Christensen shared. "In addition, people who are further along in their careers are realizing nursing could be a great next career step since the healthcare sector continues to add jobs and that the unemployment rate is low. With all these reasons, why wouldn’t someone pursue this rewarding career path.”

Lucikly, there’s still time to apply for scholarships and participate in training sessions provided by the Red Cross. Day and evening classes are taking place in Green Bay, La Crosse and Waupaca. Check out the Red Cross NAT website for more details!

Many youth in Milwaukee struggle with violence in their neighborhoods. When one young man told La’Ketta Caldwell he felt powerless to push change, she told him, without hesitation, “together they would figure out a way to make his voice heard” - and they did.

La’Ketta Denise Caldwell is inspired by challenges. She often sees opportunities when others do not. As Senior Program Manager at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, she uses her bubbly personality and unstoppable drive to connect with youth and help them understand they can do and achieve whatever they dream. Her care and attentive listening is leading youth to action. She is setting them on a journey to improve their own lives and, ultimately, the lives others within the city.

She worked with her youth groups to develop a funding grant application to the State Farm® Youth Advisory Board (YAB). They were successful. Now, in its second year, their “Can You Hear Us Now?” program inspires young people to channel their feelings and voices through the arts and performance.

Documentary Shares Powerful Stories of Violence and Survival

The grant allowed La’Ketta to help youth create a documentary. They debuted the work before a crowd of almost 1000 people at the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee last June. The documentary was an eye-opening experience. It gave them a platform to tell their true, first-hand accounts of how violence impacts the lives of young people. It also followed them as they learned how different agencies, organizations and the legislature all play a part in creating stronger, safer neighborhoods.

Wauwatosa East senior, Ronnie, was in the audience and said it was breathtaking and amazing to watch. He asked his mom if he could join the group for the next phase of the work. “It’s a mind blowing and powerful experience that I just can’t explain,” Ronnie shared. “It’s something I look forward to every Wednesday. We get to be involved with something different and for a cause. I love it!”

The documentary success was the catalyst for La’Ketta and the youth to be visible and involved in other efforts to push the change they envision. Many great outcomes have resulted. They not only won awards for the work through the Milwaukee Film Festival, but Scholastic’s teen magazine, Choices, published an article about their efforts.

The Scholastic News article featured program participant Gerron. He has seen the number of kids involved grow each year through the attention the program has received. “At first it was mostly kids I knew. Now our group has grown,” he explained. “Nothing has changed how fun the work is though, and we all continue to bond and become family.”

Live performances of original works moves people to action

This year, over 300 community members showed up for a live performance. The youth shared their experiences through original skits, poetry and song. Their stories are riveting and show how much they have experienced and overcome in their short lifetimes. Symone touched many hearts with a poem about how she is rising above her challenging upbringing. Her father sold drugs and her grandmother continues to battle drug addiction. She sees herself moving through life differently. The way she explained her story through poetry left jaws dropping and tears rolling.

Video Credit: Stillwater Productions

“Their stories are real and it’s the reason many have trouble focusing in school,” La’Ketta shared. “They are carrying a lot of weight on their shoulders and the arts give them a safe space to unload that weight.”

Unload the weight they did. In the process, they have taken a powerful first step to help build understanding. The raw honesty expressed by the teens helps deliver their message loud and clear. Adults are taking action now that they realize the burden. Many voiced their commitment to helping the youth find their way.

Elevating their voices for a change and a brighter future

La’Ketta set the stage. She will continue to help elevate young people’s voices - now and into the future. In fact, the students will now have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. next month to learn more about our country’s history and leaders.

Video Credit: Stillwater Productions

Gerron is excited about the trip and shared his hopes for the next steps with this effort. “I hope everyone can see that violence is a huge problem right now, especially in Milwaukee,” explained Gerron. “And, we all have to come together to make a difference. I know the violence won’t end, but we have to come together to make the numbers drop. That would be satisfying to me.”

Providing vision and hearing services through education, detection, prevention and treatment, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. The only statewide provider of vision and hearing services to underinsured Georgians, they provid eyeglasses, exams, surgeries and hearing aids to people of all ages. With the help of medical partners and volunteers, the Lighthouse provides over 11,000 services to more than 7,000 people of all ages each year.

The Chinese-American LEO Club of Atlanta, a subsidiary of the Lions Club, is comprised of over 70 middle and high school teenagers who have dedicated themselves to working with, and raising funds, for the Lighthouse Foundation. Through Chinese lantern fundraisers, Chinese New Year fundraisers and other charity events, the LEO club has raised over $2,500 every year, all in support of the Lighthouse Foundation. These funds help cover the costs of eye exams, treatments and surgeries.

Several times throughout the year, The Chinese-American LEO’s visit the Lighthouse Foundation headquarters and help with their activities. The LEO’s wash, sort and clean donated eyeglasses, saving the ones that can be shipped off to people in need, and recycling those which are no longer usable. They use special machines called Lensometers to determine the prescription of the eyeglasses. Once sorted, cleaned and labeled, the glasses are packaged for shipping.

Through their volunteer experiences, LEO members have an opportunity to give back to their community. By working with Lighthouse, the students have learned much about not taking vision and hearing for granted.

The Lighthouse facilitated over 400 eye surgeries last year, provided 4,860 brand new pairs of eyeglasses, and gave 2,620 eye exams. In addition, 962 people received 1,790 hearing aids through their new digital aid program.

It’s that time of year…the sizzle of the grill, the smell of fresh cut grass, flowers in bloom, family vacations, baseball, and of course cooling off while enjoying the water. Unfortunately, along with the fun being in and around water can bring, it is also the time of year when we hear and read about the tragedy of water related accidents and deaths.

An alarming fact to consider is how fast it happens.

This summer, you can be a good neighbor by making your pool safer for kids. Call a specialist in your area for an inspection and remember these tips:

1. If it’s not a designated time for enjoying the pool, make it impossible for the kids to sneak out alone.

2. Restrict access to above ground pools.

3. Make sure your pool is surrounded by a fence.

And whether you are at the pool or the beach, here are a few things to do when you’re with kids around water:

4. Be part of the action

5. Keep your eyes on the kids at all times. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and put down the phones.

6. Remember, friends make everything more fun!

Enjoy your summer and keep your family safe. Visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety for more safety tips.

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.”

When Claire’s only child, Jude, was born, she instantly fell in love. As the weeks went by, Claire and her mother, Liz, started to notice that something was wrong. Jude cried often and wouldn’t gain weight. Then one day, after five seizures, a call to 9-1-1, and hospitalization, Jude was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Typically, people with seizure disorders have difficulty qualifying for an affordable life insurance policy, but thanks to Jude’s grandmother, he is protected for life. When Jude was 20 days old, Liz purchased a whole life insurance policy for him with a Guaranteed Insurability Option (GIO) rider. It will not only allow Jude to purchase additional insurance in the future without proof of insurability, but it will also build cash value that might be used for other things throughout his life, including future medical costs or education.

“I got life policies for both of my grandchildren right after they were born,” said Liz. “I had purchased them for my children and then wanted them for my grandchildren as well. I like the policy because it’s affordable, it builds cash value, and it offers the guaranteed insurability. It just seemed like the best life-long policy.”

Claire feels their unique story shows how important life insurance is and that it’s something all families should consider. Although Jude’s epilepsy diagnosis was quite unexpected (there is no family history), the disease is actually rather common – according to the Epilepsy Foundation, 50 million people are affected worldwide and almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the U.S.

“As a mother, we believe that we have the ability to protect our children from everything. With Jude having the seizures when he was little, I realized there are a lot of things I can’t protect him from,” Claire said. “There are things in life moms can’t prevent or control. It’s like if there was a big earthquake, you know what – I couldn’t stop it… I couldn’t make the earth stop shaking. But I feel like Jude’s life insurance is a safety net. I know that no matter what happens throughout his life, he will always have that.”

Liz feels Jude’s life insurance policy is a gift that will keep on giving, probably longer than she’ll be around. “It will certainly outlast any of the other type of gifts that a grandmother could give,” Liz said. “Blocks, toy trucks, whatever will be discarded, but this will keep going for him. Because I took the guaranteed insurability rider, he will be able to continue to add life insurance over time throughout his life – like when he gets married or he has a child. He can add more and it will continue to build cash value.”

Despite Jude’s health issues, he is exuberant, active, rambunctious, and goes nonstop from morning to night. He loves taking things apart and putting them back together, making new friends, and is very loving, especially to his mom and grandma.

“Obviously, as a mom, you fall in love instantly…but as I’ve watched him get older and have to go through so much, and he’s just so amazing…that your heart grows more and more every day,” Claire says.

Life insurance helped prepare the family when the unexpected came their way and they are now in a good place. They are dealing with and overcoming the challenges of epilepsy and are positive about Jude’s future. He’s down to one epilepsy medication, attends a regular preschool program, does everything any other five-year-old child does, and has a very bright future.

“I think it’s going to be really great,” Claire said. “I really hope he’s able to inspire other children like him to reach for the stars…because there’s nothing that he can’t do, not with that smile!”

When you see her in the water, Ivori Hunter looks like any other kid. Her smile is brilliant; her eyes bright and full of life. On this overcast day at the lake, she’s near the shore, sitting at the end of a line attached to the speedboat 30 yards in front of her. She’s obviously nervous, but when the boat starts to move, slowly pulling her through the water, her eyes grow even bigger.

It only takes a few seconds for her to overcome her initial fears. And as the boat speeds up, she throws her arms up in the air, letting out a whoop of joy. It’s Ivori’s first time waterskiing, but this isn’t your typical “first time waterskiing” experience.

Back on land, Ivori is in a wheelchair. And there are dozens more kids with physical and developmental challenges on the dock, waiting for their turn.

A Day to Remember

It’s all part of a program called Extreme Recess, created by Dreams for Kids, a nonprofit organization that brings sports to children with disabilities – many for the first time. Formed in 2000 in Chicago, the name Extreme Recess was given to it by the kids in the program, and that feeling of shared participation permeates the entire enterprise. Most recess clinics feature a 1:1 volunteer to participant ratio, which ensures kids receive the attention and engagement they need. Other Extreme Recess events have included track, baseball, martial arts and snow skiing.

“We all have disabilities of some sort,” said Tom Tuohy, founder of Dreams for Kids. “We don’t ID ourselves as having a disability, but if you’re in a wheelchair, that’s how you’re spoken of and introduced. It’s isolating and disempowering for a young person. Extreme Recess gives these kids the chance to come out from the sidelines by playing sports – many for the first time in their lives.”

Extreme Recess fills an important role in these children’s lives by helping them understand that the same things that are possible for others are possible for them, as well. It encourages a limitless sense of possibility that every child deserves.

“I would have never imagined that my son would have been able to go waterskiing,” said James Michael, the father of an Extreme Recess athlete. “I’m glad that they taught me that lesson – that my boy is capable of so much more than even I thought he was.”

But the day at the lake didn’t just feature waterskiing. Participants went tubing, kayaked, and even enjoyed the water in an amphibious boat car. No wonder Ivori’s smile was so large after her trip around the lake.

“Very awesome,” Hunter said. “I had a blast!”

Making Dreams Possible

Like all not-for-profit programs, Extreme Recess operates with the support of its community. The day of Ivori’s adventure was made possible through a $25,000 grant provided by State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program. The program, which provides grants for causes that help grow communities and neighborhoods, is voted on by visitors to the State Farm Neighborhood Assist page. Extreme Recess was one of 40 groups in 27 states and provinces which received grants.

“The goal of the Neighborhood Assist program is to empower communities through the individuals that live there,” said Cooper Kennard, State Farm Youth Advisory Board coordinator. “Through these grants, we’re hoping to help build these incredible projects and allow them to be sustainable for years to come.”

It’s a goal that Extreme Recess has taken to heart.

“We keep expanding every year, and we are hoping to offer one day per month in 2015,” Tuohy said. “This program is all about offering new experiences – things these kids have never done or even imagined before. Right now, we’re planning a trip to Key Largo, so that the kids can go deep sea diving to find hidden treasures. I can’t think of a better way to bring these families together and to show these kids that we should be stressing ability – not disability.”

Submissions for the 2014 State Farm Neighborhood Assist program are currently being narrowed down to the top 200 programs. Voting for the final 40 grantees is open to everybody, and will begin on April 28.

When a devastating tornado struck Henryville, Indiana the town’s only school Henryville was destroyed along with many other homes and businesses. While many community members were unsure about what to do next, the children, teachers and parents were asking when they could return to school.

“I made contact with parents and within a week had made it to every house to personally see each student and give them a hug,” said now 2nd grade teacher, Dawn Daniel. “It took some time for it to set in, and then I realized I had lost 10 years of classroom material.”

Daniel knew she had to stay strong during this devastating time, not only for her 25 students, but also her two young daughters who were present in the school at the time of the tornado.

“I was at the school in a closet. I was there with my 2 daughters,” said Daniel. “I had 2 pillows over them and I was laying over that. My heart was racing, but I wasn’t really scared. All I can remember is knowing I needed to stay calm for them.”

With emotions running high and debris from the storm all around, getting everything under control and back in order can be a daunting task. Daniel, along with several teachers, lost years’ worth of school supplies and had the challenge of rebuilding with limited resources. Thankfully Daniel and other Henryville teachers were able to turn to DonorsChoose.org for assistance.

DonorsChoose.org is an organization which helps schools and classrooms get the materials they need. State Farm partners to help schools, impacted by storms and catastrophes, recover from these, often devastating, events.

It is a simple process for public school teachers to post classroom project requests. Once live on the site, anyone can donate to help fund the project. After a project is completely funded, the materials are shipped to the school directly. Since the impact of the tornado, State Farm and DonorsChoose.org have had the opportunity to support 34 teachers and classrooms in Henryville, including Daniel.

“I have a personal connection with State Farm. My dad, Don Compton, has been a State Farm agent for 30 years,” said Daniel. “Dad held a session to help teachers get started on creating projects that would be funded through DonorsChoose.org. He worked many hours to help the teachers of Henryville.”

Along with supporting 34 teachers, State Farm and DonorsChoose.org have donated over $40,000 to the school to help fund 71 projects and impact the lives of 1,295 students in Henryville combined elementary, junior, and senior high schools. About a month after the tornado, all students were able to return to school in a temporary location. The projects have been a great learning experience for the children and the teachers were able to capture these memories for parents and community members to see.

Through these donations, the community of Henryville has been able to come together and rebuild their community. The teachers were able to give back to the children the learning resources that were suddenly taken away from them and parents are relieved that their children are able to continue with their education. Recovering from the unexpected can take time and patience, but the relationships built throughout the process will never be forgotten.

Click here to learn more about Henryville’s recovery.