Giving Back

By Brigid Morrissey Mitzi Wyrick assists with funding for Dreams with Wings. Photo by Patti Hartog It is dizzying trying to decide which demographic is most in need of your donations, services, and heart. It’s human nature to choose something that has directly affected us or someone we know, something that smacks us in the face. “People with disabilities often get overlooked,” says Mitzi Wyrick, attorney at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP.Mitzi is acting chair of the board of directors at Dreams with Wings, a nonprofit that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental [...]

By Brigid Morrissey In the Underhill family, volunteering with Maryhurst, a nonprofit organization that works with abused and neglected children, is a rite of passage. “We have been exposed to Maryhurst ever since we were little,” Channing Flaherty says. “I have always given my own money to the organization. Our grandmother, Doris Boland Jones, would drive girls to doctor appointments, or help distribute Thanksgiving meals. She even started a scholarship, which all of us contribute to now. She was a board member, and now our mother, Colleen Underhill, is a board member. It’s been ingrained [...]

By Brigid Morrissey The Healing Place, wouldn’t be able to function without volunteers like Dr. Tina Simpson. In 2015 she began volunteering as a physician in the women’s clinic, and as the first gynecologist to volunteer at The Healing Place, set a plan in motion that resulted in a gynecology clinic. Her impact has led to measurable results, but Tina advocates for the women who have graduated from the program and stay to help other women making the same lifestyle choices. “I have been so impressed with the women in recovery teaching women in recovery,” [...]

By Brigid MorrisseyThe stark contrast between her corporate IT career and her volunteer work in social services hasn’t fazed Micki Thomas. Upon retirement from her position with Yum! Brands, Micki has beautifully transitioned into helping fellow community members who are going through transitions themselves. Five years ago, a tour through the facilities of Volunteers of America, or a “journey” as the employees like to call it, spurred her into action and began a relationship that has affected many lives.As a consultant and interior designer within the organization, Micki volunteers most of her 10-15 hours a [...]

By Megan S. WillmanFamily Scholar House helps single mothers find stability and teaches them life skills. Jasmine Wilkins, one of the FHS participants, is with her daughter Brooklyn. In 2011, Kate Brackett selected Family Scholar House (FSH) as part of her Master in Social Work internship from Murray State University. A Louisville native, she thought it would be fun to spend the semester close to home while she worked to complete her degree. Kate didn’t expect to fall in love with Family Scholar House, but that’s exactly what happened. Today, Kate serves as the director of [...]