Maui is unique in that for such a small island, it is home to over one hundred nonprofit organizations serving the community in myriad ways. The giving nature of Maui residents is truly shown through so many willing to donate time and energy by volunteering for these organizations. Without these passionate people, the vital services provided by these nonprofits could not succeed.
The HandsOn Maui - County of Maui Volunteer Center is proud to announce twenty three stellar people that went above and beyond the call of duty at their respective nonprofit organizations. In the minds of those that know them, they are heroes and that is why we recognize them as such! The 2022 Volunteer Heroes were specially chosen and nominated by the agencies for which they donate their time and hearts.
Shining a Spotlight On The 2022 Volunteer Heroes
The Volunteer Heroes are being recognized online, so that their legacy can endure, during National Volunteer Week (April 17-23, 2022). Each nominee will receive a Volunteer Hero tshirt and every winner will be recognized in their own social media posts on the HandsOn Maui Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners also receive an official certificate from the Mayor's Office. Every superstar volunteer has given countless hours to further the good cause of essential services that our entire island relies on.
Meet The 2022 Maui County Volunteer Heroes
**These volunteers are listed in no particular order.
Jamil Newirth, UVSC (U VERSUS CANCER)
Nine years ago, Jamil Newirth was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only 17 months to live. Jamil beat that diagnosis while finding support and strength through the Maui community. In order to give back to the community that supported him during his battle with cancer, he founded UVSC. This organization helps families with their cancer related medical costs. Jamil continued to inspire by passing the bar exam while undergoing chemo treatment and now is a practicing attorney here on Maui. He is remarkable to say the least!
Jacqueline Kelley, Malama Pregnancy Center
Jacqueline Kelley is a ball of energy. She is a dedicated and humble woman desiring to serve those in need. She is always looking to better our Island community as a servant of God. Jacqueline has volunteered at the Malama Pregnancy Center of Maui, a place where those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can find resources and support. Jacqueline is always providing women with love and compassion by helping with material goods and by helping them get in touch with needed community services. She is a special woman. Jacqueline is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Suzanne Fields, Maui Nui Food Alliance
Suzanne Fields has tirelessly worked to improve health outcomes in Maui County. Volunteering with the Maui Nui Food Alliance, she helps in their mission to advance a strategic agenda for a resilient, lasting food supply for Lāna'i, Molokai & Maui. Suzanne has worked full time (even in retirement) to improve Maui County's food systems and access to healthy foods. Her many feats also include time as a worksite wellness consultant with Kaiser, volunteering with the Kaukau for Keiki meals program, and the Healthy Eating + Active Living (HEAL) Coalition for Maui, Molokai, and Lānaʻi. Suzanne is a powerful force for change and good, consistently inspiring those around her to give back and continue to show up for the benefit of the community. For her great contribution to improve Maui's food systems, Suzanne has earned her status as a 2022 Volunteer Hero.
Loren Lapow, American Red Cross
As a vital member of the Maui County Red Cross Leadership Team, Loren is responsible for efficiently managing the Damage Assessment effort. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies all over the world by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.�< As Damage Assessment Lead, Loren has provided outstanding service to the Red Cross. He demonstrates a client-first philosophy by quickly identifying and addressing the needs of clients and volunteers. Loren Lapow champions the Red Cross mission across Maui County through his non-profit organization, the Maui Hero Project, and his Heroes Red Cross Club. Loren's deep passion for disaster preparedness sparked a new wave of youth volunteerism in Maui County, resulting in the establishment of three new Red Cross Clubs in recent years.
Tom Solich, East Maui Animal Refuge
Tom has been volunteering with East Maui Animal Refuge for many, many years. The refuge is a no-kill, all volunteer-run, non-profit rehabilitation sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. After experiencing PTSD from fighting in 2 wars zones, Tom has found that helping animals that have been brought to the Refuge is an irreplaceable treatment for the stressful experiences of fighting. Tom trains and works seamlessly alongside other volunteers. He is a powerhouse when helping with heavy or difficult tasks such as unloading 90 pound bales and rescuing orphaned, injured animals.
Carol Onuma, Lana`i Kina`ole
Carol Onuma has been a volunteer with Lana`i Kina`ole as a board member/officer and active volunteer caregiver in times of need as a registered nurse (RN). Lana`i Kina`ole provides home and community based services for Lana`i kupuna while focusing on individual preferences and preserving dignity. Carol has been a staunch vocal advocate for the services of Lana`i Kina`ole and its team members. She even traveled to the state capitol building to meet with senators and House of Representatives members to seek support for home health on Lana`i. She is a loving friend and has supported many professionally and personally. Carol is welcoming and open to clients, staff and volunteers as she interacts. Everyone at Lana`i Kina`ole says they are endlessly lucky to have her as a volunteer.
Thomas Ridenour, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Thomas has been an outstanding Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary volunteer for several years now. He is passionate about educating community members and visitors about Hawaiian wildlife and ways to protect it. Since Sanctuary doors were forced to close to the public in March 2020, Thomas has spent much of his time volunteering at the beach outside of the Sanctuary Visitor Center. Here, he talks to the public about the Sanctuary, the whales, turtles, and other wildlife. He teaches kids and their families the importance of viewing wildlife from a respectful distance and hands out posters. His commitment to caring for our oceans and spreading knowledge, even while normal operations are suspended, is truly inspiring and deserves the recognition of Volunteer Hero in 2022.
Monica Marrow, What Makes you Feel Beautiful
Monica is one of the most powerful, generous, inspiring and giving people her peers have ever met. She is tireless in her pursuit of ways to empower young women; developing classes and activities designed to increase women's self-esteem and improve the ability to shape their lives in a positive way. She is the founder of What Makes You Feel Beautiful, a female empowerment organization that provides education, personal development programs, life coaching, business consulting, mentorship and motivational products. She sets a high bar when it comes to dedicated volunteer work! She leads the way for all the other volunteers in the organization and truly makes a huge difference in everyone's lives.
Hailey Eldridge, The Maui Farm
At just 9-years-old, Hailey Eldridge is one of The Maui Farm's most consistent and reliable volunteers. The Maui Farm provides farm-based, family-centered programs that teach essential life skills for self-sufficient living. Through her positive attitude, strong work ethic and caring spirit, Hailey has quickly become an inspiring role model to program participants, staff and other volunteers. While lending a helping hand on the Farm, Hailey often works side-by-side with other keiki volunteers, providing them with encouragement to get hands on in the garden and with the animals. The Maui Farm is exceptionally grateful for Hailey's - and the entire Eldridge 'Ohana's - energy and dedication in serving with their agency.
Virginia Ward, Pacific Primate Sanctuary
Virginia Ward began as a Pacific Primate Sanctuary Intern from 2016 until 2017. Pacific Primate Sanctuary (PPS) is a volunteer-based, nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to the protection and permanent care of threatened, endangered, and distressed primates. Virginia's increasing confidence in her skills and abilities over the course of her internship helped her become an effective team leader. She was offered the role of Supervisor and has brought order, patience, and grace to Pacific Primate Sanctuary. She is very compassionate, and puts the needs of the animals first. She can customize her training of new workers based on each individual's strengths and weaknesses, and takes the time to really consider what will help each trainee to learn best. In supervising documentation, research and writing, Gini maintains a skillful professionalism. In addition to everything looking clean and organized, Gini always keeps the Aloha Alive at Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Estefania Burkert, Maui County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
Second Lieutenant Estefania Burkert joined Maui County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol in November of 2020 because her 9 year old son was interested in aviation. The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the new U.S. Air Force with a mission to further aerospace education, create cadet programs, and provide emergency services. Estafania has devoted herself to getting up to speed at a never before seen rate inorder to be able to participate in the missions done with the County, State, and Federal Governments. She has mentored over a dozen new adult members and is essential in communication between higher divisions and the squadron. Estefania's current role as the Assistant Deputy Commander For Seniors is training her to be in charge of all operations for the over 30 adult volunteers in the squadron. She has completed all of this during the most devastating pandemic in modern history. As a female minority, she has worked hard to show other women and minorities that Civil Air Patrol is for them. She has outpaced all of her peers, and is a true role model for people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Barbara Glenn, Haku Baldwin Center
Barb Glenn began volunteering at Haku Baldwin Center, Haku Baldwin Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Makawao, Maui providing a range of equine-assisted services to the community, in 2016. She has worked with the Therapeutic Riding Program, dedicated to youth with special needs, and the Horsemanship for Veterans Program, providing lessons to active duty, disabled and retired military service members. Within these two programs, Barb has contributed over 840 hours of volunteer service. Barb is a truly compassionate soul who cares deeply for those around her, especially those coming to the center to receive life-changing care. During the center closure at the beginning of the pandemic, Barb continued participation by attending virtual group classes to further her education - the mark of a dedicated volunteer, lifelong learner, and true horsewoman. It's extraordinary volunteers like Barb who help fulfill the mission of Haku Baldwin Center.
Linda Unemori, Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation
Linda Unemori is an amazing, caring and wonderful woman. She has dedicated her time caring for animals with Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (H.A.R.F.), a unique, private, non-profit organization committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people since 2011. She also volunteers for the Hui Ho'aloha Ladies group and Friend's of the Children's Justice Center; just to name a few. Even during COVID, Linda continued to volunteer with the animals each and every week. Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation is so grateful for her kindness and her commitment to bettering our island community. She is a treasure to us all and is loved dearly.
Roy Nakasone, RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program)
Roy is an all star volunteer of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program that goes above and beyond to execute whatever is asked of him. RSVP is an opportunity to allow the community to continue to benefit from the retired senior volunteer's expertise and services while providing opportunities for the senior to remain active in community life. He brings a positive light to the office and is always willing to help, with a signature creative twist. Roy treats everyone involved in the RSVP program as ohana. He never hesitates to help other volunteers and is comfortable with taking on lead roles. The folks in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program can always count on Roy to be there and provide legendary service.
Patrick Kilbride, Maui Food Bank
Since 2012 Patrick Kilbride has tirelessly volunteered his time and talents to help Maui Food Bank serve the hungry in Maui County. The organization collects and distributes food through community partnerships on Maui, Lanai'i and Moloka'i. Patrick started volunteering for Maui Food Bank by coordinating a fundraiser for the Food Bank's "Aloha Backpack Buddies Program," which provides backpacks filled with healthy weekend meals for kids from food-insecure households. Over the past decade, Patrick's fundraising efforts for Aloha BackPack Buddies have provided 244,800 backpacks for students in need. Through his volunteerism, he inspires others to practice kindness every day. The Food Bank is so grateful for Patrick's continued support in helping those in need of hunger relief.
Wayne Vinuya, Habitat for Humanity Maui
Wayne joined Habitat Maui's ReStore volunteer program in January 2022 as a way to help build safe and stable housing outside of a construction site. Wayne quickly learned the ReStore's donation processes and has taken the initiative and lead with handling donation drop-offs in the ReStore's receiving area. His Aloha spirit makes him a natural leader, often guiding other volunteers in the donation warehouse and is quick to assist wherever else needed in the organization. Although he has been with Habitat Maui for a short amount of time, he has already contributed over 200 volunteer hours. Wayne's commitment to give back to the community, hard work, reliability and overall positive attitude makes him one of Habitat Maui's most valuable volunteers!
Ally Shore, ProArts Playhouse
Ally Shore's dedication to ProArts Theater, Maui On Stage and Maui Academy of Performing Arts is extraordinary and legendary. ProArts Playhouse offers an inclusive space for live theater and music, film programming, rental opportunities, community partnerships, and educational outreach, and functions as an artistic home for numerous self-producing artists. Her willingness to give her time and resources is matched only by the sheer magnitude of her diverse talents. Not only is Ally a valuable member of ProArts Playhouse Board, but she is a set designer and builder, a sound, lighting and dynamo, a genius with creating video content for set designs, a financial consultant, a playwright, a director, actress, producer, stage manager, and editor of all video online content. What Ally has done for ProArts in a few short years will have a lasting impact on the lives of performers, audiences and the vitality of South Maui. Her vision for the theater 3 years ago has taken a sleepy, struggling, theater that produced 3-4 shows a year and turned it into a vibrant performing arts venue that hosts 4-6 events a week.
Todd and Tara Pepper, Organ Transplant Maui
A perfect match! This describes two special volunteers of the Organ Transplant Maui. Todd and Tara moved to Maui from Colorado and went directly to HandsOn Maui to see what they could do to help their new community. They found OTM as one of the volunteer agencies and they both felt it was an organization with which they had a great deal in common. Organ Transplant Maui provides support and comfort to transplant recipients and their families as they experience the trials of an organ or tissue transplant. In 2014, Todd needed a liver transplant, and after finding no match within his family and friends, Tara went ahead to see if she could be his donor. They found Tara was a match and could donate a portion of her liver to Todd in 2015. With Todd and Tara, they are great resources to an organ transplant recipient, a live organ donor and both have shared caregiving duties for each other. They are both valuable assets to OTM the organization is honored to award 2022 Volunteer Hero status to Todd and Tara!
Kailani Jackson, Maui Historical Society
Kailani Jackson has made a powerful impact not only on this Maui Historical Society, but on the people who visit. This nonprofit is committed to preserving and sharing Maui's History with the local community and those abroad. Kailani always comes with a positive attitude and loves to talk and take care of everyone. She is learning ʻ�OElelo Hawaiʻi and is always gaining knowledge through people who love to talk story and share. She is kind, thoughtful, empathetic, dedicated, hard-working, and so much more. Most of all she is a leader. Kailani will guide you and help you no matter the circumstance. She personally helped Maui Historical Society a lot through the pandemic. She always made sure to update the organization on new guidelines for business. She is a role model to many.
Kelli Lundgren, DLNR/DOFAW
Kelli Lundgren enthusiastically works with visitors and residents who come to `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve, the third most visited outdoor site on Maui containing 1,238 acres of marine ecosystems. She is known by many 'regular' locals there, connecting a smiling face to an important resource area. She has assisted during the busiest hours on the busiest day of the week, Sundays, for the past six years. At the parking lot for the reserve we approach visitors to answer questions and encourage them to help take care of the reefs during their visits. Even during the pandemic, Kelli worked for the reserve by testifying for county sunscreen ordinances, and she was instrumental in coordinating the installations of the island's first mineral sunblock dispensers on public lands, at the reserve. Her interactions with visitors encourage them to care for all reefs, not just those in the reserve.
Lehn Huff, Maui Nui Food Alliance
Following her decades-long career as a public school teacher in Maui, Lehn Huff has dedicated her retirement to building school garden education programs, advocating to end child hunger, and improving food systems in Maui County. As a volunteer leader for the Maui Nui Food Alliance, she works to further their mission to find a collective way forward for Maui Nui's food systems that are culturally grounded, ethically guided and connected to place. Lehn works tirelessly to advocate for a brighter future of food to feed our keiki. Lehn has spent her life pouring her heart into communities on Maui. Her deep respect of Native Hawaiian culture, the right to food for all keiki and equity for all human beings is widely seen and felt throughout her work. With her strong empathy, generosity and willingness to share her brilliance, Lehn truly embodies aloha.
Jo Ann Rockwell, Na Hoaloha - Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
Jo Ann Rockwell is an outstanding person who gives hundreds of hours of her time and drives thousands of miles to provide supportive services to kupuna. Na Hoaloha provides compassionate care to seniors and those with disabilities to help them to remain independent and to enhance their quality of life. She enrolled in the volunteer program in 2015 and has provided escorted transportation and friendly visits for seniors on the Westside ever since. Over the course of her volunteer career, she has gone above and beyond in making sure the person she is with is treated with the utmost attention and care. Her patience, attentiveness, dependability, and sincerity are the characteristics of a loving friend who is there to help whenever there is need. She is the true spirit of how to show compassion with action.
Pamela Miyagawa, Boy Scouts of America Pack 40
Pamela is the heart and soul of the Pack 40 Cub Scout program. Her welcoming personality has encouraged many families from diverse backgrounds to join this wonderful program designed to build the character of Maui youth and train the future leaders of tomorrow. Her exceptional communication and organizational skills have kept the pack together, operational and compliant with Covid restrictions. In addition to her leadership role with our organization, Pamela also volunteers to lead many other non-profit organizations that benefit so many Maui families. She is president of the Central Maui Little League Organization, President of the Poimaiki PTA organization, and very active in the Girl Scouts. Thank you Pam!
CELEBRATE OUR HEROES
View stories and photos of the 2022 Volunteer Heroes throughout National Volunteer Week on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/handsonmaui/) and Instagram @handsonmaui
To learn more about the County of Maui Volunteer Center go to www.handsonmaui.com. You may also email Wendy Stebbins, County of Maui Volunteer Center Coordinator at wendy.stebbins@mauicounty.gov or call 808-270-7150.
