Strobel Finalists 2024: Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Steve Norris
4:13 Strong

Steve Norris is the founder and a longtime volunteer of 4:13 Strong, a nonprofit organization that provides housing, job training and placement, and independence for 18- to 30-year-old men. Not only has he served as president since 2015, but he is also the chief program deliverer, driver, custodian, mentor, financial contributor, and more. He has given more than 25,000 volunteer hours during his time with the program, and his daily dedication has made an impact on the lives of more than 400 men. Steve’s leadership resulted in the founding of an organization designed to address homelessness, justice, and reconnection of the marginalized with their families and communities.

“The sheer duration of time that Steve gives to 4:13 Strong and the men it serves is inspiring, but it does not come close to telling the whole story of a man who works whole-heartedly to give every 4:13 Strong participant a chance to live into a hopeful future.” — Chan Sheppard, Steve’s nominator

---

Dana Morrow
PENCIL

Dana Morrow has spent his career in service to his community. As a lineman, he provided electricity to the community; as an educator, he has provided mentorship and knowledge to students from all walks of life; and as a volunteer with PENCIL and other nonprofits, he provides his time and efforts. Dana has instructed and mentored more than 1,000 people and has provided countless volunteer hours to PENCIL, which links community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools. Dana is an advocate and champion of education and workforce development and has dedicated his career to helping anyone he can.

“Dana has dedicated his life to lifting up people of all backgrounds, offering instruction, advice, or a sympathetic ear. He has become known by our staff as the King of PENCIL Connect by registering for more in-school volunteer opportunities than anyone else by quite a wide margin.”
— Robert Moxley, Dana’s nominator

---

The FreeStore Team
Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership (ENP)

One of Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership‘s most integral programs is The FreeStore, a community cooperative where neighbors come together to exchange donated, new, or used goods. This program could not operate without its dedicated team of volunteers. Servicing more than 2,500 shoppers across Nashville, The FreeStore Team is instrumental in the operations of the organization, ensuring the community gets what it needs. Each volunteer serves an average of six to 10 hours per week, totaling a collective 15,000 hours every year. The team, which helped recirculate more than $1 million in contributed items in 2023, has made a lasting impact on the Nashville community through love and empowerment, ensuring every shopper can come and experience The FreeStore with dignity.

“[The team] pours passion into every week, knows every shopper by name, and makes sure to create a very hospitable experience for our shoppers. This community is spearheaded by the heart for service our core volunteers have.” — Allison Plattsmier, The FreeStore
Team’s nominator

---

The Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a lasting impact on the community from their volunteer service and have inspired others to create positive change. This award is named in honor of Mary Catherine’s son Charles who dedicated his life to service and recognized the dignity in all people. Want to see all of this year’s finalists? Visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Strobel Finalists 2024: Older Adult Volunteer Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Older Adult Volunteer Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Margaret Jo Cooper
UniCycle

Since Margaret Jo Cooper began volunteering for UniCycle, she has hardly missed a week of volunteering, donating more than 3,000 hours of her time over the past five years. Her stalwart presence and support have helped the school uniform recycling program test ideas and dream big while continuing to steadily distribute more than 35,000 items to Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools students each year. She has an uncanny ability to know exactly how to repurpose donated school clothing, including staying in touch about dress code variations and student preferences at more than 100 MNPS schools. She is a consistent smiling face and supportive voice each week and is an integral part of recruiting and training new volunteers for the program.

“Margaret has integrated our mission into her life in a way that you never know what or who she’s going to bring in that’s just what we need to make school days easier for MNPS students. She’s making life easier, smoother, and better for students and their families each and every day.”
— Jami Oakley, Margaret Jo’s nominator

---

Roxana Gumucio
Conexión Américas

For nearly a decade, Roxana Gumucio has played a crucial role as a volunteer instructor for the Negocio Próspero program with Conexión Américas, helping at least 400 Latino immigrant entrepreneurs take the proper steps to plan and launch their small businesses. Through her weekly classes, one-on-one lessons, and biannual workshops, Roxana lends her expertise to her students, helping them navigate the complex business world and uplifting their goals. In 2023 alone, she played a crucial role in supporting 149 small businesses.

“Roxana’s selfless attitude illustrates her dedication that goes above and beyond expectations. [Her] outstanding volunteer service for over eight years, professional demeanor, significant impact on the entrepreneurial community, and dedication to make a lasting impact in the lives of those she serves make her an exemplary Strobel award nominee.” — Justin Munoz, Roxana’s nominator

---

Eileen Seitz
Giving Smiles

Dr. Eileen Seitz has a lifelong passion of providing free dental care to the poor and those in need.  While running her own practice, she volunteered over one thousand hours to serve patients at local Tennessee clinics and dental missions.  After retiring her practice in 2016 she founded a nonprofit dental charity, Giving Smiles. She purchased and refurbished a mobile dental clinic, which she drives to homeless shelters, free food pantries, church parking lots, or wherever there are poor or working people unable to afford the high price of dental care. Eileen has also helped struggling musicians, minimum wage employees, domestic violence victims, and uninsured cancer patients among many others. Since starting Giving Smiles, she has tirelessly volunteered more than 7,000 hours, providing 4,000 hours of direct patient care herself to over 2,500 patients.

“The impact of Dr. Seitz’s work is measured by the individuals with smiles restored who can finally secure a decent-paying job or once again enjoy healthy foods. It is seen in the smiles of individuals who were suffering from toothaches before they received her care. Finally, the impact is measured in the return of dignity and self-respect to those unable to afford or access essential dental care services.” — Joanne Ball, Eileen’s nominator

---

The Older Adult Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2023 to help the community. Volunteers or groups ages 60+ are eligible.  Want to see all of this year’s finalists? Visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Strobel Finalists 2024: Adult Volunteer Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Adult Volunteer Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Jason Pazirandeh
Inspiritus Nashville; American Red Cross

As a 26-year-old moving to Nashville, Jason Pazirandeh was looking for fulfilling opportunities to meet people and engrain himself in the community and eventually discovered a passion for volunteer work through two organizations: Inspiritus and the American Red Cross. He fights food insecurity through his involvement with Inspiritus Food Bank, where his efforts of unloading and organizing more than 45 truckloads of food in 2023 helped the organization increase its capacity to serve 350 low-income and vulnerable families in North Nashville each month. Jason also works with the American Red Cross and local fire departments to install free fire alarms and weather radios in high-risk homes across Middle Tennessee. Jason organized six American Red Cross fire alarm installation events between 2023-2024, resulting in over 1,000 Middle Tennessee homes made safer. 

“Jason isn’t just a volunteer; he’s a leader. He uses his skills to improve processes, mentor others, and inspire others to volunteer. Jason isn’t just passionate about helping; he’s passionate about maximizing impact in his service work.” — Catherine Grace, Jason’s nominator

---

Maigreth Linares
Conexión Américas

As a Venezuelan immigrant in Nashville, Maigreth Linares is uniquely positioned in her volunteer work to serve Nashville’s Latino community both linguistically and through bringing a culturally adept approach to her volunteerism. Her work with Conexión Américas directly addresses the language and financial barriers within the Nashville community, offering a vital service that is both sought after and necessary. For the past two years, she has dedicated eight hours a week for three months out of the year to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a free program that provides tax return preparation for low-income and at-risk taxpayers. Through her efforts, 400 tax returns have been successfully filed, providing crucial financial assistance to members of the Latinx community who may otherwise have struggled with the process. Maigreth’s work not only supports immigrant families now but works toward a long-term multigenerational impact.

“What truly sets Maigreth apart is her compassionate and humble approach to volunteerism. [Her] exceptional commitment to volunteer service, her tangible impact on the community and her compassionate approach to helping others make her an outstanding nominee.” — Justin Munoz, Maigreth’s nominator

---

Stephanie Ditenhafer
Tennessee Innocence Project

Stephanie Ditenhafer’s unfaltering dedication to the Tennessee Innocence Project has been essential to the organization’s social justice mission. In the last five years, the organization has helped seven innocent people be released from prison with six full exonerations, all of which could not have been accomplished without Stephanie’s fundraising efforts. She volunteered to become a fundraising chair without a committee and has encouraged family, friends, and colleagues to support TIP’s mission through fundraising or direct volunteer work. Since Stephanie started in 2019, TIP has raised nearly $5 million and accrued a one-year rainy-day reserve of $1.3 million, which will allow TIP to continue its work unfettered in the case of an emergency or economic changes.

“Stephanie’s work with the Tennessee Innocence Project is fundamental to dismantling social injustice. She unselfishly serves because she believes in the innocence movement. TIP would not be where it is today without her.” — Jessica Van Dyke, Stephnaie’s nominator

---

The Adult Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2023 to help the community. Volunteers or groups ages 21-59 are eligible.  Want to see all of this year’s finalists? Visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Strobel Finalists 2024: Youth Volunteer Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Youth Volunteer Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Layla Wilhelmi
Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control (MACC)

Layla Wilhelmi has established herself as an integral member of the Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control (MACC) volunteer team, reaching the “black belt” level volunteer status with more than 100 hours spent at the shelter. She is often seen throughout the weekend walking dogs, spending time with cats, and helping train new volunteers. Layla has brought on more than 10 of her peers to volunteer with the organization, and has been crucial in scheduling times for them to train, assisted in leading their training, and mentored them while they are at MACC.

“[Layla] has instilled the desire to help animals and the greater community to many of her peers and brought in a younger age group of volunteers to the shelter that will continue to help MACC and animals wherever they land!” — Chris Radek, Layla’s nominator

---

Rincon Jagarlamudi
Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH)

Over the past three years, Rincon Jagarlamudi has demonstrated his unwavering dedication to improving health literacy in Nashville neighborhoods through Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH), which creates research-based educational resources by harnessing the power of music and culture to improve health in underserved communities. Since initially connecting with the program, Rincon has brought the full suite of HHPH programs to Nashville at Vanderbilt University, establishing HHPH’s flagship college student ambassador program, which will serve as a model for the program’s future expansion. His efforts have cultivated a dedicated team of 20 student ambassadors from Vanderbilt University, who help bring HHPH lessons to more than 500 students in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools system.

“This story underscores Rincon’s understanding of the profound influence social factors have on health equity. Despite being at an early stage of his career, Rincon has taken part in a breadth of public health work, directly benefiting hundreds of youths in the Nashville area.” — Lindsey Harr, Rincon’s nominator

---

Sadie Begtrup
Nashville Tree Foundation

Sadie Begtrup has dedicated her life to giving back to her community, volunteering with five different organizations while balancing her life as a high school senior. She molds her passions into ways to volunteer. Her love of nature has transformed into volunteering for the Nashville Tree Foundation (NTF) for more than 13 years, where she became the youngest Green Shirt volunteer and has personally planted and helped distribute more than 600 trees. In addition to her years of work with NTF, she also volunteers with Room in the Inn, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, the Frist Art Museum, and Sherith Israel Orthodox Synagogue. She has helped transport 250 homeless men and women to shelters, assisted with 12 Shakespeare performances, completed 25 hours of manned art engagement, and can routinely be seen greeting, directing, and engaging the community in religious education and exposure.

“Sadie builds her life around tradition and consistency. She was raised by her community, and she believes in maintaining and growing it for others. This is a child who has already formed a legacy of community enrichment and engagement, but still has her entire adult life ahead to do even more.” — Armin Begtrup, Sadie’s nominator

---

The Youth Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2023 to help the community. Volunteers or groups ages 5-20 are eligible. To see all our finalists, visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Strobel Finalists 2024: Social Justice Impact Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Social Justice Impact Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Larry Powell
4:13 Strong

Following his time in prison, Larry Powell became a steady volunteer at 4:13 Strong, a nonprofit providing faith-based job training and placement, housing, and independence for 18- to 30-year-old men. Larry is no stranger to heartbreaks in life, losing two children to separate acts of gun violence. Larry has taken his experience and heartbreak and poured them into men in the community through mentorship and friendship, helping steer them in the right direction. Over the last six years, he has volunteered more than 1,000 hours with 4:13 Strong, providing leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, and has helped source much-needed items for members. Through his service, he has raised support to provide 15 men with jobs, housing, and food for the program.

“His volunteer service at 4:13 Strong is an effort to amplify his voice through his personal actions of mentoring, counseling, teaching, providing, and leading. He embodies an effective fight for social justice and lifts up those who have been victimized by unequal opportunities.” — Chan Sheppard, Larry’s nominator

---

Samaria Leach
Window of Love

When schools shut down due to the 2020 Nashville tornadoes and COVID-19, Samaria Leach jumped into action. She began feeding kids in her community through the window of her home and providing incentives for them to read books and Window of Love was officially born. Through her organization, Samaria provides free meals, books, snacks, gifts, and more, whenever school is not in session. On average, the program feeds 80-125 kids daily in John Henry Hale public housing and in the North Nashville neighborhood. By partnering with other local nonprofits, Samaria makes sure kids do not go hungry when school lunches are not an option.

“Samaria herself is a member of the underserved Nashville community living in public housing, and she thinks outside the box to serve a disenfranchised community. She is letting the kids and their families know that someone cares. She is spreading love and hope through her acts of kindness.” — Jacob Kupin, Samaria’s nominator

---

W. Scott Kimberly
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS)

W. Scott Kimberly volunteers for the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) by engaging attorneys from the Rutherford and Cannon County Bar to volunteer at the Legal Clinic at Greenhouse Ministries, which provides legal consultations free of charge. Scott serves as the clinic coordinator for Greenhouse Ministries and has initiated a free Continuing Legal Education event, as well as recruits attorneys to volunteer. Through his efforts, he has doubled the frequency of clinic sessions, organized an expungement clinic, orchestrated fundraisers, and more. This has led to the doubling of overall clients who receive services and increased the number of volunteer lawyers from 100 to 225-plus in 2023.

“Scott’s commitment to serving marginalized communities in need of legal services extends beyond his role as coordinator. The life-changing actions that Scott’s work provides help create a community in which all can thrive regardless of their financial status.” — Kalyne Renda, Scott’s nominator

---

The Social Justice Impact Award recognizes individuals or groups whose volunteer work in 2023 was centered on dismantling or calling out systemic injustices or oppression and lifting up disenfranchised communities. Want to see all of this year’s finalists? Visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Strobel Finalists 2024: Disaster Response Award

Congratulations to these three finalists in the Disaster Response Award category of the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Join us May 9 to see which finalist is chosen as the recipient, and will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Johnny Rodman
Light in The Storm Disaster Relief

Through his faith-based nonprofit, Light in The Storm Disaster Relief, Johnny Rodman provides more than disaster relief to families across the Southeast U.S. — he provides heart and connection. When disaster strikes, he is first on the scene, dedicating time and resources to help those in need by any means necessary, including tarping homes, cutting down trees, reconstructing roofs, and more. In the past year alone, Johnny has served 86 families through Light in The Storm, and beyond physical efforts, he’s gone the extra mile to give these families supplies, clothes, toys, and above all, a sense of normalcy.

“He is always first on the scene in any disaster response and the last to leave. Once the initial wave of volunteers have moved on, you will find him still working with families and homes long after others have left.” — Andrew Jamieson, Johnny’s nominator

---

Matthew Leddy
Hands On Nashville

Matthew Leddy’s dedication, thoughtfulness and leadership in the wake of tragedy have impacted countless lives and neighborhoods. When a tornado struck Middle Tennessee in December 2023, he more than rose to the occasion, immediately volunteering through Hands On Nashville to help with the toughest tasks, such as cleaning, clearing debris, demolition, and more. He consistently went the extra mile, prioritized safety, and lent a hand to volunteers and survivors — long after the news cameras had left.

“What sets Matt apart is his incredible dedication, positivity, and willingness to go the extra mile. He would always bring extra tools and supplies just in case it was needed for the day; he always stayed longer to help finish the day’s work, clean and pack up.” — Paulina Robles, Matthew’s nominator

---

Emmit Martin
Hands On Nashville

Inspirational, effective, and dedicated to the dirty work, Emmit Martin has worked tirelessly to assist with recovery after the December 2023 tornadoes. He volunteered with Hands On Nashville almost every day for the two weeks following the disaster and continually served and supported this response for months, delivering food, organizing highest-need efforts, removing debris, and more. Emmit stepped up as a leader, creating a safe and efficient environment, supplying his own resources and equipment, and above all, working to offer survivors a sense of normalcy.  

“What sets Emmit apart is both his willingness to devote personal resources (vehicles, trailers, tools) to the cause, as well as his sustained commitment to do as such weeks and months after the initial volunteer wave had dwindled.” — Paulina Robles, Emmit’s nominator

---

The Disaster Response Award recognizes individuals or groups who made a significant contribution to disaster relief, preparation, or mitigation and prevention in 2023. Want to see all of this year’s finalists? Visit handsonnashville.wordpress.com.

Nominations open for the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards

Hands On Nashville To Honor Late Charles Strobel With Brand New Award Category 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 1, 2024) – Hands On Nashville, a program of United Way of Greater Nashville, is excited to invite the community to nominate outstanding volunteers for the 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards (Strobel Volunteer Awards) sponsored by Jackson National Life Insurance Company. The 2024 Strobel Volunteer Awards honor outstanding individuals who dedicated their time to service in 2023, a year that saw tremendous need driven by mass shootings, global unrest, and natural disasters. Award recipients will be announced at a celebration event on May 9. 

“Over the last year, volunteers have been the driving force for good in our communities,” said Lori Shinton, Chief Volunteerism Officer of Hands On Nashville. “We’ve seen hundreds of volunteers give back to our neighbors in need, not only in response to the Dec. 9 tornadoes, but all year long. It’s the volunteer spirit that’s engrained in Middle Tennessee that gives our communities hope. We want this year’s Strobel Volunteer Awards to celebrate the inspiration we find from volunteers during these challenging moments.” 

This year’s Strobel Awards will celebrate the life of Mary Catherine’s son, Charles Strobel, who died in August 2023. Charles was a humanitarian, founder of Room In The Inn and speaker at the Strobel Volunteer Awards. He embodied his mother’s legacy of selfless volunteerism, and for the first time, the awards will honor a volunteer with the “Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award.” 

What: 38th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards 
When: May 9, 2024 
Nominations open: Feb. 1, 2024 
Nominations close: Feb. 15, 2024 
Who can nominate a volunteer: Anyone who knows a dedicated, selfless volunteer hero 
How to submit a nomination: hon.org/strobel2024 

The Strobel Volunteer Awards honor individuals of all ages and backgrounds for significant community service achievements. Hands On has several categories to recognize the extraordinary volunteer work that took place in 2023. Middle Tennesseans are encouraged to nominate volunteers within any of the following categories of service: 

• New: Charles Strobel Legacy of Service recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community from their volunteer service and have inspired others to create positive change. This award is named in honor of Mary Catherine’s son Charles who dedicated his life to service and recognized the dignity in all people.   

• Volunteer Service (three categories: ages 5–20; ages 21–59; age 60+) recognizes individuals who have participated in hands-on, direct service with a nonprofit agency, faith-based ministry or community organization. 

• Disaster Response honors individuals who made a significant contribution to disaster relief, preparation, or mitigation and prevention in 2023. 

• Social Justice Impact honors individuals whose volunteer work focused on dismantling or calling out systemic injustice or oppression and lifting disenfranchised communities. 

Award recipients will each receive $1,000 that can be donated to the charity of their choice, and the remaining finalists will receive $250 to donate to their desired charity. 

For more information, visit hon.org/strobel2024. 

Hands On | United Way of Greater Nashville 

Hands On Nashville meets community needs through service, connecting volunteers to 170+ nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations. As a program of United Way of Greater Nashville, Hands On helps its partners maximize volunteer potential, bringing awareness to the challenges facing communities and neighbors, and inspiring people to become involved in causes they care about. Hands On also partners with the city to coordinate volunteers whenever there is a disaster. For more information, visit HON.org, call 615-298-1108, or follow @HONashville and @UWNashville on social media. 

About the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards 

The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are named in memory of the late Mary Catherine Strobel, known for her extensive and charitable efforts toward improving the lives of Middle Tennessee’s homeless, impoverished, and less fortunate populations. The annual awards ceremony celebrates her service and recognizes those who continue her legacy. For more information, visit HON.org/strobel_awards.