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.