Three nonprofit volunteers have become ‘Difference Makers’

“I enjoy volunteering and giving back to others,” said Moore. “It’s a happy place in my heart.”

Gas South invited its nonprofit partners to submit nominations spotlighting individuals within their organizations who embody the mission.

Difference Makers were selected based on their deep connection to the cause, their unique contributions and the initiative they demonstrated in their work, said Carley Stephens, Gas South director of corporate giving.

“Nonprofits rely on donations, but the real impact comes from community volunteers,” said Stephens. ”Our Difference Makers are the people who truly strengthen the missions of our Fuel For Good Allies by creating more connected communities.

“They are the ones who put the donations into action. Through their ongoing support for the children and families we serve, they’re helping shape a brighter future.”

Latrice Moore

Moore, a 52-year-old grandmother from Paulding County, says she has always had a heart for helping others.

As Bert’s Big Adventure Fairy Godparent, she visits children in the hospital.

Moore always brings her nail kit for the little girls. She may take food for the family and offer the parents a break.

She also helps out at the organization’s family reunions and fundraisers by serving food and participating in activities with the kids.

“It brings me enjoyment,” she said. “I just want to do something that makes people feel good.”

Credit: spec

Credit: spec

“Latrice is a truly invaluable volunteer. Her ability to see a need and take action without being asked is a testament to her dedication,” said Kaylie Beacham, Bert’s Big Adventure program coordinator.

Moore also participates in ministry opportunities through her church and with other nonprofit organizations, such as the Red Cross.

“Looking back, everything I went through as a child taking care of my brother formed me into the person I am today,” said Moore. “It’s given me a desire to help people and to be there for them. It’s also made me realize that God has blessed me with a servant’s heart.”

Zac Potter

Fitness trainer Zac Potter saw that the girls in City of Refuge’s after-school program enjoyed ballet class each week, but the boys didn’t have a movement class of their own. So he started one.

Some days it’s push-ups and full-body exercises like burpees; other days, it’s more low-key with bowling, tag, or hide-and-seek.

“I go with the flow,” said the 44-year-old Potter, a regular Wednesday volunteer at City of Refuge for almost a year.

“We don’t get a lot of positive male influence volunteering with our kids, so it has been amazing to have Zac plug in and be that for our kids,” said Katie Monson, City of Refuge volunteer and donor relations manager.

Credit: Benjamin Lipford

Credit: Benjamin Lipford

Potter said service is a big part of his faith, and he was encouraged by his pastor not just to give money to a cause, but “go out there and get your hands dirty.”

“I want to be like an extra employee that comes to help,” said the Cobb County resident.

“If these places had an army of volunteers who were trained and would show up regularly, it would make a world of difference.”

Melissa Kinard

Melissa Kinard answers the service assistance phone line for St. Vincent de Paul in Lawrenceville with compassion for neighbors who are struggling.

She lets them know they are not alone or forgotten.

“The people we meet with are an inspiration,” she said. “They have a lot of faith in facing such daunting circumstances.”

Not everyone receives assistance, but Kinard will provide other service contacts in hopes they’ll find help elsewhere.

“It’s a mountain of need and a molehill of resources,” said the 74-year-old grandmother.

Kinard of Lawrenceville has been a volunteer with the Catholic charity since the late 1980s. Some weeks, she’ll field 50 calls seeking resources. Help with rent and utilities is a common request, she said.

Credit: spe

Credit: spe

“Her presence makes everyone feel seen and valued,” said Amanda Stricklin, St. Vincent de Paul marketing and communications manager. “Her ability to comfort others reflects her deep faith and her commitment to caring for the whole person.”

Kinard said she is proud of the organization and its vital work.

“It is something that’s near and dear to my heart,” she said. “Jesus said faith without works is dead. You can’t tell somebody to stay warm and dry and not give them something to stay warm and dry with.”

Volunteer opportunities

Bert’s Big Adventure: bertsbigadventure.org/

City of Refuge: www.cityofrefugeatl.org/

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia: svdpgeorgia.org/

TO OUR READERS

Inspire Atlanta was launched in 2019 with the goal of publishing stories about ordinary people whose extraordinary efforts bring out the best in all of us. With the end of the printed newspaper for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, we say goodbye to these uplifting stories that celebrated our region’s moments, milestones and people. We hope our readers have enjoyed the weekly feature in the Sunday Living & Arts section.