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Jim Casey Community Service Award
We recognize this employee during a ceremony at UPS's executive management conference, which offers not only a very visible way to say, "Well done," but to encourage others at UPS to strive equally high.
Suzanne Richard - 2007 Award Winner Suzanne Richard, a UPS supervisor, grew up in an atmosphere of family violence and poverty. She had to learn to defend herself at a young age and left home at 17 in search of a better life. She later married, had a son and then a daughter who died during infancy. Her marriage failed as it became abusive and Suzanne and her son left for a better, safer life. Settling in Ohio, Richard devoted more than 20 years of volunteer service to First Step, a shelter and full-service agency for families dealing with domestic violence. Then she did something unexpected: while continuing to work with First Step, she created a foundation to provide scholarships at Bowling Green State University. "If you had told me 25 years ago I would be recognized as a philanthropist, I would not have believed it," Richard says now. "I always thought philanthropy was the pasttime of doctors, lawyers and entertainers." Richard's unlikely role began when she created the Renaissance Foundation, which is dedicated to providing scholarships to women facing challenging situations or to women who are committed to educating those who face adversity. The Renaissance Foundation initially was funded solely through Richard's company bonuses - UPS stock. The UPS Foundation now matches her continuing contributions through the UPS Matching Gift Program. "I didn't want other women to experience hardships like I did," said the 23-year UPSer. "I want to provide comfort, support and financial security." In addition to her Foundation and work with First Step, Richard serves on Bowling Green State University's Advocates Board, the school's chief volunteer organization.
In the late 70s, Gary and his wife Jana, became foster parents to Anthony and James, two young men with special needs. They both have serious medical conditions and require constant attention as they will never be able to speak, walk, or care for themselves. The Ford family faced their biggest challenge in 2003 when Anthony got pneumonia and would require some life saving, medical attention on a daily basis. Since Gary and Jana were not his biological parents, the law stated that they could not perform any medical procedure and Anthony was placed in a nursing home. Gary was determined to bring Anthony home and get him the care he desperately needed. He passionately told his story to anyone who would listen - especially politicians. The impact of Gary's actions were far-reaching and resulted in the creation of Senate Bill 259, which gives foster parents the same rights as biological parents - allowing them to administer medications and perform certain medical procedures. With this one bill, Gary and Jana have changed what foster parents can do medically in the State of Oklahoma. Gary explains, "Jana and I got into this years ago to touch some people's lives and to try to make a difference...but I never dreamed when I got into this that the life that would be touched the most would be mine."
Tony Flores - 2005 Award Winner
Even when he came face to face with impossible odds, Tony Flores, East Carolina District load planning specialist, prospered and became an exceptional leader in his community. In 1995, Tony and Sandy Flores were told their 2-year-old son, Joey, had autism. Soon after, older brother Sammy received the same diagnosis. Despite this news, Tony was determined to build a promising future for his family. Autism is a developmental condition that is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. After receiving the autism diagnosis, Tony and Sandy were told by their doctors to not expect much from their children. In addition, they were told their sons would never make friends or socially interact well with anybody, and they could possibly be institutionalized before reaching adulthood. Faced with daunting circumstances, Tony vowed to become an advocate for his sons, a voice for them, and other children with autism or similar conditions. He gives a considerable amount of his time and efforts to various autism organizations and the Special Olympics. Tony strives to "help his kids and other kids achieve their full potential," says Nancy Whalen, Tony's supervisor, who nominated him for the award. To achieve this goal, Tony is involved in various activities within his community, including:
With Tony's guidance, UPS got involved by coordinating volunteer days at Camp Royal, a summer camp facility for autistic children and adults. The group has volunteered at the camp several times a year for the last two years. Tony also started a father's group for Wake County that allows families to come together and build social bonds through field trips and outings. It provides an excellent opportunity for autistic children to form social circles and close friendships that many medical professionals claim is impossible. The group has been in existence for nine years, and hopes to go statewide this year. For Special Olympics, Tony coaches several sports including basketball, track and field, and soccer. "I would describe coach Tony as a good guy and he's always helping us whenever we need him in basketball and in life," says one of his players. The Jim Casey Community Service Award is named after Jim Casey, and is given annually to one UPS employee who exemplifies outstanding service to the community. Tony and his family inspire other families to believe there are no limits for people with special needs. "As long as I see growth, and those barriers continue to fall, I'll continue to do what I am doing, because to me it's working, and that's a great feeling," explains Tony.
Tony Newkirk - 2004 Award Winner
If anything, his commitment to selfless service to Beards Fork has only grown. To local residents, Newkirk is a hero and friend as well as mentor and teacher to troubled youth. In recognition of his commitment to strengthening his community, UPS recently awarded Newkirk the prestigious Jim Casey Community Service Award. The award is named after Jim Casey, founder of UPS, and is given annually to one UPS employee around the world who exemplifies outstanding service to the community. Newkirk was selected following a search for the top volunteer among thousands of UPS employees. "There are so many people in our community who need assistance and have no one to visit them or attend to their needs," said Newkirk. "Helping people, seeing their smiles and building relationships is what motivates me." In addition to his work with local residents, four years ago Newkirk began working with the Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS), an organization devoted to helping economically challenged communities formerly supported by the coal mining industry. Through the SALS program, Newkirk helps to rehabilitate homes for low-income families. "Tony is helping to significantly impact the lives of Beards Fork residents," said Evern Cooper, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS's corporate relations initiatives. "His willingness to support the less fortunate and generously give of himself is an example for each of us to follow. We commend Tony for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism at UPS." Through his work with SALS, Newkirk plays an active role in "Youth Built," a program that offers high-school dropouts a stipend to rebuild homes while they attend GED classes. Working side-by-side with youth on numerous building projects opened Tony's eyes to issues with which they struggle every day - drug use, continuing education, family planning and literacy. "Tony's value to this community is priceless because what he does, he does from the heart," said Kathryn South, director of Youth Built. "He doesn't expect anything in return. That is priceless to our organization and to the teens we serve." UPS is an integral component of Newkirk's outreach. As a feeder driver for the company, Newkirk has elected to maintain a work schedule that allows him to be available during the day for his various community service projects.
Phil Manning - 2003 Award Winner
That was until Manning decided to put his assumptions aside and direct his energy and patriotism toward helping refugees of all nationalities build new lives in America. In remembrance of his brother, Manning and his wife, Carolyn, founded the Welcome to America Project to bring tolerance, one family at a time. The project provides essentials such as furniture, clothes, household items and toys to refugees who have immigrated to the United States after fleeing their homelands. On average, Manning and his wife donate more than 30 hours a week to the project. "I do this to honor my brother and to show our nation's newest residents that the United States is a generous and welcoming land," said Manning, an 8-year UPS employee. "It has been exciting to see the interaction between our donors, volunteers and the recipient families. It is clear that everyone involved leaves feeling personally moved by the cause." UPS recently recognized Manning with the prestigious Jim Casey Community Service Award. The award is named after Jim Casey, founder of UPS, and is given annually to one UPS employee who exemplifies outstanding service to the community. Manning was selected following a search for the top volunteer among thousands of UPS employees worldwide. "Phil is uniting his community and giving many people a unique opportunity to reach out," said Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. "His determination and concern for the less fortunate is truly needed at this time. Phil exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism at UPS." Since its inception in 2001, The Welcome to America Project has made direct deliveries of furniture and other household items to 70 families. Partnerships with refugee agency pick-ups have benefited another 14 families. This past winter, 72 families received holiday gifts of clothes and toys thanks to the group. One of the project's greatest benefits is its ability to unite the community. Focused on staying 100 percent volunteer-run, Welcome to America relies on dozens of individuals, businesses, organizations, churches and schools to donate their time and efforts. In the past year, the project has distributed approximately $31,000 in donated items and has received support from hundreds of volunteers.
Jayson Thomas - 2002 Award Winner
That is why Thomas is determined to help kids choose positive alternatives to crime and delinquency - and avoid life-changing mistakes. Now, at age 26, Thomas works tirelessly to make a difference in his community and to be a role model that inner-city youth can not only look up to, but rely on as well. The reasons behind Thomas' steely determination are simple. "Because someone did it for me," he says. Thomas, a full-time human resources supervisor at UPS, donates three to four days a week - about 60 hours each month - to volunteering in his neighborhood. In recognition of his service, UPS has honored him with the Jim Casey Community Service Award. As a teen, Thomas maintained focus on his goals, thanks to the caring of his family and mentors at St. Margaret of Scotland, a Catholic church in Chicago. He eventually graduated in the top 10 percent of his high school class, and later earned a degree in Media Production/Communications from Northern Illinois University. Thomas recently completed a masters program in Human Resources at National Louis University. "My life was changed due to the support of my relatives and the St. Margaret family," Thomas said. "I know the dangers these kids find on the street. They face tough, life-changing decisions every day. But they are good kids. They just need someone to believe in them." Thomas serves as a shining example of those who selflessly give their time and energy to help others; the lives he has touched are too numerous to count. He mentors and counsels troubled elementary and high school students, including kids in the juvenile justice system. Thomas also volunteers at a variety of homeless shelters, group homes and orphanages in Chicago and helps the organizations coordinate the acquisition and delivery of food, appliances, school supplies, clothes and other necessary goods. For St. Margaret's recent Millennium fundraiser, Thomas produced a video to help promote the campaign, which raised over $200,000 for the parish and school. "Jayson has committed his life to helping our youth break the devastating cycle of crime and violence," said Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. "By sharing his time, talents and strength with those most in need, he embodies UPS's spirit of volunteerism and demonstrates how each individual can make a difference." Jayson joined UPS in 1999 as a communications specialist at UPS's Chicago Area Consolidated Hub (CACH), located in Hodgkins, Ill. In 2000, he was promoted to employment supervisor.
Chuck Studebaker - 2001 Award Winner
Studebaker, 58, is one of only a handful of people in the United States who develop software and special input devices to allow people who are physically paralyzed to communicate with limited difficulty. In addition to ALS patients, his software benefits individuals with aphasia, spinal cord injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis and other syndromes. In recognition of his service, Studebaker's employer, UPS (NYSE:UPS) has honored him with the Jim Casey Community Service Award. A part-time preloader at UPS, Studebaker donates about 200 hours each month to helping ALS patients. He has served the cause for the past 24 years. "I know what patients and their loved ones are faced with when the doctor tells them 'you have a terminal disease'," Studebaker said. "I want to help them get through each day with the least amount of frustration and aggravation." Studebaker also founded Enhanced Life Styles (ELS), a non-profit organization that provides professional medical information, an employment bureau, and support groups for ALS patients and their families. "Chuck is a true advocate for ALS patients," said Jim Kelly, UPS chairman and CEO. "His commitment and his innovative solutions are improving the lives of these patients and their loved ones. He is a model of volunteerism for all of us at UPS." Studebaker, a retired computer engineer, joined UPS two years ago because the physical exercise helps him with his diabetes. Now, he says he's in the best shape of his life and the 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. shift he works allows him to plan for his day of ELS activities. His supervisors describe him as a "father figure" for new hires, thanks to the work he does with UPS's orientation programs. Through UPS's Earn & Learn program, Studebaker headed back to college at Columbus State University. He is pursuing a facilities management degree. He'll use the degree for ELS' next endeavor, a living center for ALS patients. The center will provide patients and their families a place for training workshops, seminars by professionals, social, and other supportive services, Studebaker said. The facility will be completely designed to meet the special needs of ALS patients, some of whom will live on-site in self-sufficient modular apartments surrounding the facility. "I think possibly, in my lifetime, I'll know what really caused this disease that my father had," he said.
Valerie Tillis - 2000 Award Winner
Valerie Tillis knows this firsthand. In 1996, her son, Willis "Bookie" Saddler, was shot and killed just one block from his home - in a case of mistaken identity by two neighborhood teens. "When my son was murdered, it was a wake-up call," says Valerie, an Oklahoma District Package Car Driver. "I woke up to the gangs, drugs, crime and the violence that exist all around me." But instead of letting grief defeat her, Valerie decided to shield the children of her neighborhood in her son's honor. She decided to create for them a safe haven - a caring, secure environment where neighborhood kids can go after school to do homework, interact safely with each other and meet with positive adult mentors. Being a single working mother with several children still at home, Valerie did not have the financial resources to make this happen on her own. But Valerie had the conviction of her ideas and the determination to find a way. She shared her ideas with family, friends, UPSers and community leaders. "My vision is to give these kids hope," she told them. "Studies show that 40 percent of juvenile crime is committed right after school. I want to show them a better way." Valerie's supporters encouraged her to turn her dream into reality with the creation of the nonprofit Willis Saddler Foundation. And they enthusiastically pitched in to help Valerie raise money, refurbish her home and spread the word. Today, Bookie's Place is very much alive with energy. There are snacks in the fridge, computers at the desks, crayons on the table and a basketball goal in the driveway. And there are the children - at play, getting love, attention and healthy snacks. Students from Central High School's Key Club come by after school to spend time with the kids as well as volunteers from UPS and across the city. Plans for transportation to and from Bookie's Place are in the works. Valerie has even set her sights on establishing a scholarship fund in Willis' name. All this, and Valerie is just getting started. "Everyone has been so supportive," she says. "Eventually I would like to have two facilities. My house would continue to be used for counseling, computer training and other services, and the sports and mentoring programs would be moved to the larger facility. We're hoping to secure a second building." Now that goal is getting closer. Through the UPS Region/District Grant Program, the Willis Saddler Foundation was recently awarded a $100,000 grant by the UPS Foundation to purchase, renovate and equip a new facility that can serve as many as 89 children. "I know Willis is looking down saying, 'Go get 'em, momma,'" Valerie says as she looks at the sign on the safe house that reads, "Bookie's Place." And then with three children following close on her heels, Valerie Tillis heads inside to welcome some new volunteers.
Debbie Austin - 1999 Award Winner
There are no tangible rewards for the efforts of Kansas District Part-time Hub Supervisor Debbie Austin. Her dedication to the poor, homeless and abused of Kansas City, Missouri, leaves her little time for herself. Most of what she earns from her three jobs goes to the shelters she runs, the soup kitchens she operates and the people she serves. Profoundly influenced as a child by her parents' charitable actions, Debbie's life reflects a complete dedication to the less fortunate. Though she prefers to keep her work quiet, her actions speak loudly of the countless people she's helped over the years. "What she does," says UPS Kansas District Internal Communications Specialist Laura Collings, "she does because she cares. She has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met." Upon her father's death, Debbie inherited two buildings in downtown Kansas City. Not wanting to fall short of her father's charitable vision, she met with residents of the neighborhood to determine the best use of the buildings and soon opened a shelter for the city's homeless and for abused women. Staffed by volunteer counselors, physicians and teachers, the homes allow women to live without fear until they are ready to go out on their own. Debbie also provides shelter for displaced families. For example, if a family loses their home in a fire, they are only allowed three nights in government shelters. "Then," Debbie says, "they are out on the street with no clothes, no home, no nothing. Their whole lives are destroyed and no one is listening. That's when people come to me. I contact my group of landlords, and I get these families into decent areas where the schools are good and the kids will be safe." Debbie's almost inconceivable dedication to her community often elicits strange looks and simple disbelief. The mother of four grown children, Debbie maintains two other jobs in addition to her position at UPS. A typical day has her sprinting between jobs and civic responsibilities. A good night leaves her four hours of sleep. "I can't remember when I had a day off from all three jobs at once," Debbie says. "I can't just let everything go and relax." Most of the organizations she supports are not state-funded, relying solely on private donations. Nearly 80 percent of Debbie's income goes toward these projects, she explains. "People are my addiction, and I just can't seem to stop." Despite her commitment to helping those less fortunate, Debbie emphasizes that volunteerism is not a duty, but something people must enjoy...and stick with. "It has to be an ongoing thing," she says. "Even if you just take one hour and visit that person you met at the soup kitchen, it will mean more than one day when you helped serve spaghetti." For her extraordinary commitment to her community, Debbie Austin is the 1999 recipient of the Jim Casey Community Service Award.
Manna began when Don and his Sunday School class began visiting Cay Clark Apartments, government projects in Shelby County, Alabama. As he visited with the residents, he realized that many were elderly widows and widowers living on meager Social Security checks, having to choose almost daily between buying food, medicine or paying the utility bill. Don sprang into action and began collecting food and delivering it to the residents of Cay Clark. People began to take notice, and a steady supply of food soon found its way to Don's basement, filling every inch of available space. Soon he was collecting enough food to begin serving other needy communities as well. In 1993, Manna Ministries incorporated as a non-profit and friends of the program donated a warehouse. The success of the program caught the eye of local grocery stores and today Manna regularly receives 12 vans of surplus food from the stores. Don has also teamed up with Pastor P.J. Thomas, who has been an integral part of Manna Ministries for five of the past 10 years. They met while helping in the same neighborhood and decided to join efforts. "I wanted to do more than just preach the gospel," says P.J., who runs Manna Ministries during the day while Don is out delivering for UPS. "When I got connected with Don, we just came together with one mind." Today, this dynamic duo works six days a week gathering and distributing food to needy communities. Asked why he gives so much time and energy to this effort, Don has a simple answer. "I think we are accountable for our neighbors," he says. "We need to take care of our community." |
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UPS makes it a point to recognize employees whose efforts set a shining example for involvement with community
causes. The most prestigious of these honors is the Jim Casey Community Service Award, which since 1995 has
been annually bestowed upon one outstanding employee volunteer.
Gary began his career at UPS almost 31 years ago as a package car driver and at almost the same time began a lifetime of giving.
A devoted father and a leader in his community. Tony was honored as the 2005 Jim Casey Community Service Award recipient.
When a flooded creek left elderly residents of Beards Fork, W.Va., in need of a quick evacuation several years ago, Tony Newkirk stepped in immediately. A 20-year Beards Fork resident and UPS feeder driver known for his ongoing service to the community, Newkirk organized a team that used off-road vehicles and wheelchairs to guide elderly residents out of town, across a train trestle and into shelter. 
After losing his brother in the Sept. 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, UPS driver Philip Manning sometimes felt resentful and uneasy while delivering packages in the Tempe, Ariz., communities that are home to many Middle Eastern refugees. 
Jayson Thomas knows what it's like to be tempted by gangs and drugs. Born and raised on Chicago's south side, Thomas worked to stay focused
on the positives his community had to offer.
Chuck Studebaker's quest began when his father was stricken with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. As he watched helplessly as his father lay paralyzed, unable
to speak or communicate, Studebaker knew he had to do something to help other ALS patients. After his father's death, Studebaker, of Galloway, Ohio, dedicated
himself to finding a way to help ALS patients regain communication skills.
For many children on Garrison Street, "Bookie's Place" has become a popular spot to play games, work on computers and receive help with their homework. But Bookie's
Place is more than an after-school hangout for these kids. It's also a safe house that protects them from their Tulsa, OK, neighborhood where crime and violence
are all too common.
Debbie Austin seldom rests. Even when she's sitting still, her mind is racing. Her fax machine hums 24 hours a day, alerting her to people in need. Business
cards printed only with "Silent Angels" and a fax number are posted throughout the city on supermarket bulletin boards and in police stations.
Ten years ago, Don Smith, a package car driver in the Alabama District, made a vow to become more involved in his community. This led to the creation
of Manna Ministries, a non-profit organization that today feeds 400 families in seven Alabama communities every month.
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