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MIFA’s Something Good in Memphis campaign is designed to celebrate those who make Memphis better, whether it’s the stranger who helps change your flat tire in the rain or a human services pioneer who changes the lives of a hundred poor Memphians. Sometimes people tend to focus on the bad and forget the good, but we see reminders of the good in Memphis every day!

 

Nominating is quick and easy – just fill out our simple form! Nominate friends, neighbors,and colleagues whose daily efforts or remarkable deeds embody the spirit of positive action in our community.Thank you for being a part of the good in Memphis!

 

MIFA's mission is to change the community by helping change lives through programs which sustain the independence of seniors, stabilize and transform families in crisis, and equip urban teens for success. Learn more about MIFA.

          

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the good in memphis

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Will Scheff values music and the arts

Will Scheff is the president of Accendo Media, a nonprofit organization that uses arts and music programs to help take care of our city while furthering the careers of the artists and musicians involved. Nominated by Tori Suggs. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:02 PM | 0 comments

Monday, May 07, 2012

Church Health Center's staff & board give back

The Church Health Center staff, through pay-roll deduction, bake sales and other fun events, has given $72,215 through their annual Staff Giving campaign, with 100 percent of their staff participating! This year was extra special, because the Center’s development board matched the total by 50 percent, adding an additional $36,912! Wait, it gets even better… their challenge grant is also matching the board’s gift at 50 percent, which adds another $30,095! When all is said in done, their grand... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:53 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Pablo Pereyra pays it forward

Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us. You truly are making a difference. Here's to giving back and paying it forward. Nominated by Tonya Crowder. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 1:05 PM | 0 comments

Friday, April 27, 2012

Bobby Herndon can't say no

Bobby is a great person, a friend to all who know him. The word "no" is not in his vocabulary! He has been the head of the maintenance department at First Ops for more years than I can count. He is retiring after an outstanding 44 and 1/2 years with First TN Bank. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Bobby Herndon is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Bessie Cohran. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:47 AM | 0 comments

Friday, April 27, 2012

Joe Birch is devoted to MIFA and the Mid-South

Because of his quiet, constant devotion to MIFA and the Mid-South. Joe always finds time to support many worthy causes!!! Nominated by Margaret Brown. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:46 AM | 0 comments

Friday, April 27, 2012

Lillie King is a rock

My aunt Lillie, although not able to go and physically help people in her circle, calls to check on each of them. Giving encouraging information and words of comfort. Lillie is our human rock. Nominated by Mary Ann West. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:45 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Cathy Galaskiewicz is something good!

Sr. Cathy, who is a Dominican Sr. of Peace, is Director of Religious Ed for the Diocese of Memphis. Since the 90s, she has also been an excellent adult religous ed teacher, who teaches throughout the diocese in different parishes. Sr. Cathy is my neighbor and friend. She has been in education all of her life (and eventhough she's a "senior", she's going stronger than ever!) I've heard her speak highly of MIFA during her classes, giving it as an example of an authentic ecumenical organization.... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:30 PM | 0 comments

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Essie Farmer offers comfort to those in need

Essie Farmer is a great asset to her Brown Baptist Church ministry helping with their women's ministry for pregnant women. She ministers to anyone in need. On the job at First Tennessee Bank, a young lady lost her husband suddenly. She took her under her wings and ministered to her thru it all. She was there to comfort her and this has been over a year now and she still finds the time to minister to her. Not only her, she ministers to people having marital and relationship problems and she keeps... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:23 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Eric Phillips: Memphis Roller Derby's most valuable man

  Eric Phillips is the Memphis Roller Derby’s MVM: most valuable man. In a sport dominated by women, Phillips, also known as “Sgt. Red” in the derby world, has become an integral part of the not-for-profit’s operations. Each week, Phillips spends 40 hours working as a financial planner. Typically, he adds another 20 hours to his workload fulfilling his voluntary duties with the Memphis Roller Derby (MRD). In the past five years, he has coached two different teams, filmed every practice... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:24 AM | 2 comments

Monday, March 26, 2012

Gary Braden is something good!

He works with our youth, giving them jobs whenever possible. Nominated by Lonya Braden. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:13 PM | 0 comments
Youth

Monday, March 26, 2012

The most enthusiastic newspaper guy in the city

  He is the most enthusiastic newspaper guy in the city. Always smiling, waving, and occasionally dancing for us. He reminds morning commuters every morning to have more enthusiasm and enjoy what they do; he does. Please drive that way a few times to see a gentleman who is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Bill Williams. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:25 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Kelli Eason teaches confidence, teamwork & respect

  Kelli Eason (second from left) is pictured with Danielle Gulledge, M'Hogany Richmond, Kenyatta Thomas, Kamia' Morris, and Jaha Hughes    On Friday afternoons, Kelli Eason, an account executive at Obsidian Public Relations, leaves her downtown office and heads to the MAM Olivet center. Here she is greeted by 12 elementary age girls, all eagerly waiting for cheerleading practice to begin. This group of young ladies represent the first-ever MAM cheerleading squad, the... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:39 PM | 1 comments
Athletics Youth

Monday, March 12, 2012

Mary Dollar-Shapiro keeps seniors connected

  As a highly dedicated Crossroads Hospice social worker, Mary Dollar-Shapiro works with the frailest citizens of our city. Every day she helps the less fortunate plug into necessary resources including financial, health care and living arrangement options. Her 13 years of experience at Crossroads along with her earlier career work in home health service also make Mary the valuable go-to staff member at Crossroads. Because she cares, Mary is always available, working much more than... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:02 PM | 0 comments
Health services Seniors

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Emily Thomas & The Cancer Card Xchange

From her own experience with cancer, Emily Thomas has started The Cancer Card Exchange. She collects gift cards through friends, Twitter, Facebook, etc., and sends $100 worth of cards to a cancer patient. Doesn't "fix" things, but helps brighten someone's day. Check out her website and see: www.cancercardxchange.org ! She is an AWESOME person & I am PROUD to call her my friend! Nominated by Cathy Hutto. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 4:31 PM | 1 comments

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Jermia Johnson takes action

  Ten-year-old Jermia Johnson was concerned about the trash that was dumped near her Westwood home. She wrote a letter to her city councilman, Edmund Ford, Jr., telling him of the dump site on Ridge Road and offering to help with the clean-up. In response to her request, the city promptly picked up the abandoned sofa and tires that littered the road. Then, Jermia—with the help of her brothers and sister, Jerico, Jamario, and Jalissa—picked up trash along Ridge Road. It looks so much... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 1:40 PM | 0 comments
Youth

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Nancy Grandberry is something good

Nancy Grandberry works with foster children, most of whom have special needs and parents with HIV. She is grateful for the opportunity to give children a safe, loving, and secure environment and to make a difference in Memphis. She is a single mother of four children who has selflessly taken care of other family members who needed it. In addition to her work and family, she attends PTA meetings and volunteers. Nominated by Ebony Dorse. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 12:54 PM | 0 comments
Youth

Monday, February 06, 2012

Olivia Brooks is something good!

Olivia devotes herself to the community and actively contributes her time and effort to make her school more Eco-friendly, and she works personally with MIFA to volunteer in delivering meals. Nominated by Eric Jones. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 9:29 AM | 0 comments
Environment Volunteers

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

More praise for Mike Hodges

We have been friends for more than 25 years. She is wonderful. I was Mike's friendraiser for 18 years for Martha's Manor. She is the best for each angel (I call the ladies "my angels"). Mike and I worked very closely and never had a cross word. She is a very special person and a great PR person. Nominated by Dot Dickey McManus. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:28 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tara Lamar is a City Changer

  Tara is the founder of City Changers of Memphis (CCOM), which promotes the good in Memphis youth. Once a single mother, she has compassion for single mothers. For the last ten years on the Saturday before Mother's Day, she has hosted a Mother's Day banquet for single moms as a way to encourage us. The evening has free childcare, dinner, entertainment, gifts, and words of encouragement. Truly a night to remember. Tara Lamar is also a minister. Nominated by Andrea Little. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:27 PM | 0 comments
Youth

Monday, December 19, 2011

Alfred Garrett changes lives through literacy

  Alfred is the Director of Adult Programs at Literacy Mid-South. Every day, Alfred and his staff are helping adults who can't read. Because of his innovative approaches to the program, we are helping more students every day achieve their dreams. They are getting their GEDs, their driver's license, and their citizenship. They can read to their children now, understand prescription bottles, and fill out job applications. Alfred is so dedicated to the cause and has brought such energy to... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:58 AM | 0 comments
Education Nonprofit

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Matthew Stroud raised $314.71 for MIFA

Matthew Stroud came up with the idea of selling hot chocolate and donuts one Saturday morning to raise money for MIFA. This Snowden Elementary 2nd grader raised $314.71 for MIFA. Matthew rocks! What a selfless act during this holiday season! Nominated by Cindy Moore. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:41 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Mike Hodges makes Martha's Manor

  Mrs. Mike Hodges has served as Martha’s Manor Program Director for 25 years. Martha’s Manor is a day activity program for women with intellectual challenges. Over these years, 150+ women with varying disabilities have benefited from Mike’s consistent direction and attention.  Each day, she guides the Manor Ladies in a variety of activities, including cooking, sewing, and crafts.  She delights in the great times... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:41 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Mary Lou Cushing is something good!

Mary Lou Cushing, a cancer survivor, has a twinkle in her eyes and a slow, easy smile that would never cause you to suspect the amount of volunteer work she does throughout the city. She is a member of the bus drivers’ team for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir and held virtually every layman’s leadership position at St. Luke’s, using her quiet organizational skills to get the job done. She delivers meals for MIFA, volunteers for disaster clean-up crews near... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:39 PM | 0 comments

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Mayor AC Wharton is something good!

Mayor A C Wharton is something good in Memphis, for his continued hard work to benefit our city, and for recognizing MIFA as one of twelve local nonprofits to be highlighted this holiday season. Thank you, Mayor Wharton! Nominated by the MIFA team. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:12 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Charlie Caswell is something good in Frayser!

Outstanding work and leadership in Frayser Community. Charlie helps homeless, needy, poverty-stricken, spiritually deprived, and former felons. He also has been involved with helping young mothers and holding youth camps. He's been involved with building up the people and the community in Frayser and is making a difference in blight and crime as well. Nominated by Curtis McNair. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 1:37 PM | 0 comments
Social services Leadership Youth

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sharon L. Coleman is healing the land

  Sharon L. Coleman has taken her own family's plight and story to help others overcome self-destruction, drugs, alcohol, physical abuse, and generational strongholds. She has done this through her book foundation and play that is currently going into MCS. She started the Healing the Land Foundation in early 2011 to help youth faced with challenges. Her relationship with God helps her to heal the souls of those who may not know how to help themselves, equipping them for life's... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:52 PM | 0 comments
Youth Volunteers

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Terre Gorham is something good downtown!

She volunteers her time selflessly to the Memphis Farmer's Market and other non-profit organizations. Terre is a true believer in diversity and promoting Memphians through her work as the editor of the Downtowner Magazine . Nominated by Barbara Standing. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:56 AM | 0 comments
Media Nonprofit Volunteers

Monday, October 10, 2011

Tari Harris makes disciples

  As principal of the Neighborhood School, Ms. Harris encourages and inspires her students to have servant hearts. She also educates them about the importance of giving to their community and how they can make a difference in someone else's life. She allows her students in grades 6 through 8 to go out twice a year to with The Outpouring of God's Love to feed the homeless at Morris Park and allows her students to get involved with feeding the adult men and women at Welsh Manor. Ms.... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:09 AM | 0 comments
Education

Monday, October 10, 2011

"Ham" Hilliard is something good!

  For the past 39 years, Alexander Hillard, from Bartlett, has offered his time, talent, and considerable expertise to his community by sharing his knowledge of radios and emergency communications. An active amateur "ham" radio operator with an Extra Class License, Hilliard also has a commercial license, is a radio instructor, and a volunteer test examiner. Knowing radios "like the back of his hand" as well as the ancillary equipment that makes them work, Hilliard has built five ham... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 9:49 AM | 0 comments
Volunteers

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Clyde Carson turns jury duty into a positive experience for Memphians!

  I was recently summoned for jury duty, and little did I know what a treat I was in for. The entire process was very well organized, and I feel certain that had everything to do with the Chairman for the Board of Jury Commissioners, Mr. Clyde Carson. Mr. Carson showed great respect to all of the participants by taking time to proactively answer every conceivable question that anyone could possibly ask. He also went to great strides to make you feel that it was an honor and a... Read More
Posted by trobinson@mifa.org at 3:34 PM | 0 comments
Government
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