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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Johanna Ellis is Something Good in Memphis. She is leading her team at work to make Memphis better this holiday season! "Johanna is Operations Manager at Park It Here by the airport in Memphis. They are participating in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree donations this holiday season, and offering a free day of parking to any customer who brings a gift for a needy child or senior citizen. Johanna and her team are a great example of Something Good In Memphis!" Nominated by Claire Ryan.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thad and Natasha Johnson are Something Good in Memphis! "Thad and Natasha are beautiful as a couple and, as Team T-N-T, beautiful in their commitment to bringing people together through their music. On Saturday, November 28th, they are having a party at the Rumba Room to celebrate the release of their new CD and are contributing part of the proceeds to MIFA. Their energy, creativity, and love for the city is something wonderful in Memphis!" Nominated by Linda Marks.
Thad...
Monday, November 30, 2009
Chris Kelyman is Something Good in Memphis. She is an active Memphian dedicated to helping our community. "She sits on the board of Jacob's Ladder and has headed up the Lord of Life Lutheran Church Chili Cook Off which raises thousands of dollars for charity. On top of all this she is Co-Chair of the Lord of Life Disaster Preparedness Ministry Team. She has vision, unbelievable energy and drive. She should run for Mayor!" Nominated by Nancy Wilson.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Susan Schmidt is Something Good in Memphis. "Susan is an integral fixture in the Memphis nonprofit community, through participating as a board member, teaching future nonprofit professionals, and serving as Campus Director of the American Humanics Student Association. She goes out of her way to help her nonprofit peers, and involves herself in numerous events and activities in the community. As a professor, she encourages students to achieve excellence. Susan is an inspiration to many!" ...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Amie Vanderford is Something Good in Memphis! "I believe in her and she is making a difference in the way people perceive Memphis one photo at a time. She began her first 365 photo album with Memphis buildings and landmarks. She has always said (and I paraphrase here maybe even adlib a bit) 'that Memphis is a great place to live and full of beauty. I want people to see that.' She is now compiling another 365 album of Memphians. One of my (many) praises of the content of the album is that she...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
"Cindy is making a difference in the lives children and is Something Good in Memphis. Instead of guests bringing a gift for her 4 year old son at his birthday party, she asked them to bring a toy for the patients at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center." Cindy Brewer truly is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Mary Catherine Tagg.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mr. George Valadie is truly an example of Something Good in Memphis. He reaches out to the community, while teaching the students at St. Benedict the benefits of giving back to others.
"Mr. George Valadie is President of St. Benedict at Auburndale High School and coordinates efforts by the students and faculty in service to the community. Under Mr. Valadie's guidance, St. Benedict opened its doors the weekend of Hurricane Katrina too hundreds of evacuees staying in nearby hotels. Over the...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Jeff Kitchens is Something Good in Memphis. He pays special needs young adults to help at high school ball games on Friday nights. Unattached to an organization, Jeff just does this to help out. Nominated by Robert Followell.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Charlene Weathers is Something Good in Memphis. "Charlene volunteers serving meals through the Union Mission, coordinating an annual Christmas party at Target House, and in many other activities throughout the city. She is a real blessing to the city! Thank you Charlene for being a GREAT Memphian." Nominated by Tracy Houston.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
"Regina is the co-owner and founder of the HodgePodge, a boutique that services the middle-aged women in Memphis. Yet, this is much more than just "fashion". She hosts weekend getaways, regular "girl's night out" Friday events, and fashion shows. She is all about building and serving a community of women in their 40's, 50's and 60's, letting them know that they are still beautiful at ANY age!" Nominated by Natasha Johnson.
Regina Johnson is Something Good in Memphis...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Claire Ryan is Something Good in Memphis! ( See her previous nomination here ). "I am nominating Claire because of her integrity, sincerity and passion for helping others. She gives her time and love to the children she helps because she is a good person, not because she is looking for a pat on the back. I would love to see Claire awarded and recognized for the Hope she brings to Hope House because she gives from her very wholesome heart!" Nominated by Jil Agonis.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Deanie Parker is something great in Memphis. A Stax Music pioneer, her vision helped created the Stax Music Academy, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Stax Charter School. In addition to changing countless lives, she composed the title song for the award-winning documentary "I Am A Man" (and also served as an executive producer,) which told the story of the amazing men and women behind the 1968 Sanitation Workers strike. Deanie Parker truly is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sam and Ann Robinovitz are Something Good in Memphis. "Sam and Ann generously and faithfully volunteer and serve, preparing food for the MIFA Life Skills program with their Temple Israel community." Nominated by Michael Mathias.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Kevin Dean is Something Good in Memphis. In addition to his work with Hope House, "he does loads for Memphis!" Nominated by Dylan Savage.
Kevin Dean is Something Good in Memphis
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Jonathan Elton is Something Good in Memphis. He is always finding ways to help people. "Jonathan takes sack lunches and bottled water to the homeless that live in camps in the woods and various locations throughout Memphis.I go with him sometimes.He gets some homeless people shelter and enrolls them in programs in various ministries. He rescued a man and his wife who was six months pregnant that was stranded in Memphis and living homeless for 5 days. He took them home for three weeks and gave...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"Amy Beth clearly defines what I love about Memphis, the people! She was phenomenal as a Leadership Academy Fellow, has worked with MIFA spreading the word about the Something Good In Memphis initiative, works diligently with Junior League and a joy to be around. Amy Beth showed her talent during the Fellows program working with a group that developed a volunteer training guide and a process and database to monitor volunteer activity for the Music Foundation. Amy Beth is Something Good in...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Marian Bacon is truly Something Good in Memphis. She is a brave advocate for people that suffer from mental illness, and our community is lucky to have her. Her nominator explains, "I am nominating her because she goes out into the community and tells her story. She received a national award in LA, but she wasn't recognized in Memphis for her efforts. She is a mental health advocate and helps individuals like herself who suffer from mental illness. I think individuals who share their stories...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"John is a rock in this community! He serves many, many nonprofits with his generosity and compassion!" Nominated by Cheryl Anderson.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Claire Ryan is Something Good in Memphis. '"I really feel that we are all responsible for one another in this world," explains Claire Ryan about why she volunteers to ride the Hope House bus each week. "I have led a very fortunate life, and volunteering for Hope House has allowed me to spread lots of love to children who need it the most." This year, budget cutbacks at Hope House meant fewer employees and a growing need to have volunteer support in classrooms and on the bus. Claire, a board...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Raye Osborne is making a difference in the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Raye is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at Hope House, an organization that works with children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Raye has been instrumental in creating a new volunteer program for the organization. She has developed new relationships with volunteer groups, created forms and protocol for recruiting and retaining quality volunteers, and even contributes her artwork (she was an art major at Lipscomb...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"Dylan Savage is making a difference in the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Dylan is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at Hope House, an organization that works with children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Each day, Dylan works with the development department to bring new resources into the organization. Dylan creates new fundraisers, builds databases, and works with the community to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the organization. Dylan, a recent graduate from college, does...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"After a long, rainy day spent at work and at the pediatrician's office with a sick baby, I finally got home and decided to pick up a pizza. I called the pizza order in and left immediately to pick it up. I arrived at the midtown location, but I'd accidentally called my order in to the Park Ave. store. As I was about to leave to drive to the other side of town, the staff on Madison offered to call the Park location, cancel my order, and make me a fresh pizza quickly. They couldn't have been...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Pam at Kroger's Pharmacy at Poplar Plaza is making a difference in the life of her customers. Thanks for being Something Good in Memphis!
"We recently switched our medications to the Kroger pharmacy at Poplar Plaza after unpleasant experiences elsewhere, and it has been a refreshing change! Pam has helped me the last 3 times I've picked up medication, and she is always friends, professional and thinks to ask all the right questions (and as a new mom, I find this absolutely invaluable!)....
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Elroy Bond works for Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) as the director of MAM's Sacred Heart neighborhood youth center on S. Cleveland in Midtown. Many of the youth served at Sacred Heart come from an urban background that most folks in Memphis would consider a no win situation, partly due to a lack of strong role models. However, with Elroy, these youth have found acceptance, caring and guidance. His ministry to at-risk youth not only includes teaching them personal responsibility, but also to...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Here is a great nomination from some MIFA Meals volunteers. This happened on their way home from volunteering yesterday! "My meal delivering partner and I were on our way home when we realized her tire was flat. We stopped at the gas station at Poplar and Cleveland to get air.We had no change - no clue how much pressure was required. An ambulance was parked next to the air pump. The 2 young men had our tire pumped up and ready to go in no time. They didn't have to do that but gave...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"JoAnn Jones is truly something good in Memphis. She is a professional organizer, an energetic and creative mother of two boys, and a very thoughtful friend. JoAnn is often the one behind the scenes quietly leading the parade -- whether its leading at vacation bible school or helping organize a sick friend's meals. Memphis and her community are lucky to have her." Nominated by Cindy Cates Moore.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Rickey Miller truly is Something Good in Memphis. As a teacher, he exemplifies the good that comes from helping our youth. Trace D. Thomas explains, "I'm nominating Mr. Miller, he is the band teacher at A. Maceo Walker Middle School, and he has a sincere passion for the well-being of the students. He has developed a spectacular band at the school. My personal experience comes from him assisting me with my son. I am a single parent, and he has assisted him academically by setting up...
Monday, November 16, 2009
John Burruss is Something Good in Memphis. He recently worked to bring the U2charist to the Church of the Holy Communion. The service was set to the music of U2 and focused on social justice and the community's ability to help the poor and oppressed with a focus on the Millennium Development Goals. When John isn't bringing new exciting programs to Memphis, he does a fine job leading the Holy Communion youth program, which has truly become something special under his watch. John is a good...
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Reverend Tim Meadows is Something Good in Memphis. "Over the past 15 years Rev. Tim Meadows has done an outstanding job of providing leadership to Holy Trinity United Church of Christ. He has made people who have not traditionally felt welcome in church come to the understanding that they too are welcome and are God's children. Tim has been the spokesperson and the voice in Memphis for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and other folks who did not have a voice. He has also worked...
Friday, November 13, 2009
When Kathy Davidson first moved to Memphis, she immediately began advocating for Memphis elders by volunteering as a MIFA Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Kathy also volunteers at the Memphis Zoo. Nominated by Rick Finkey.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Constance Cromwell brings tremendous energy to her role as a MIFA Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman . She is really Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Rick Finkey.
Friday, November 13, 2009
For the past 5 years Pat Banzant has helped transform the lives of hundreds of young ladies from all walks of life through the G.R.A.C.E. Girls Reaching After Character and Excellence program. She is really Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Arnetta Macklin.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Frank Robinson is Something Good in Memphis. He is a teacher and artist who is constantly using his art to further the causes of others. Nominated by Carol Taylor.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Just heard about an attorney that walked out of a court room and took on a lady's case pro bono, because he knew that she would be disadvantaged without representation." Nominated by IrwinEsq on Twitter. (Expanded beyond the 140 character limit for this post).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Otis Sanford, editor for opinion and editorials at The Commercial Appeal, will assume the presidency of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association. Apparently his professional colleagues have learned what many of us here have long known: that with his knowledge, insight and love of the city, he is truly Something Good in Memphis. Thank you, Otis. Nominated by Dot Gilbertson.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Gaye is one of a kind. She is the most hopeful, service-oriented and wise woman I have ever met. Her mission work overseas and her work with African refugees and young women is not only beautiful but incredibly motivating, as well. She lights a fire in me to serve and love others. I am thankful for her influence in my life." Gaye Carter is truly Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Lauren Sheehan.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Barry is something good in Memphis, always volunteering at road races like the recent half marathon. Thanks for passing out GU somewhere between mile six and seven -- or was it between mile seven and eight?" Nominated by Sally Heinz.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Keith Hoover offers the Facebook community unfailing updates on environmental issues and solutions. What a great service he provides! He is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Janet Zimmerman.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"My Aunt Bev has always volunteered in lots of organizations and taught her family that it's important to do the same. She not only serves on fund-raising committees, but goes herself to help pack Thanksgiving boxes for families, etc. She sets a wonderful example for those around her and is my personal ethical barometer. She does so much to make Memphis an ever-better place, one person at a time." Beverly Carrick is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Kat Gordon.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Karen Zissoff is Something Good in Memphis. After an impressive career as a dancer herself, in 1987 Karen founded Danceworks, which makes the finest ballet instruction available in Memphis at an affordable price. Her students have remarkable opportunities to work with renowned dancers and choreographers and to develop their skills, creativity, and self-esteem to the max. Nominated by Linda Marks .
Thursday, November 05, 2009
"Brooks is something REAL good in Memphis: philosopher, teacher, violinist, poet, golfer, preacher, husband, father,counselor, social justice advocate, inspirer, arts connoisseur, joke-teller, biblical interpreter, and friend to many. In short, a true Renaissance man!" Nominated by Rev. Steve Montgomery.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Pastor Charolette Cobb of Charity Outreach Ministries is Something Good in Memphis. Pastor Cobb is an outstanding human being who has great compassion for her community, Douglass, as well as the rest of Memphis. She has an open door policy at her Love In Action House Of Hospitality. She has a GED program which has enabled some adults to acquire their equivalency diploma. She also feeds the neighborhood on Wednesdays.
Pastor Cobb is a member of the Douglass Pastor's Consortium where the...
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Dorothy Cox is Something Good in Memphis. Dorothy works tirelessly to revitalize the Midtown North communities, where she lives. She builds partnerships, shares information and wisdom, encourages and serves as a model for all who want to work toward a better community. Nominated by Robyn Gibboney.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The members of the Door of Hope Writing Group are something unique and special in Memphis. They are survivors of chronic homelessness who have formed a writing group providing support to other men and women who want to get off the street. Nominated by Ellen Morris Prewitt.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
For years, Bad Dog has been a bright spot in the city of Memphis. From making people laugh in the mornings on Rock 103 to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the kids at the Ronald McDonald House, he is a perfect example of the good in our community. Nominated by Anna Kathryn Word
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Shirley Alexander is definitely part of Something Good in Memphis. First Lady of Prince of Peace Baptist Church and Chaplain at Odyssey Healthcare, this licensed ordained Minister has never met a stranger. Her love and compassion for all the Hospice families she serves far exceeds the norm. Her ability to inspire through her faith has aided many families in making it through difficult times in life. Whether using song or words, she has the reputation for being oh so "up close and personal" to...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Bev stays busy helping others. She is a leader in Community Bible Study, which involves easily 8 hrs. a week. She also knits caps and takes them to the West Clinic every other week to personally give to patients in need of one. She volunteers once a week at Paige-Robbins Alzheimer's Center,where she runs a bingo game with prizes that she finds and buys.Also once a year she spends a week in Illinois with her sister making Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas Child.This year she and her sister...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
"Geraldine is the modern day Mother Teresa. She is always willing to help anybody, and if she doesn't have the resources to help she will research and find the resources to help those who have lost their way. She's always there with a helping hand and inspirational word of encouragement.
Her name is known through faith communities in Memphis and the surrounding areas, as the go-to woman for help planning, organizing, or inspiring words of encouragement. Her presence is like...