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.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
One of Memphis' best teachers for children with special needs. She is also great at showing love and care for the children at her church's day care center. I love this woman. Nominated by Marlon Franklin.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Cassandra Webster heads up The Memphis Challenge. The Memphis Youth Leadership Program (MYLP), one of her many programs geared at developing Memphis youth, just concluded after a summer spent providing 150 area youth the skills to become productive Memphians. Nominated by Robert Bain.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Kathryn Givens serves as project manager for my youth organization. She puts all our events together and helps us stay on track. Kathryn is a fifth grade teacher at Gardenview Elementary School. After teaching, she still finds time to give back to her community. She is truly a person who is doing something good in Memphis! Nominated by Tiffany Reed.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Tiffany is the co-founder of Pushing Outstanding Excellence for Kids, a non profit organization for children of all ages. The organization seeks to strengthen youth through mentoring and educational and personal development with the aid of the community. Nominated by Carita Cannon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Because I know him. Nominated by Trevor Edwards.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Len Edwards is something good in Memphis because of the services he provides to children. Nominated by Brenda Gatlin.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Len Edwards gives children and parents hope. He helps them in situations that they may never be able to get out of by themselves. Nominated by Mary Vaughan.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Rhodes College opens its lovely green and shady grounds (along with bathrooms) to all the first-graders at Snowden for an end-of-the-year picnic and provides security to help kids cross University Street safely. My group of first-graders was so excited to be at a college and thought it looked just like a castle. Rhodes is a great neighbor! Nominated by KC Warren.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Len Edwards is in charge at COMEC - the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children. He works with parents whose children have taken a wrong turn somewhere. He works with kids whose lives are chaos. And when your kid goes missing in the middle of the night, he's the guy who sends out the Amber Alert to help bring your child home. Nominated by Maurrean Barger.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Five-year-old Katie Dora is the greatest artist! Her self-portrait included an "I am Something Good in Memphis" sticker. Go Katie! Nominated by Charlie Nelson.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sixteen-year-old Caroline works tirelessly with kids from diverse backgrounds. She and her brother, Wilson, recently hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at the Lester Community Center for 300 neighborhood kids. She has offered her time and her labor on many missions to Africa and South America. There are not enough hours in the day for her to complete all the tasks she undertakes, but she somehow does it, and all without want of recognition. I feel fortunate for just having witnessed...
Friday, April 09, 2010
Nadia Matthews is a self-proclaimed "actionaire," talented playwright, and founder of LilyRoze, Inc., an organization that encourages youth in the arts. Nadia is driven yet remains humble and down-to-earth. And she's only 21! She is definitely Something Good in Memphis! Nominated by Candace Curtis.
Nadia Matthews is Something Good in Memphis
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Annie Hulett is Something Good in Memphis. "I might be a little biased, but I would like to nominate my wife, Annie Hulett. Annie is a social worker for the state of Tennessee and she’s making a huge difference everyday in the lives of the children she serves. Annie is all about community and inspires others to embrace the idea of “One Memphis”. Annie is most definitely someone and Something Good in Memphis." Thanks Annie for being a great asset to Memphis! Nominated by Jeff Hulett.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Amber Reed is truly Something Good in Memphis. "Amber Reed, who was crowned Miss Memphis Princess in November, is one of the young people who shows all of us that the future of our city is in good hands. Her pageant platform is Raising Awareness of the Needs of the Elderly, and she will be engaged in various projects to help seniors throughout the year. She has collected money for MIFA’s Souper Bowl of Caring and delivered Valentine’s cards, made by students at several Shelby County schools,...
Friday, February 12, 2010
2 weeks ago a group of doctors and staff from Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center went to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to care for children affected by the recent earthquake. The members of this team are truly something special and they are Something Good in Memphis! Below are the members of the team listed on the Le Bonheur website ( link ).
Sunny Anand, MBBS, D. Phil., Le Bonheur director of Critical Care,
director of Division of Pediatric Critical Care for University...
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Gloria Watkins is Something Good in Memphis for the work that she is doing to better the lives of the youth in our community. "Mrs. Watkins is the new director at McFarland Community Center. Since Mrs. Watkins has been at McFarland she has been making a powerful impact in the lives of the youth within the community. Mrs. Watkins is spreading love and hope. She has brought new and exciting programs to the community. Mrs. Watkins has only been at McFarland for a few short months but she has...
Friday, January 22, 2010
Regenia Dowell is Something Good in Memphis. She is doing a great job as the Memphis Council Parent Teacher Association Treasurer, and she is really helping the children all over the city. Her job is so important to the future of our city. She is trying to build a strong educational system for the very talented and deserving Memphis children. Nominated by Shahzad Siddiqi.
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Susan Ratner is Something Good In Memphis! Susan serves as Guardian Ad Litem in Juvenile Court, representing the best interest of the child in dependency and neglect cases. Susan works tirelessly to make sure the children are protected and represented, working hand in hand with DCS and the Juvenile Court Justices. Her big heart and her determination to go what's right mean happy endings for tens of children each year!" Nominated by Claire Ryan.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Dr. Geoffrey Ward is Something Good in Memphis. "I would like to nominate Dr. Geoffrey Ward, Artistic Director of the Memphis Boychoir.This Organization is in it's 22nd season of serving boys grades 2-6 in the greater Memphis area. The Memphis Boychoir is focused not only on the continuing musical growth of the boys, but also the process of developing them into the next great leaders in the city of Memphis. As the artistic director, Dr. Ward works with the boys 2 hours, 2 days per week after...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Zach
Randolph is Something Good in Memphis. I don't know him personally, but this
is just a shining example of someone who has a lot, and is giving a lot.
Memphis Grizzlies Forward Zach Randolph is paying several MLGW light bills
for struggling Memphis families." Nominated by Penelope McDowell.
Zach Randolph is Something Good in Memphis
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Becky Clark is truly Something Good in Memphis. "As a child growing up in Memphis, Becky Clark and her family lived through horrific abuse at the hands of her stepfather. As a kid, she did all she could to try to get help, despite his threats to kill her and her family. She called the police, she courageously told a teacher, but there was no help. Her losses were great. Battering caused total hearing loss. After years of abuse, her twin brother took his own life in early adulthood. But Becky...
Monday, January 04, 2010
Kimkea Harris is Something Good in Memphis. "Kimkea has a heart for seeing young ladies be successful. She put her inner passion to work by forming a Christian Sorority/ mentoring group called D.O.V.E.S. (Daughters of Virtue Exalting the Savior). She found others with her same passion and they serve as mentors for these young ladies. The D.O.V.E.S. also do community service on a regular basis with nonprofit groups throughout the city of Memphis." Nominated by Renee Meeks.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Nicole Gates is Something Good in Memphis. "She is doing an outstanding job with her Infant Mortality Force-Memphis raising awareness about the disparity and planning events to educate the African American community at large. Agent Gates, has reached well over 1000 people with this cause and her call to action. She continuously gives without fret! She is doing something good in Memphis and she is Something GOOD for Memphis!" Nominated by Yolanda Gates.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
"Sherry Johnson, Parent Counselor at Cypress Middle School is Something Good in Memphis. Sherry is the best enroller of people I know. She does a stellar job of recruiting, engaging and retaining volunteers for Cypress. Sherry's enthusiasm for Cypress and its student population is contagious. She encourages, motivates, and inspires students to push pass their comfort zones to aim beyond the stars. She teaches them that their present circumstances do not determine who they are as a person....
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sally Pace truly is Something Good in Memphis. "Sally is a tireless champion for Memphis. She gives so much of her time and talents for her community, with the Junior League of Memphis and other organizations. She is determined to make this world a better place. I am lucky to know her." Nominated by Anna Hatfield.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Audra Bares is Something Good in Memphis. Audra volunteers countless hours and supports multiple local organizations that are making Memphis a better place. She serves on the board of MPACT Memphis, Memphis Youth Symphony, Nexus leaders, and STEP (Scholarships for Technical and Educational Programs) while working in marketing at Medtronic Spinal and Biologics. Audra is an active downtown resident who is always positive, smiling and helping others. She is definitely part of what is good in...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sheryl Walls is Something Good in Memphis and nominated for the second time! "Mrs. Walls works diligently for people. She is very active in her church and in the community and always displays a giving spirit and seeks nothing in return. She adopts children from the Angel Tree yearly and supports work at the Union Mission just to name a few. I think she deserves to be recognized for her hard work." Nominated by Tangie Dotson.
Friday, December 18, 2009
"Janet is Something Good in Memphis. For the past several years, during Christmas Holidays she bakes assorted "yummy" breads to raise funds to purchase gifts for the local Toys For Tots children. She raises enough fund every year...in order that each child can have a very special Christmas.Thank you Janet for giving back, for caring & being our hero!!" Nominated by Betty Agis.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wendy Briscoe is truly Something Good in Memphis. "She has a little sister from the Big Sister, Little Sister program. Her little sister was 8 when she started and is now 17. Wendy has paid for her to go to private school and lets her know how much she is loved every day. That is definitely something good in Memphis!" Nominated by Deirdre Oglesby.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Chauniece Conner is truly Something Good in Memphis! "Ballet On Wheels, Theatre of Dance is Memphis' only African American ballet school and dance company. As a non-profit organization, Ballet On Wheels relies heavily on community support to provide a culturally enriched development program to students from a variety of economic backgrounds. It has been proven that when young people are exposed to mentally and physically stimulating activities they perform better in the classroom and are...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"The Member Connections and Community Service Committees of MPACT Memphis are something good in Memphis because of their continual efforts to give back to the community. Tonight, for instance, they are having a drive for The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis. Each attendee of the holiday party is required to bring an item as admission. In addition, they are also inviting speakers from different nonprofits in town to speak at the party and encourage MPACT members to get more involved. What a...
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Dottie Todd is Something Good in Memphis. "Dottie generously givers her creativity and love of teaching to children and senior adults." Nominated by Dot Payne.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Yesterday Jeremy Reisman came to MIFA to deliver some toys that he and the rest of the Okeon AZA youth group collected. These toys will go to children in MIFA Housing Opportunities. It is so meaningful for me to see Memphis' youth working together to make the holidays special for other children. Way to go Jeremy and the Okeon AZA youth group, you truly are Something Good in Memphis.
Jeremy Reisman, representing the Okeon AZA youth group,...
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
"Wendy and Kalki are truly Something Good in Memphis! "Wendy and her husband Kalki have adopted their amazing, but special needs niece. They rescued her from probable death and a life where her basic needs were not met. They both work diligently to make sure VG is getting the best care and having the most fun possible." Nominated by Karen Golightly.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
"Stine Cooperwood is Something Good in Memphis! Stine is a positive, optimistic person who volunteers her time and wonderful spirit of giving to many organizations in Memphis. She advocates for a cleaner, greener Memphis through Keep Tennessee Beautiful. She also helps support the youth of our community to succeed in life and is a friend to those who are physically and intellectually challenged. Kudos to Stine for organizing a University of Memphis Basketball Camp with the Tigers basketball...
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.
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
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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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
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...
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...
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...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Larry is my pops and he's Something Good in Memphis because he puts up with me, even when I'm annoying or expensive. I recently had back surgery, & for three weeks, he stayed up with me every night while I was limited to the couch, made or brought me dinner every night, and even took me to have my hair washed when I was unable to bend over the sink to do so myself. Nominated by Lauren Rae Holtermann.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Autumn spends countless hours at Juvenile Court helping and representing some of the people who need it most - Memphis' youth. Away from court, she takes time with the families and the kids to show that she cares - and she shows them that there are others who care, too. They are often in a bad situation, but Autumn shows them that with a little work, they, too, can be Something Good In Memphis! Nominated by Chris Chastain.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wendy is a advocate mentor to teens and young adults. She volunteers her time and resources on a daily basis to help others and is a previous recipient of the Urban League Do the Right Thing Award. Nominated by Ann Porter.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Angela Rogers established a Christian nonprofit ministry called A Mother's Heart in 2002 to serve teen moms in the Frayser community. She has dedicated her life to empowering these young ladies with hope. Her work is impacting the future of two generations simultaneously. Angela's girls become good parents, graduate from high school, attend college, prepare for careers, get married, give back, and make the world a better place! Nominated by Cheryl Beard.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
I am nominating Ms. Parks to be recognized as Somthing Good In Memphis, because as Principal of John P. Freeman Optional School, she demands and accepts nothing less than academic excellence from each student, teacher and staff member at the school! Under her leadership, John P. Freeman is a nationally recognized school that is producing great and productive minds in our young people. Thank you so much Ms. Parks! Nominated by Tanya Bowley.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
John is something good because he is dedicated to helping inner-city youth through Rachel's Kids. Nominated by James Waller.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Kevin Brumfield is Something Good in Memphis. After one visit to Sneak Peek Memphis, Kevin's clothing store, Jordan Mykleby wrote "I honestly don't think you know guys know exactly what you are doing for people. You guys are inspiring every one that steps a toe in your door." Beyond a clothing store, with Kevin's vision, Sneak Peek has become a safe haven and a hub for a youthful creative community. The store has hosted Memphis Mayoral Candidate talks to engage 18-30 year olds in politics...
Friday, September 25, 2009
LeShundra Finley is one of the founders of UCAN, which works to strengthen young adolescents through mentoring, personal development, and education that will bring forth a positive impact in the community. Leshundra Finley is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Andria Lewis.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Jenni created a place in Memphis where children on the Autism Spectrum can learn, laugh, play, and just be themselves. She is an awesome Autism Angel! Jenni Helms is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Katie Steinbrecher.
Jenni Helms is Something Good in Memphis
Jenni Helms
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Roger started a group, Binghampton Senior Watch, to assist the crossing guards in helping children cross the street safely as they go to and from school. In the afternoon he also passes out books to the neighborhood children because he wants to encourage children to read. He is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Juanita White.
Roger Bowen is Something Good in Memphis
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Karla Nitz is founder of the Spirit Girls Club in Orange Mound for girls aged 6 through 10 years. With the help of a student from U of M, Karla provides activities and Bible lessons to young girls. She has a great heart and is a great worker – she’s something good in Memphis! Nominated by Jack Everett.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Nina Thornton is the driving force behind MIFA's Youth Servant Leadership Oratorical Contest and mentoring project, which serves Memphis teens each year. Under her leadership, this competition has grown and seen youth push themselves to become good public speakers. Nominated by Sally Heinz.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Julia Allen has demonstrated that she cares so much for her community and for those in need. For a lifetime of volunteering locally and globally, Julia Allen is Something Good in Memphis. Nominated by Sally Heinz.