Diane Cross
Nominated by Joyce Brown
She has run the Mounties Mission for 20-plus years. Selfishly gives of herself and her God given talents on a daily basis. If anyone needs anything, she will find it and provide it at no charge. This is a nonprofit working solely on donations. There are many examples of her dedication but due to their privacy I won’t divulge their names. If you need food, clothes, wood for heating, school supplies, furniture or just a hug, it’s all free. Ask anyone about Diane and you’ll hear nothing but good reviews.
Heather Bazzanni
Nominated by Joyce Brown
We call her the Cat Lady. She works at Wabash College but uses her free time and God given talents to obtain grants which she applies to neutering feral cats in order to give them a better chance for survival, a better life and reduces the feral cat population. Our AWL is full of cats of every shape, color, age and disposition waiting to be adopted. Heather is an Angel who is God sent.
Karen Branch
Nominated by Cameron Cole
Karen Branch is an amazing asset to the community. She is the Executive Director of the youth Service Bureau and her efforts play a vital role in ensuring the lives of Moco youth are the best they can absolutely be. She is an amazing leader for her staff and staff at other agencies, and an amazing leader in the community. As the executive director of the YSB she not only does what she needs to for our agency but also for other agencies as well. She serves on various board and coalitions and does everything she can to make sure she is engaged in the community. She works countless hours trying to make Montgomery County a wonderful place to live and she is does not want any praise for her hard work. Karen Branch is the definition of a true role model and leader for the community.
Nominated by Sara Clapp
Karen is an amazing person, who strives to support the Youth Service Bureau, and the youth in Montgomery County in every way that she can. Karen serves as the executive director of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, but she also a member of a variety of other boards and committees in Montgomery County. Karen believes in empowering the youth that we serve and advocates for their success with schools, community members and other agencies. Karen is no stranger to early mornings or late nights working or attending meetings, she has rung the Salvation Army bell in the cold as well as stood in hot parking lots at community events. Karen has an open door and is always there to give guidance or advise. She leads her employees by example and encourages us to take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow in the field as well as personally. I am proud to work under the direction of and learn from Karen Branch.
Nominated by Denise Walker
Karen Branch is an amazing resource to the Montgomery County community! Though most individuals would more likely associate Karen with young people simply because of her position as director of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, Karen touches so many facets of the community. Karen is frequently asked to serve as a advisor or member of many boards and committees because her eminence and wisdom are unparalleled.
Karen is not simply someone who sits or committees but is an active working partner in many outreaches. Recently, an activity was taking place at the YSB and the organizer was worried about having everything prepared. Karen quietly replied, “It’s already done” because she predicted the challenge and kindly removed it for that individual. Karen is often the quiet presence getting things done behind the scenes.
Karen’s knowledge and wisdom are awe-inspiring. She has a keen intelligence and insight that often make others wonder, “Why didn’t I see that or think of that solution?” Karen is also visionary about analyzing the escalation of problems yet identifying the path to a better Montgomery County many years from now. Karen sees a problem and projects its growth, then with equal mastery, she envisions how a solution can be reached. She pairs this perceptive side with an uncanny ability to write successful grants, thus attaining funds that will help to better that situation.
Finally, Karen’s collegiality is inspirational. She is always available to take a phone call or give advice to any partners in the United Way Family. It is also a common event to hear Karen offering the facilities and resources of the YSB for partnership with other United Way members. She recognizes that we all become stronger and serve more individuals when we work together.
Karen Branch’s personality and presence are perfectly blended from gravitas and generosity. It is impossible to think of an agency that shines more brightly than the Youth Service Bureau, and it has been brightly growing and glowing for many years through Karen Branch — the Shining Star who leads it!
Ryan and Kim Brooks
Nominated by Chris Delano
Ryan and Kim Brooks have moved to our community recently from Lebanon, Tennessee. They are the family that has created the “Christmas Corner” that was ran in the JR. This is a fund raiser that was Ryan’s idea of giving back. It all started with their display of some outstanding decorations for Halloween that the community was able to enjoy. This spawned the Christmas corner idea to have a large display that would include community involvement in sponsoring the Christmas trees, accepting donations that entirely go to help local families to have a better Christmas. With the support of the community it has been a lot of work however we are very pleased with the outpouring of support from our community.
As you can see in your article we are just getting started with this for the year and hopefully for the foreseeable future!
Terri Krutzsch
Nominated by Sandra Rayburn
Terri lost an eye in an accident and only has tunnel vision in the other. She lives in a condo on Dry Branch Drive. She is a compassionate person and helps so many of her neighbors, watching dogs, watering plants, fixing televisions, running errands, etc. She never feels sorry for herself. She walks to get groceries, go to the bank or to other stores at the mall because she doesn’t drive any more.
Robin Wines
Nominated by Barbara Johnson
Several years ago I was hospitalized. When I was discharged I was unable to walk without assistance. My neighbor Robin saw me crawling around on the floor and said “I’m taking you to the rec center and she did. I had to hold onto a bar to get around the track, but I can walk now. For years, she also took me to doctors appointments and to get groceries.
Teresa White
Nominated by Karen Stewart
I think my sister is such an amazing person. She goes beyond her expectations. I’ve struggled from depression for many years. She’s always there when times get hard for me. Her arms are always open for me when I need her the most. Teresa has always been that special person in my life. She’s a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend who you can never replace.
She taught me to never give up on myself and I carry her words of wisdom with me wherever I go. Her advice comes deep from the heart. She’s always spoken her mind, not to hurt, but to help. Her words of inspiration have pulled me through some dark places. She shines like a star because she always lighted my path, keeping me from harm.
She has devoted her life to her family. She has two sons and a daughter with successful careers.
I feel without her I could have easily taken a harder path. She knows exactly what to say when I can’t find the words. She always takes time to stop and listen when she knows I’m sad or hurting . She’s never judged me for the many mistakes I’ve made in my life. Always forgiving the bad decisions.
Today, I feel like a totally different person. I want to say thank you for being in my life. You mean the more than life itself. You have a caring heart and there will never be anyone to take your place. I love you now and I’ll love you beyond the stars in heaven.
God bless this wonderful and beautiful sister of mine.
You are special and loved deeply.
