United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) is spotlighting the community impact of volunteers by recognizing eight individuals for their thousands of hours combined of selfless service.
“We’re shining a light on the amazing people and nonprofit partners who make a powerful, lasting difference in communities throughout our six-county region,” said Chris Sargent, President & Executive Officer of UWSCMI. “Their service helps transform lives and inspires all of us to do more.”
Sargent said UWSCMI will present awards in person beginning this week, which is National Volunteer Week (April 19-25). The annual recognition week was launched in 1943 in Canada and in 1974 in the U.S. to recognize the value of volunteers and inspire others to get involved. For the local awards, UWSCMI leaders and board members will travel to volunteers’ home communities to thank them for their time, talent and voices. Local legislators have submitted signed resolutions honoring the volunteers from their districts.
The following volunteers will be recognized:
- Young Adult Volunteer:
- Miley Garcia, El Concilio, Kalamazoo. Garcia has supported Latinx elementary students by assisting with an after-school tutoring program, providing academic support during homework time, mentoring youth, and serving as a positive role model. She has also helped create a welcoming and safe environment where youth feel supported academically, socially and emotionally. Her reliability and initiative enhanced program quality and supported El Concilio’s team during homework and enrichment activities.
- Cyril Hobeika, Refugee Development Center, Lansing. Hobeika assists newcomer students with translation, essential driving skills using the driving simulator, and the creation of translated documents. Fluent in Arabic, French and English, he patiently navigates diverse skill levels through language barriers to ensure every newcomer’s success.
- Adult Volunteer:
- Lori Landon, Charitable Union, Battle Creek. Landon dedicated 1,428 volunteer hours at the Charitable Union. She keeps their inventory stocked and organized so CU can serve families with care and respect. Landon leads with compassion, consistently embodying equity, integrity, compassion and collaboration. Through her behind-the-scenes dedication, she strengthens CU’s ability to build a strong, caring community.
- Michael Nestell, The Davies Project, Lansing. Over the past decade of service, Nestell has provided more than 282 rides for families who otherwise might not have made it to their child’s medical appointments and expectant moms and dads to their prenatal appointments. He consistently goes beyond by stepping in for last-minute rides, staying flexible when schedules change, and making sure every client feels safe, respected, and cared for throughout their trip. In 2025 alone, Mike drove 2,946 miles, doing 52 family drives totaling 124 hours of donated volunteer services.
- Kerry Nielsen, YWCA, Kalamazoo. Nielsen provides vital support in the YWCA’s Edison kitchen, assisting with daily food preparation for children enrolled in the YWCA’s early childhood education program. Through her service, she helps provide nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment. Her contributions also support the teaching staff and families by helping maintain a well-organized kitchen, enabling the program to operate smoothly.
- Lifetime Volunteer:
- Brenda Foltz, Child and Family Charities, Lansing. Through her work with Child and Family Charities, Foltz advocates for children and youth facing difficult circumstances, ensuring they feel supported and valued. With Mitten Misfits, she extends that same compassion to vulnerable animals. Her leadership on the Red Nose Ruckus Steering Committee has helped raise over $2.5 million for children and families in need—funds that directly support safety, stability, and opportunity for some of the community’s most vulnerable youth.
- Sheryl McConvelle, Tri-County Labor Agency Food Pantry, Battle Creek. McConvelle volunteers at the food pantry about 11-12 hours per week, 44-48 hours per month, and up to 576 hours per year. She has helped serve as many as 300 individuals and 100 families in a week and as many as 100 families in a week. Her positive attitude and desire to serve her community drives her to form close relationships with referral families, most of whom know her by name. She packages the food baskets/bags with every family member in mind.
- Harold White Jr., Save Our Youth Help Them Prosper, Jackson. White’s mentoring has helped the young adults in the organization’s Vocational Education Program complete their probation, which has helped them find employment. This type of outcome helps the community by helping others to become law-abiding and responsible citizens. White has also chaperoned field trips, conducted interviews with young adults in the program, and provided mentoring and consulting.
For more information about becoming a volunteer in one of our communities, please visit the UWSCMI Volunteer Center at https://unitedforscmi.org/volunteer/
