Public employees across the nation give back to their communities in extraordinary ways every single day. From donating to food banks to helping neighbors and protecting their communities, public employees have always been there when their community needs them the most.
Here are two stories of public employees in service to their communities.
Newark police, Hope Valley launch Hope Behind The Badge program for kids. The Newark, Ohio police department has an important goal to reach: connect with kids in the community. They have partnered with local non-profit Hope Valley to create an outreach program that includes mentoring high school students and engaging in community activities with kids of all ages. Newark Police Sergeant April Flemming says, “The mission behind all of it is to bridge the gap between first responders, the youth, and our community.” About 10 Newark Police officers are currently scheduled to volunteer their time every Wednesday, including members of their Special Operations Group, and K9s and their handlers.
SUNY Morrisville professor lauded for dedication. SUNY Morrisville Professor Sheila Marshman has been teaching more than agriculture business development for the past two decades–she’s also been imparting her life philosophy to her students, coworkers, and community. “My purpose is to help others find theirs,” Marshman says. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in Vermont, Marshman says the love of agriculture runs in her blood; and she is spreading that love far beyond the walls of the college campus. Marshman is on the consulting team of NY FarmNet, a free service that helps farmers across the state manage their finances and future plans. She is also a mentor for GrowNY, a program that fosters agricultural innovation in Upstate New York. In addition to her dedication to growing community agriculture, Marshman has also dedicated her time to other local organizations, including youth softball, the 4-H, and programs that helped distribute dairy products to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be sure to check back the week after next for more stories of public employees giving back to their communities!
