To honor the dedication of local volunteers, and in conjunction with National Volunteer Month in April, United Way of Greater Kansas City is thrilled to recognize our CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year.
Last month, we invited community members to nominate individuals who consistently dedicate their time to uplift causes they are passionate about: making an impact through events, direct service, fundraising, advocacy, serving in leadership capacities and other means of support. Volunteer experiences were not required to be directly connected to the work of United Way or partner organizations to qualify. A committee met to review the incredible submissions we received and selected one youth and one adult to honor as this year’s CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year.
Estella Morales has been selected as our adult CommUNITY Volunteer of the Year and Adrienne Davis as our youth CommUNITY Volunteer of the Year.
Estella is deeply involved with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, helping establish chamber programs including KC BizFest and Latinos of Tomorrow, along with initiatives to increase female leadership in the organization. She was also a key player in the new strategic partnership between the Hispanic and Heartland Black Chambers, and has championed the Mattie Rhodes Center through fundraising and volunteerism. “As a Kansas Citizen I believe it is my duty to respond to the everyday needs of our community, whether in business or quality of life, and for me it brings personal value to my life,” she said.
Adrienne has been a committed volunteer through Phoenix Family’s after-school program, assisting with crafts, games and group projects. She’s also become a reading coach, working one-on-one with students to improve literacy skills. “Helping and learning alongside kids and other volunteers helps me make a bigger impact and grow my understanding of the world around me. Being able to see first hand the gravity of others’ situation allows me to provide more empathy to those who need it,” she shared.
Both women were celebrated along with all CommUNITY Volunteer of the Year nominees at a United Way’s recent WaymakerTM Night with KC Current at CPKC Stadium. The two were honored with surprise celebrations on Tuesday, April 22nd and will be recognized again during United Way CommUNITY Fest in September.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the passion and purpose countless individuals devote to our community through volunteerism,” said Nora Freyman, United Way Chief Marketing Officer. “The work we, and our partners do each day, would simply not be possible without their dedicated service to creating a Kansas City where all have the opportunity to thrive.”
As part of our commitment to making volunteerism accessible to the community, service opportunities are listed for all of our Impact 100 and Nonprofit Catalyst Grantee partners in our online community partner directory at unitedwaygkc.org.