2023-2024 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

district within the community, representing the River Grove School District in discussions with the village and other governing boards. In addition, she has served as a leader within the West Cook School Board Association, thus dedicating her time to the betterment of school districts in the entire West Cook region. In 2022, Marlene was recognized with the Illinois Association of School Boards Legacy Board Leader Award, the highest level of recognition for a school board member. Mrs. Flahaven is a shining example of citizenship, serving as the River Grove Village Treasurer for the past 19 years as well as serving as an election judge for many years. She and her husband owned a small business in River Grove and raised a son and daughter in the community. She is committed to the entire community and fosters unity among students, staff, parents, and community members to create a cohesive River Grove family. You cannot find an individual more devoted to supporting her school district and local community. She is an inspiring example to us all.

Computer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, supplemented by a Graduate Certification in Non-Profit Leadership from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School.

Transitioning back to Evanston to provide full-time care for his mother amidst her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Rick channeled his free time into broadening his volunteer work, contributing to five non-profits over the past seven years. His dedication to Curt’s Café in Evanston stands out, where his efforts in their Workforce Training Program for teenagers coming from at-risk situations earned him the prestigious Lifechanger award in 2023. Rick's creative spirit shone brightly as a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish Illinois, where he has made over 30 wishes come true, earning the title of Most Creative Wish Granter in 2022. His commitment extended to AARP Illinois, where he engaged in a variety of roles, from assisting in political debates to teaching and lobbying on senior issues. These efforts led to him receiving the esteemed Ethel Percy Andrus Award for civic responsibility in 2024.

Rick's mentoring endeavors include supporting America Needs You and Ageless Innovators, programs aimed at empowering first-generation college students and fostering intergenerational mentorship, respectively. Additionally, his role as an Executive Board Member and Development Chair for the Mary Crane Centers underscores his dedication to early childhood education for the underserved in Chicago.

Rick's successful career and busy family life have seamlessly transitioned into an even more fulfilling phase of volunteerism, blending his professional acumen with the compassionate values instilled by his parents and grandparents, and enriched by the lessons from his children and grandson. Rick Planos embodies the ethos that it's never too late to learn and make a meaningful impact in the world.

support we received from various resources in our community. As a child who benefited from these services, I always knew that I wanted to give back in a meaningful way. This drive to make a difference has guided my path and fueled my dedication to volunteering throughout my life.

With my associate degree in hand, I am now equipped with the knowledge and skills to further impact the lives of young learners. I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my personal experiences with professional expertise to create a nurturing and enriching environment for children to thrive in. My journey from caregiver to educator is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the profound impact of giving back to the community that once supported me.

Through my autobiography, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and make a positive difference in the lives of those around them. My story is a testament to the transformative power of education, empathy, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child. 

I became a homeless outreach volunteer after retiring from Loyola University of Chicago. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work side by side with neighbors experiencing homelessness, other service providers, and local housing groups and organizations to advocate for more affordable housing options in our community.

folks within the court system understand each other and the processes which were demanded of self-represented litigants.

After completing their JusticeCorps year, Haily now works as a family law paralegal with Jacobson Legal Services. In their spare time, they play Dungeons & Dragons, bowl in their bowling league, and enjoy time with their Partner, Nick, and cat, Jasper.

days started with the PTA at her children's school where she was often called upon to chair committees. She led her daughter's Girl Scout troop for several years and ran a resale book store for ORT (an organization dedicated to the education and training of students throughout the world) for more than 14 years. She observes the birthdays and memorial days of her loved ones who have passed by volunteering to serve meals to the homeless, making food packets that are shipped overseas, and going to senior centers to play bingo and visit with the residents. She loves to crochet and has made hats for everyone from babies in the NICU to senior citizens.

Roberta's most recent volunteer experience has involved being an AmeriCorps Seniors pen pal. She enjoys hearing things from the point of view of a 10-year-old child. Even though she and her pen pals are far apart in their ages, she has found that they have a great deal in common. Roberta has learned much from her pen pals and hopes that they have also learned from her. She looks forward to meeting her pen pal in person at the end of the year.

Roberta believes that if somehow her volunteering has made a person smile or feel a little warmer or a little happier, then she has helped “repair the world.”  

with the United Nations and Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund, have solidified Mission:MathMinds as a catalyst for change in the STEM community. Through her dedication to research-based mentoring programs and the creation of a Female Role Models network featuring influential leaders like Senator Tammy Duckworth, Ruby has helped girls and women develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in STEM fields. In addition to her groundbreaking work in STEM, Ruby is an accomplished American classical and musical theatre vocalist, earning international recognition for her talents. With victories in prestigious competitions such as the American Protégé International Voice Competition and the American Fine Arts Festival International Golden Voice Competition, Ruby has had the honor of performing at the esteemed Carnegie Hall four times in the last few years. With this, Ruby remains committed to her academic pursuits, consistently placing in the top 5% nationally in math competitions such as the AMC 8, MathCon, and more. Additionally, she leads her school’s Business Professionals of America competition chapter and has qualified for nationals three times. Ruby's dedication to academic excellence and empowering others underscores her role as a young leader and role model in communities globally.

in their communities. He led the fundraising efforts of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill for four years, individually selling over $25,000 worth of Double Good Popcorn. From those funds, they gave over $12,000 worth of scholarships to deserving Black teens in the south Chicagoland area. Carlos also raised money to sponsor his Teens Helping Teens project, a two-part series to help build empathy and awareness and collect toiletries to fight teen homelessness in Illinois. As part of this project, Carlos and other teens stood in solidarity with their peers facing housing insecurities by sleeping on basement and gym floors. They also sponsored a large toiletry drive at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where Carlos and the teens of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter collected and donated over $10,000 worth of toiletries and gift cards to three organizations:  Aunt Martha’s, Reclaim13, and Respond Now. These organizations serve teens facing housing insecurities and risk of sex trafficking in the south Chicagoland area.

Carlos is a senior at Lincoln-Way East High School, where he served as the Junior Class Representative of the Black Student Union and has volunteered as a Griffin Crew Peer Helper for three years. Carlos is the proud son of Mr. Carlos Dillard and Dr. Salwa Rahim-Dillard. Carlos believes the famous saying “It takes a village to raise a kid,” is applicable to a community. He stated, “It truly does take a village to make a difference. What is a community if we are not making an impact on it?” Carlos Dillard, Jr. will major in political science at an HBCU to better understand the structures, policies, and processes needed to impact society and bring positive change in the world.

and access to reproductive healthcare. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabriela volunteered at a community health clinic as a drive-thru testing site coordinator.

Currently, Gabriela works in the healthcare sector and serves on the Associate Board for The Network, an Illinois nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence. Gabriela earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a juris doctorate degree from DePaul University College of Law. She is an active member of the Hispanic Lawyer’s Association of Illinois.

years and has served two terms as club president. He has done it all from flipping flapjacks at their annual pancake breakfast to organizing the Lions Club Charity Golf Outing. In 1993, he was an original member of the 4th of July Committee, the body that organizes our community's Independence Day multi-day festival and parade. Three decades later, he continues to serve this community group.

Roy’s family includes his wife Marie and children Kurt (deceased), Koreen (deceased), and Kristen, as well as his stepchildren Linda, Kassandra, and Tauyna, who have all supported his countless hours of volunteering. Roy's variety and decades of selfless volunteerism is unmatched in our community and his impact has been felt for generations past, present, and future.

recording the different native plants and especially the insects that were found in parts of the local nature preserves.

Around 2018, I joined the Friends of the Fox River and the Kane County Forest Preserve. I helped them by researching events, pictures, awards, and the family history of Emily Schweitzer, who had donated 153 acres to the Kane County Forest Preserve for use as a dog park and native preserve. She spent her life raising champion Irish Setters and won numerous awards and trophies.

Friends of the Fox River inherited her residence, and I helped in developing her home into an environmental center. Friends of the Fox River became interested in native plant gardens after seeing my insect survey photos. Part of an area being restored as a savanna landscape became a bee sanctuary. So far, after removing the non-native shrubs and trees, we have planted over 2,000 native plants and 70 native trees and shrubs. Using my love of photography, I helped identify some 700 species of insects and recorded the plants, trees, fungi, and lichens that are in the nature preserve for future generations to see and, hopefully, appreciate.

this organization exemplifies his deep-rooted commitment to supporting those in need. Casey is actively involved in community programs such as Toys for Tots, where he participates in distributing toys to children during the holiday season. Moreover, he undertakes the noble task of delivering turkey meals to families in need around Christmas, symbolizing his dedication to serving the community in times of celebration and hardship. 

About 2 years ago, Casey took a significant step by establishing a food pantry on the East Side of Aurora. This initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of food insecurity within the community. Despite facing challenges, it took him about a year to materialize this project, highlighting his perseverance and determination. Casey’s food pantry serves as a crucial lifeline for hundreds of families, he also personally delivers food to individuals such as senior citizens or those with disabilities who are unable to pick up food themselves. By catering to the specific needs of these vulnerable groups, he has made a meaningful positive impact on their lives.

Casey's deep commitment to volunteerism is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations and causes. Serving as the Immigration Chair for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement showcases his dedication to advocating for immigrant rights and promoting social justice within the community. As the Former Chair for the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, Casey's leadership and passion for preserving and celebrating Hispanic culture have made a lasting impact. During the pandemic, Casey selflessly stepped up as a Community Health Worker, demonstrating his compassion and dedication to supporting others during challenging times. Additionally, his volunteer work as an IT Tech for Churches highlights his diverse skill set and willingness to contribute his expertise to support religious organizations in enhancing their technological capabilities. In conclusion, Casey epitomizes a story of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Through his long-standing commitment to volunteer work, establishment of a food pantry, involvement in non-profit organizations, participation in community programs, collaborations with partner organizations, and fundraising efforts, he exemplifies the true essence of altruism and community service. Casildo Casey Cuevas's remarkable contributions stand as a testament to the transformative power of individual actions in creating a more compassionate and supportive society.

care at off-site clinical facilities.  Recently, Dr. Homann was tasked with helping to build a dental clinic from the ground up at Refugee One, an organization that supports refugees entering the US. On the weekends, Dr. Homann continues to oversee students that provide free care to this community.  

Dr. Homann lives in Elk Grove Village with his wife, Jessika, and three children, Vivian, Dexter, and Beatrice.  Dr. Homann is an active member of the community, and his dental office recently hosted its 5^th Annual Free Dental Day.  Since its inception in 2019, this event has provided roughly $150,000 worth of free care to those in need. 

Nancy lives with chronic illness, pain, and disability which causes her to have to adapt, learn, and grow as she serves the community. Serving children is her greatest joy!

languages, an asset she has honed over a decade in dual-language education.

Anna's dedication to community service blossomed in 7th grade when she began volunteering on various projects, from nature center clean-ups to tutoring and fundraising efforts. Inspired by her family's legacy of service, Anna's involvement expanded when she joined SaLT (Service and Learning Together) as a freshman, assuming leadership roles within the organization. She is particularly passionate about SaLT's hunger relief initiative, Project Shop'N Drop, which has positively impacted the lives of over 2,100 individuals and continues to make a difference. Anna devotes several hours each week supporting this program which to date has filled over 30,000 bags of food and household essentials for underserved families. Looking ahead to her college years, Anna remains committed to making a difference in her community while pursuing her academic interests. With aspirations to study public policy, she aims to leverage her education to effect positive change in the nonprofit sector. Whether in the pool, behind the lens of her camera, or in service to others, Anna Neblo is a passionate and driven individual dedicated to making the world a better place.

children were served.  Joe is a consistent and regular volunteer with this effort.  Across the same time period, LIUNA Local 362 annually volunteers and operates the track and field events at Illinois Special Olympics State Games at Illinois State University.  Joe is again a consistent and regular volunteer.  This past fall the union assisted with painting and updating cabins at Easter Seals Timber Pointe Camp and Joe assisted.  In 2023 Joe was named WJBC-AM "Laborer of the Year" and led the Bloomington Labor Day Parade and was named "Retiree of the Year" by his union.  Joe is very quiet, humble, and volunteers with a ready smile -- his only question is, "How can I help?"  He and his wife Jan are a great testament to the volunteerism and open hearts that make a better community.

completed. I love what I do, and it is the area that I can help the most.

My two sisters are volunteers, and my brother will always agree to help anytime I ask. I have since first grade been under the guidance of the Daughters of Charity. These good and holy women have dedicated their lives to the service of God, by helping the poor. I respect them a great deal. I have had an easy life and believe that to those who are given much, much is expected.

Board of Directors for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As CEO of the communities most struggling area, he prides himself on providing valuable resources to those in need. From his early days in Peoria, Marcellus found inspiration by focusing on how food, healthcare, and childcare improved clients’ lives. Over the course of the last three years with the company, he developed a deep understanding of what is possible at Peoria Friendship House by working with all business sectors, solidifying funding for growth and development, and actively listening to the needs of the community.

In 2017, Sarah saw an advertisement on Facebook about volunteers needed for the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon in 2018. She signed up for parking enforcement, traffic enforcement, and crowd control. She instantly fell in love with volunteering after the first day and has volunteered for numerous events such as the Be A Hero 5K, the Champaign County Freedom Celebration, Run Mahomet, and Tolono Fun Days. During the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic, Sarah created the Halloween Map of Mahomet. It was designed so that families could still participate in Halloween and that if someone contracted COVID-19, they could trace which houses they visited. She continues to make the map each year.

Currently, Sarah goes to numerous city council meetings, such as Champaign City Council and Champaign County Park District, to discuss new ideas and ways to help her community, as well as committee meetings to give advice and ideas on upcoming events in Champaign County. Sarah serves on two committees, one of which is the volunteer coordinator. She wants to add additional volunteer work to her Volunteer Resume, having already volunteered for 24 events, some of which she has done multiple times. Sarah’s goals are to volunteer for all of the Midwest’s marathons that are considered Boston Marathon qualifiers, to volunteer for the Boston Marathon and London Marathon, to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award, and to continue to make a difference throughout her community and the nation.

Ethan and Ella Carlisle and their friends as they reached preschool age. The need and numbers just kept increasing. There may have been a total of six passengers each year when I started this service. Now it has grown to the present count of 30 children who basically need a ride after school to their home or daycares which I handle in five shifts in my “Lus Taxi” 2005 Dodge Caravan. My purpose in this service is to fill in where my working parents need me. Over 20 years the Lord has blessed me to be able to have taxied approximately 100 children who I will always be connected with because for a few minutes a day, I was their ”Grandma Lu.”

Thanks to the recommendation of Ryanne Jacoby, Principal of the Carthage Primary School, I am so honored and humbled to be receiving the Illinois Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for helping working parents and their children with their need for a taxi service. However, I think it is more than I deserve because I am the one who is blessed that the parents trust me with their children, and I am able to serve them. I also want to commend the Carthage Primary School for giving all these children bright starts and helping me with my multiple pickups. I love what I do, and I love my little friends!

concerning and troubling, but the children need a stable person or friend who cares for them.  I have certainly been blessed and honored to help those families.  I have learned so much and made lifelong friends. There is no greater joy than to help a child!

With a BA in Social Work and a BA in English Education from Michigan State University, Michelle has had a variety of professional and volunteer experiences through the years. Besides being a wife, mother of three adult children, and a new grandmother of three adorable babies, some roles have included Case Manager for Head Start, junior high and high school English teacher, track coach, Resident Supervisor at a homeless shelter, nursing home volunteer, and a youth group sponsor and active member of her local church. Michelle loves spending quality time with family, serving her community, traveling, hiking, nature, and investing in The Vault students over a cup of coffee or just shooting some pool.

moving toward my nursing license.  In addition to work, I also volunteer with high school students interested in the healthcare field.

I returned to DCLI during 2023 as a volunteer and spent time planning and developing the six-week CNA program for new participants.  I also serve as a mentor to high school students, particularly those that have gone through the program.  I enjoyed working alongside the young ladies who were in high school and working towards certified nursing assistant licensure, and I am looking forward to returning to the program this summer to assist with 24 high school students who will become CNAs in six-weeks.  To better support them, I completed a certification for youth mental health development.

I am a very ambitious, passionate, and compassionate individual.  It is my plan to further expand and grow my career in healthcare.  As I do so, I will continue to support my community. It’s my pleasure to serve as many lives as I can. I will continue to work hard and thrive for not only me but the others around me. 

Dwain Hill spent thirty-three years in law enforcement as a First Responder.  Twenty-six of those years, Dwain was a criminal investigator for the Illinois State Police. He retired in 2002. 

He then provided training for eight years in electronic surveillance to local, state & federal agencies. 

After retiring again, he volunteered as a board member with his church, the Salvation Army and mentored troubled youth through the local school district and various other avenues. 

Dwain currently volunteers with the Salvation Army as an emergency disaster responder and was deployed to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Through the Salvation Army he has responded to many statewide and local events, such as multi-alarm fires, floods, tornadoes, and active shooters.  The Springfield Salvation Army Corp feeds the homeless and he often prepares, delivers and serves meals. Dwain has been to Cuba three times on church missions.

Since 2018, Dwain has been the Salvation Army Liaison to the State Emergency Operations Center and enjoys working with the various state agencies. IEMA-HS staff, and other non-government organizations.

Dwain is married to Jan, lives in Rochester, IL, and has two children, Liz & Matt and one grandchild, Thomas. Dwain loves to fish, canoe, mushroom hunt and prepare delicious meals.

This is from Steve Smith Chaplain/Director of the Hope Center

Don was one of the first people I met when I moved to Albion in 1988. Donnie has always stood out for his love and compassion for others.  Donnie and I got busy with life for over 30 years. I truly believe God brought Donnie back into my life at the perfect time. The Hope Center is a very physical ministry passing out food, clothes, furniture, and so many other items, and not once have I heard Donnie complain. We also help lots of people with our crisis center. Donnie being willing to share his life experience with our clients is priceless. The other 20 or so volunteers look up to him for his guidance and direction. Donnie reaches out to anyone and everyone in need.  Donnie is at the Hope Center almost every weekday and weekend. I truly believe Donnie puts the HOPE in Hope Center.

That is when I learned that community volunteering was a good fit for me.  Out of life’s challenges, new opportunities arise to help others.  Whether it was sewing cheerleading outfits, being a Girl Scout camp counselor and delivering Girl Scout cookies, or being involved in 4-H as an adult again, this is where it started.  In 1977, I was proud to receive the “Citizen of the Year” award in Grayville, Illinois for volunteerism.

I married and moved to Fairfield, Illinois (30 miles away), and began a 30-year career as an agent for State Farm Insurance.  My husband suddenly passed in 2012 due to a heart attack.  I continued to work and be involved in the community with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and the annual Fall Festival committee.  In 2001, I received the “Community Service Award” in Fairfield.

In 2019, I moved to Mt. Vernon (again a 30-mile move) and remarried.  He passed in 2022 of cancer.  So, my involvement with the Rotary West Club as President, and The First United Methodist Church’s local ministry, “Angels on Assignment, ” has helped me to serve others in our  Thrift Store, Food Pantry, and Financial Aid office.  It is a great honor and privilege to receive this state-wide award.  If we all work together, we can make it happen!    

a full wardrobe of clothing for school, this past year the organization helped over 600 children over 19 counties. Every Tuesday evening you will find Amy at Heaven's Kitchen volunteering her time serving a free meal to anyone in the community.   She coordinates the volunteer schedule and manages Facebook for this as well.  Heaven's Kitchen, now in its 5th year, served over 14,000 hot meals just last year.  You will oftentimes find Amy heading to "the kitchen" to load up boxes of food for needy people in the area, through their micro pantry.  She organized the "Kick For Kids" program this past year. From donations, 2,500 schoolchildren in the Southern Illinois area received a brand new pair of shoes. She has helped place "Blessing Houses" in area communities and was instrumental in organizing this past year's "Together we CAN" soup campaign collecting and distributing 50,000 cans of soup to senior centers and food pantries. She also has a grandparent in a local nursing facility. When the pastor passed away that did the weekly service, she did not want the residents to go without this weekly service they looked forward to so very much. She took on the role of doing the service along with her daughter for several months until she could arrange for different people, groups, and churches to come in and volunteer to sing and speak. She maintains the weekly schedule and makes sure the elderly in the facility continue to receive their church service. She organized Christmas donations so that everyone in the nursing facility would have a small Christmas Tree, a Christmas Day Church service, and a visit from Santa and gifts to open. She made sure every resident had a visit from the Easter Bunny with treats as well.  She has always had a huge heart for veterans (helping raise a considerable amount of money for local veterans charities), children, and those less fortunate.  She's been referred to as a "professional volunteer" many times in her life.  Stemming back to the days of PTO President, 4-H Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and founder of a charity for deployed troops sending thousands of care packages overseas, was just the start of her life of giving of herself and her time to others.    Her favorite quote is a Mother Teresa quote - “It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”   She spent many years of her life as a single mother and even when she didn't have but a few dollars to her name, she always displayed selflessness and generosity. Volunteering is a gift of time and energy that makes a real difference in the world and she has certainly left her mark. Her example of strength and overcoming adversity is a remarkable story.  Amy suffers from Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Thyroid Disease and still accomplishes all she does.  Amy has been blessed with a wonderful but demanding full-time job, but she still manages to find time for her family, and friends and to dedicate her free time to serving others.   She has gone from a single mom who used to visit food pantries to feed her family to someone who serves those free meals to others. She truly believes that tough times don't last but tough people do and she has proven that by taking her scars and turning them into stars.  

been a blessing to me and I pray it continues to be a blessing to students in our community as well.

mission of hope. The rewards are there for those who give of themselves with their time, energy, and presence. These rewards are also there for those receiving assistance by hopefully feeling special, cared for, and dignified. As we all put ourselves forward, we learned to keep our own lives and perspective, realizing how very fortunate we are as we give our all to others. Volunteering nourishes the soul.