21 Centre County Volunteers Honored This April

While most of us scroll through our phones after work, 21 Centre County residents are changing lives one volunteer shift at a time.

The Centre County Council for Human Services just honored these community champions as part of National Volunteer Month. Their work spans everything from fighting illiteracy to supporting incarcerated parents to helping homeless families find stability.

Take Stephanie Ferguson, who returned to State College after 38 years away. She cooks hearty meals for Housing Transitions residents and rallies her family to create welcome baskets for people moving into permanent housing. Her warmth and dedication earned her a spot on the organization's board of directors.

Or John Dillon, who has spent six years as a one-on-one literacy tutor with Mid-State Literacy Council. "Improving one's literacy improves one's life," he says simply.

Then there's Connie Martin, who has visited incarcerated people at local prisons for 12 years and coached parenting classes at Centre County jail for seven. She became their voice when they couldn't speak up for themselves.

Doug Ripka brings his signature dad jokes to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, where he helps with data entry and medication assistance programs. His wife Carole has volunteered there since 2009.

The Ripple Effect

These volunteers don't just help organizations run smoothly. They fundamentally change what's possible in Centre County.

Carline Crevecoeur leads equity work with the American Association of University Women because accomplished women helped her reach her goals. Now she's paying it forward to the next generation.

Tony De Luca joined Park Forest Preschool's board to help with technology, but stayed when he saw how staff create learning opportunities for kids who wouldn't otherwise have access.

Dorothea Stahl mentors girls in youth group homes, showing up consistently to prove they matter. She also helps the Youth Service Bureau plan fundraising events and provides spaces for staff development.

Most of this work happens quietly, without headlines or recognition. Yet these 21 people keep showing up anyway, lightening workloads and brightening spirits across nonprofits serving mental health, civic engagement, education, housing, and community safety.

"It is impossible to overstate the impact" these volunteers have had, says Wes Chicko, CCCHS board president.

Centre County's helpers prove that being a hero doesn't require a cape, just a willingness to show up for your neighbors.

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