June 2019

Cathy Hasenberg, Dept. of Child Safety

Cathy Hasenberg is a Senior Program Development Specialist at the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Her job focuses on helping children, but in her time off, she helps veterans who are at-risk of homelessness.

Cathy volunteers at the Veterans Stand Down event, which connects thousands of veterans to much-needed services--all in one place--like dental work, job search and referral, legal/courts/addressing warrants & fines, establishing DES benefits, Motor Vehicle services, veterinarian care and grooming for pets, reading glasses, medical screenings, VA benefit eligibility, etc. As a guest guide, she has had the chance to meet some really amazing people and give a little back to them for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe and free. One veteran told Cathy that he attends the Veteran’s Stand Down each year even if he doesn’t have any needs because it’s the two days per year he is regarded and feels valued and respected. 

Cathy hopes to continue serving our vets in this way for many more years to come.

September 2018

Betty Lopez and Janet Valdez, ADOA

Betty Lopez and Janet Valdez are two of the founders of Women of Love and Faith (W.O.L.F.), created by four high-school friends who witnessed first-hand, the devastating effects of medical emergencies experienced by friends and family members.  What started as a small social gathering with gift basket raffles to help a friend with medical expenses, has now turned into an amazing movement, with over 80 women actively giving of their time, talents, money and prayers. 

To date the Wolfies have raised over $70,000 by sponsoring or co-sponsoring car washes, benefit dances, clothing drives and holiday giveaways.  While the need for help often exceeds the assistance they are able to provide, the Wolfies make a difference one life at a time, and live by the great words of Mahatma Gandhi, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” AHWOOO!!!!

August 2018

Wayne Wagner, DOC

Wayne Wagner with the Department of Corrections in Winslow donates his time, skills and funding to benefit local charities including Alice's Place, a domestic violence shelter. 

Wayne is constantly looking for new and creative ways to raise funds. He has personally made items for drawings including water wheels and outdoor furniture, raised funds at the Standing on the Corner event held in conjunction with the Winslow Christmas Parade, and has even auctioned off live pigs. His efforts have raised over $250,000 for SECC and other local groups!

Thank you Wayne for your many contributions to SECC and for being named our Volunteer of the Month.

July 2018

Meg Reilly, House of Representatives and Lisa Altenbernd, Arizona Senate

Meg Reilly, an administrative assistant at the Arizona House of Representatives and her daughter Lisa Altenbernd, manager of the Duplicating and Supply Dept. at the Arizona Senate organize the annual Christmas celebration for the Changing Lives Center (CLC), a faith-based recovery program offering long-term, comprehensive services for women. Meg said, "The mothers and children and all the single women who live at the CLC are walking miracles, going from broken and hopeless to safe, hopeful and successful." Because of her own personal experience in that area, she and Lisa believe in the importance of giving back.

"We thought, wouldn't it be great to organize an angel Christmas tree at the Legislature for the women and children at the CLC," explains Lisa. "Representatives, staff, researchers and state agencies alike pick names off the tree and give personalized gifts." The children and mothers who live in the center are greeted by elves, Santa and Mrs. Clause as every child receives a present.

Meg also solicits donations for Easter baskets for the kids and Lisa is a huge supporter of animal rescues, raising money and donating her time to help rescue dogs.

Thanks Meg and Lisa for all you do!