"Through Champions, I found my voice, and my passion to fight for those who can not fight for themselves was awakened."

"The experience opened my eyes to the world of possibilities beyond my then, narrow worldview as an African American young man living in non-suburban Pennsylvania. I learned that life's experiences should never determine a person's trajectory. Instead, a passion and pursuit of purpose should be the driving force that lifts you up, brings you out, and takes you over into your destiny. Now, as an adult, I fight for social justice and social change here in Finland as a City Councilman."

"My service with the program made me realize my passion for working with those who are differently-abled or underprivileged. Twenty years later, I pour my energy into raising compassionate and caring children."

"The program taught me one person can make a difference. There’s no more important message to today’s youth in a world increasingly overshadowed by divisiveness and indifference. The program fosters collaboration and caring by empowering youth to serve their communities. I was exposed to communities and groups of people I’d never have dreamed of interacting with prior to the program."

"Lessons obtained through the Champions program have continued to light the way towards being successful and helping my community as well."

"I work as a performing artist and music producer in New Orleans, Louisiana and there are many opportunities for me to use art as a way to impact others. Because of Champions, I have learned much about project organization, leadership, securing outside funding, pitching myself, and empathy toward diverse groups. This has allowed me to grow my network far beyond most of my associates in the music industry."

"The program boosted my confidence tremendously as a leader and enabled me to create service-related initiatives of my own."

“Because of the skills I gained through Champions, I was able to attend George Mason University on a full- tuition scholarship program, which emphasized service and leadership. Currently, I work as a Senior Transportation Planner for a non-profit organization in South Jersey. Each of the jobs I have held since graduate school has been in the public and nonprofit sectors, and have focused on community impact. I strongly believe that the Champions of Caring program has inspired me to pursue these types of professional opportunities."

"It's been over 20 years, and this singular experience of being a Champion forever changed my perspective on service and the power of what a single individual can do to change the lives of others."

I've given back through Board leadership to non-profit organizations and helping to serve those in need. Through my profession in Human Resources Management, I give through career coaching, mentorship, and teaching career readiness and professional skills. As a clergyman, I offer counseling and teach lessons of hope and encouragement. Through all aspects of my life, I've attempted to make a difference in the lives of others."

"To this day, I continue to serve those around me.“

“Whether I'm teaching financial literacy to women in homeless shelters, mentoring young children, or serving at community kitchens, my understanding of adversity and compassion continues to be my guiding star. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, I've always understood how adversity and compassion can define how one sees life. From an early age, I dedicated my life to meeting the challenge of adversity by serving those in my own community and making my own mark on the world by starting Project C.A.R.E - Children Achieving Reading Enlightenment.”

"My desire to be aware and responsive to the sufferings in the world is a value that continues to shape my life today."

"As a 42-year-old woman, my time spent in the program continues to impact me as a writer, Christian minister, and social worker. My time visiting the Holocaust museum with Barbara, her parents, and the other Champions taught me about the atrocities the Jewish people faced during the Holocaust. Barbara and her parents encouraged us high schoolers to be compassionate towards the world's sufferings rather than to pretend the suffering is not occurring."

“Champions of Caring is a shining example of the importance of uplifting leaders in the community to enact change. It’s always been an honor to be part of this group and be recognized for the work that Empower Orphans has done here at home in the Greater Philadelphia area and globally.”

Honored as a Champion of Caring for outstanding service at Pennsbury High School, Bucks County, PA, Neha is now an Emergency Medicine Resident at George Washington University in Washington DC. She received her MD from Penn State College of Medicine where she was an Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society inductee. Also a social entrepreneur, at age 9 Neha founded Empower Orphans, becoming the first American to receive the International Children's Peace Prize. Empower Orphans has impacted 30k+ children globally and raised $2.4 million.

Neha is researcher, writer and adviser to the UN, nonprofits and youth globally.  She is co-creator of the AI tool Simplify and, with the support of Meta and Kids Rights, she co-founded State of Youth, an advocacy platform for young change makers with 130+ chapters worldwide.

“My experience with Champions of Caring taught me about how I can make a positive impact in the world. Through my involvement with Champions, I made strong community connections.”

Sari Toplin Levy is the Founder and Director of Make It Count Math, a non-profit that provides joyful math experiences for kids in New Orleans. Sari started this non-profit in 2020, at a time when students struggled the most to receive individualized math instruction that helped them learn to love math. She started providing individual math coaching sessions and small group math parties. Sari received support from 4.0 Schools, the VELA Education Fund, AmeriCorps, and other local grants to help math be joyful for kids both during the school day, and after school. Sari's personal passion for working with the community began in middle school, and included experiences with Champions of Caring. She made strong connections with her community in Philadelphia as an Ambassador of Caring while attending Lower Merion High School. Her experience with Champions of Caring helped her learn about the world and how to contribute to it. She majored in Sociology at Vassar College, and always found ways to connect with the community where she lived. Sari made her way to education in 2006, as a New York City Teaching Fellow in the Bronx, where she taught as a Special Education teacher. She then moved to New Orleans to teach and lead in New Orleans charter schools. She lives in New Orleans with her husband, 2 children, and extensive community. She is constantly striving to help the community be the best it can be.

"Champions of Caring enabled me to speak up when I felt there was an injustice.”

“It also reminded me every day to love everyone, no matter the color of their skin. It allowed me to continue to give back to the less fortunate in my community. We must find ways to make positive change."