SWLA Good Samaritans

by Angie Kay Dilmore

A volunteer is defined as a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task with no payment expected or given. And where would our community be without volunteers? Non-profit organizations that strive to make Southwest Louisiana a better place to live wouldn’t survive without the help of their many volunteers. A person volunteers out of the goodness of his or her heart, because doing so is the right thing to do; but what motivates these serial helpers to spend so much time assisting others? Our annual Good Samaritans feature answers that question and more. We tell the stories of these volunteers not only to spotlight their efforts and thank them, but to encourage others to follow their lead, find out where their own passions lie, and discover their own ways to serve the community.

Jon Manns

Community volunteer and retired 

Plant Manager at PPG Lake Charles

Jon Manns says he developed a heart for volunteerism through the corporate culture at PPG. “PPG wanted to give back to the community with donations of money and volunteer time. The company had a strong volunteer organization called PPG Friends and that is how I first got involved.”

Manns is a perfect example of how retirement does not always translate to “slowing down.” He retired from PPG seven years ago and has since focused his time and passion on improving his community. He’s been on the Board at The Community Foundation SWLA for nine years and completed a three-year stint as Board Chair in 2019. “The Community Foundation SWLA is all about improving our area – from making plans for bike paths, downtown development, water recreation, etc. So, I have put a lot of energy into working with this outstanding organization.”

One of the projects Manns is currently interested in through the Community Foundation stems from a generous grant from the Filo family to help develop a long-term plan to improve the community after the many storms that have devastated SWLA over the past two years. “This effort will provide many opportunities for local people to get involved and join planning committees.”

Manns’ other volunteer efforts include:

United Way SWLA: Board member, 6 years Campaign Chair, 2 years, Board Chair, 2 years,, Campaign committee 13 years

Big Brother Big Sisters SWLA, Board member 6 years

Volunteer Hole Marshall US Open, 10 Years

Volunteer Hole Marshall Byron Nelson Tournament, 5 years

Volunteer Hole Marshall Ryder Cup, 2 years

Volunteer with IMCAL for developing Bike Path plans for area

Volunteer to help develop Bayou Greenbelt

Manns says, as with anything, you get out of something what you put into it. “And I have received so much while working with these organizations in terms of friendships and experiences.”

Interested in joining Manns in his quest to make a better SWLA? Call the Community Foundation SWLA at 337-491-6688 or visit their website, foundationswla.org.

Alisa Stevens

Director of Grants and Program 

Management for SWLA Center for Health Services

Alisa Stevens says volunteer work has always been important to her. “When I was young, I volunteered with my school groups. Later as an adult, I coached my children’s cheerleading squads, basketball and track teams, allowing me to spend quality time with my children while giving back to others. Serving the community in a positive manner makes it a better place to live, work and play – it makes me happy!”

Stevens volunteers in many ways and for a variety of organizations, but her passion lies in child safety education. “Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 16. Providing safety education to the community increases the opportunity for young people to reach their full potential while reducing the risk of injury and death.” Stevens is a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor and a founding member of the Sleep Safe Coalition that provides education to reduce risks of SIDS and accidental suffocation of infants. 

Stevens is also an active volunteer with Catholic Charities of SWLA. “They have a food distribution program that serves thousands of residents in our five-parish area,” she says. “Volunteers are a huge part of the success of this program.”

Stevens’ other volunteer activities have included:

Abraham’s Tent

Disaster Recovery (debris pick up, gutting homes, food distribution)

Landmark Nursing Home

Emergency Responder Day

Mentoring programming

Community garden management

“No matter where you are in life, there is always a way to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” Stevens adds. “For those who think that they don’t have the time to volunteer, you can impact someone’s day simply by being a smiling face, saying good morning or just holding the door open for someone.” 

Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Stevens suggests you do a self-assessment. Ask yourself, ‘What are my strengths, what’s important to me, what do I enjoy doing?’ “After you have answered these questions, research local non-profits and their missions. Determine which one speaks to you and contact that non-profit to discuss volunteer opportunities.”

To volunteer for Catholic Charities, contact Richard Newman at 337-439-7436.

Robert Goodson

Assistant Superintendent of Ward 3 

for Gravity Drainage District Number 2

Robert Goodson began volunteering while in high school during summers at the free sailing lessons offered by the Lake Charles Yacht Club. “Sailing has been a passion of mine since a young age and when I was old enough to teach, I jumped right in!” he says. “Since then, I have volunteered my time as much as I can on various Boards and for events here in SWLA. Serving the community is not only immensely rewarding, but it helps enrich the lives of everyone we serve. Almost all the great events in SWLA could not happen without volunteers. I’m proud to be a part of these great events and to know how much joy it brings to the community.”

Goodson’s current volunteer work includes:

Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, Board member

Artists Civic Theatre & Studio (ACTS), Inc., Board member

Living History Cemetery Tour, actor and script writer

Previous volunteer work:

Project Build a Future

Live@the Lakefront

Lake Charles Civic Ballet

Louisiana Winter Beer Festival

Banners

SWLA Free to Breathe

Sulphur Mines Theatre

Since August 2020, Goodson has tried to volunteer as much as possible with post-storm rebuilding efforts. When work days aren’t available, he volunteers for the Art’s Council and ACTS Theatre to help promote the arts through the various events they sponsor. “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do in the community. Not only does it help out your fellow citizens, but it opens you up to a new network of people you may never had met before. I have met lifelong friends through volunteering and it’s a great way to get out and do something new. Whether volunteering at a local event, theatre or even just showing up to take the free sailing lessons at the Lake Charles Yacht Club, you may find a new passion you never knew you had!”

Goodson says the ACTS Theatre always welcomes volunteers. Rebuilding efforts continue, and they also need stage crew, tech crew, as well as actors. “Don’t worry, acting experience is not required, they welcome first timers.” 

Volunteer events and audition dates can be found on the ACTS website at www.actstheatre.com/ or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ACTSTheatre.

Erica McCreedy

Public Relations Specialist, 

First Federal Bank of Louisiana

Erica McCreedy grew up in Lake Charles and after graduating with her undergrad degree at LSU, she returned home to attend McNeese State University where she earned her MFA in Creative Writing. “After graduation, I was jobless and couldn’t find my way in life – that is until I found the Arts Council of SWLA. I admired their dedication and passion for the arts, so I offered to volunteer at their events and in their office. I wanted to be part of their mission.”

While volunteering at the Arts Council, McCreedy learned that great events and programs require a lot of hard work and collaboration from numerous volunteers. “I used to be that person who thought nothing ever happened in Lake Charles. The cure for that is to jump in and help create the things you want to see happen. Be a part of that change you want to see.”

McCreedy is most passionate about helping the local nonprofit community prosper, especially after the hurricanes and COVID-19. “So many nonprofits had to cancel fundraisers, lay off staff, and lose resources. These organizations rely on the kindness of strangers to keep them afloat. My most recent volunteer activity is serving on the board of Mae’s Mission, a new funding nonprofit. We raise money throughout the year, then grant that money to small nonprofits that have small staffs and fewer resources than larger nonprofits. These groups elevate our community with their work to help everyone from those experiencing homelessness and at-risk children to animals looking for a home and artists. It’s our responsibility as a community to ensure these nonprofits have a thriving future.”

Many volunteers find community service opportunities through their place of employment. In 2018, McCreedy helped organize the First Federal Change Makers Volunteer Team. “We volunteer at various events; and after Hurricane Laura, we helped with debris clean-ups in downtown Lake Charles.”

McCreedy’s other volunteer activities include:

Numerous Arts Council events

Grant writing for the Lake Area Ballet Theatre and helping with their productions

Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society, Board member

SWLA Public Relations Officers, Board member

Want to help McCreedy in her efforts to help small local nonprofits? 

Mae’s Mission accepts donations year around, and on April 9th, 2022, they plan to host their biggest fundraiser yet – Game Night. Businesses and individuals can sign up for a team to compete in the games, and funds raised will be granted back to small nonprofits. For more information, go to 

www.maesmission.org. The Arts Council is always looking for volunteers 

and sponsors, too. www.artscouncilswla.org.