North Bay Woman

42 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 5 low and to assist smaller nonprofits to par- ticipate in training at little to no cost. Sign up at cvnl.org/why-cvnl/support-sponsors. From one-time projects to ongoing assistance to board membership on a long-term basis, CVNL needs volunteers for its own programs and to assist other nonprofits. Join at cvnl.org/volunteerism/ find-an-opportuntity or call 415-479-5710. Novato Youth Center Like CAM and CVNL, Novato Youth Center (NYC) has been serving Marin for years – 40 as of this year. A vision of local parents who wanted a safe and nurturing place to provide activities for local youth, NYC has grown into an award-winning nonprofit, well-seasoned in serving the needs of residents. "Novato Youth Center is a one-of-a-kind organization in Marin," says Executive Director Cheryl Paddack, noting that its all-encompassing programs focus on the physical, behavioral and academic needs of youth in all arenas: home, school and life. In addition to providing childcare, counseling, health care, art and computer activities, NYC offers league sports in the full-size gym at its 23,000-square-foot facility. There, too, NYC serves approximately 100,000 meals a year, including breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks. Paddack, a Canadian immigrant, had seen the value of NYC when her children participated in activities there many years ago. "I saw how Marin County serves immigrants and when I saw the posting [for ED], I thought, 'That's my job!'" Although she had never led a nonprofit before, her extensive preparation made her a standout in an international field of contenders. The hiring committee noted that it was that value that won her the job. Values are so important to this organization, in fact, that its core operating standards rate a separate page on the website, and its board members, staff and volunteers are expected to demonstrate them by example. If you share the vision of helping youth from toddler to young adult, NYC is looking for you. Volunteer by visiting novatoyouthcenter.org/ be-a-volunteer or calling the volunteer coordinator at 415-892-1643, ext. 234. To make an investment in the success of Marin's youth, go to novatoyouthcenter.org/donate. Zero Breast Cancer "When Zero Breast Cancer (ZBC) was searching for a new executive director," Rose Barlow recalls, "a recruiter sent me the posting with the words 'This is perfect for you – and you would be perfect.' She was right about the first part. I hope she will be proved right twice." Barlow replaces Jan Barlow (no relation), who retired this year after 15 years as executive director. Founded in 1995 by a small group of women with breast cancer led by Francine Levien, the group has focused on conduct- ing community-based research regarding possible environmental risks for breast can- cer. "ZBC collaborates with researchers... to ensure that research into the environ- mental causes of cancer is informed by community concerns and also that results from research are translated back to the community," explains Barlow. Although in the past, ZBC has empha- sized research, its newer vision is geared toward educating future generations "in the importance of lifelong wellness as a key way (the science is indicating) to minimize breast cancer risks." To set the example, ZBC partners with the Tamalpa Runners and a number of fitness and wellness businesses for its annual Dipsea Hike fundraiser, which serves to underscore the benefits of physical activity in reducing breast cancer risk. In order to target teens and young peo- ple, ZBC is moving toward digital market- ing, outreach and education. To that end, the organization needs volunteers with up-to-date technical skills. ZBC invites candidates with legal and/or technical skills to join its board. Volunteers for the Dipsea Hike and the annual Honor Thy Healer awards program are also needed. To sign up, visit zerobreastcancer.org/get-involved/ volunteer. Roots of Peace Marin resident Heidi Kuhn founded Roots of Peace (ROP) following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the woman who brought the issue of landmines to worldwide attention with her famous 1997 speech calling for a worldwide ban on them. Kuhn felt called to carry on the work Diana had so effectively begun shortly before her death. The Roots of Peace mission is grand – "To restore economic vitality by creating livelihood opportunities in post-conflict regions" – but its vision is basic: "Economic empowerment for peace through agriculture." In the past 18 years, ROP has completed five projects, has three currently in the works and plans on implementing three more in the future. While that doesn't seem like a significant number, consider that the Afghan project alone has taken a dozen years. To support its projects, ROP shares special fundraising events around the world: A golf tournament in Marin; a wine club member- ship; a penny campaign for school children to collect spare change; and a symbolic Roots of Peace garden at eight worldwide sites. Donate to the Roots of Peace campaign at RootsofPeace.org/be- come-a-peacebuilder. Ceres Community Project The Ceres Community Project is a unique program that not only pro Photos top to bottom: iOverflow furnishes home for many families while keeping usable good quality furniture out of the landfill. Photo provided by iOverflow. Ceres Community Project's delivery bags ready to go out to those in need. Ceres delivers more than 95,000 organic meals a year while drawing in 550 adult and 450 teen volunteers. Photo provided by Ceres.

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