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HALO Award Stories
We hope to inspire greater investments in volunteer programs—from individuals, nonprofits, and funders—beyond HALO.
Recognizing that volunteerism is a powerful force for good, the HALO Award seeks to strengthen nonprofit organizations through supporting volunteer programs and recognizing extraordinary volunteers.
In the Award’s 10th year, our community reflects on the impact of investing in volunteer programs and shares their experiences in their HALO Award Stories.
Featured Stories
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
More HALO Stories below, and also...
Want to know more about the impact on organizations by investing in volunteer programs? Explore what the Foundation has learned over the past decade of this capacity building initiative.
Inspired to start volunteering? Interested in utilizing HALO insights for your own organization? Looking to invest in volunteer programs?
The Volunteer Perspective
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
The HALO Program Year
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”