2022 Game Changers

January 2022: Morgan Brannon

When Morgan Brannon saw a problem in the world, she took action and created change for the better. She is the true definition of a Game Changer.

Watch the video, and find out how this local Girl Scout (and now Auburn student) created a small business that continues to provide educational support to girls in the Congo.

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February 2022: Frances Tate

Frances Tate is February's Game Changer!

Watch the video, and find out how she preserves local history through art.

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March 2022: Betty Sims

If you know Betty Sims, you'll understand why she was selected as a Game Changer!

She has truly moved the needle in our community.

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April 2022: George Mills

George Mills was a true America hero, and we are proud to honor him as April's Game Changer.

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May 2022 - Jezebel

Jezebel is a trained facility dog and four-legged staff member at the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center. She has the important job of accompanying children during forensic interviews, therapy sessions and court proceedings.

Watch the video, and learn more about all the amazing things she does for the most vulnerable children in our community.

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June 2022 - Kevin Clark

If you've ever shopped at Publix Super Market at Decatur Commons, then you may have met Kevin Clark in the checkout aisle. His daily motto is, "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours." He chooses to have a positive attitude no matter the circumstance.

After meeting Kevin, it's hard not to feel motivated and inspired. This is why he is this month's #GameChanger!

CDD, NCA, Inc. Excel Center

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July - Helen DeButy

For more than a decade, Helen DeButy has been a loyal volunteer at Decatur Animal Services.

She's contributed countless ideas that have improved not only the shelter, but also the quality of lives of animals.

Watch the video and see why Helen is a true #gamechanger!

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August - Tammy Gaull-Gatza

From educating local children about the importance of recycling, to leading Indorama Ventures PCL's Partners in Education program to her continued support of United Way's Day of Caring, Tammy is committed to supporting the community.

Watch the video, and see why Tammy is this month's #GameChanger!

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September - Day of Caring Volunteers

September's #GameChangers are...

Day of Caring volunteers!

Watch the video and find out for yourself why these volunteers are true community Game Changers!

We partnered with Volunteer Center of Morgan County to host the annual #DayOfCaring event. Hundreds of volunteers from local companies, church groups, civic organizations and schools tackled much-needed projects in our community.

It was hard work, but our community is stronger thanks to each and every person who dedicated their time and energy to serve.

Thank you, Volunteers!

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October - Maria Sanchez, SyRhonda Smith and Sharita Jenkins

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we'd like to give a huge shout out to our partners at Crisis Services of North Alabama. Maria Sanchez, SyRhonda Smith and Sharita Jenkins are three team members at CSNA, who dedicate their careers to advocate and provide services to families and individuals who are victims of domestic violence.

Watch the video, and get to know these amazing #GameChangers!

* CSNA is a United Way Partner Agency. When you invest in United Way of Morgan County, your gift ensures domestic violence victims receive high quality, trauma-informed, comprehensive services.

#LiveUnited #uwmcal #DVAM2022

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2021 Game Changers

January 2021: Margaret MacIlveen

The Game Changer Award is designed to honor hometown heroes who are tirelessly working to make Morgan County a better place, largely without recognition. Margaret MacIlveen was one such hero. Margaret MacIlveen was a Game Changer in the lives of so many foster children and foster families throughout Morgan County. Her passion was legendary and her kindness unrivaled.

Ms. Margaret will be truly missed, and we are so happy to be able to remember her as our first-ever Game Changer Award recipient.

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February 2021: Barrels of Love Founders

One of the great things about living in Morgan County is how well industries work together to create positive change. The best example of impactful industry-wide collaboration is the Barrels of Love food drive.

Instituted 8 years ago by Wendy Taylor and Forrest Keith, the Barrels of Love food drive has helped to fill food pantry shelves in the wake of holiday needs. This drive becomes more successful every year, and we cannot wait to see how this drive will grow! It is a no-brainer that the Game Changer Award, this month, would go to the individuals who created this community event. The Barrels of Love founders have created lasting change, and for this, those experiencing hunger in Morgan County are grateful.

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March 2021: Bruce Jones

Supporting the youth of today is an investment into the community of tomorrow. No one knows this to be true more than Bruce Jones. Bruce served as the Director of Decatur Youth Services (DYS) for 26 years; and in that time, impacted the lives of approximately 39,000 at-risk children and teens. Growing the program from 1994-2020, Bruce has shaped DYS to be a tool to help assist children in developing self-esteem by promoting a “Yes, I can” attitude and establishing a sense of self-worth by teaching children to excel on their own. Bruce Jones is a champion for the children, and there is no one more deserving of the Game Changer Award this month.

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April 2021: Sue Terrell

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." -Albert Einstein

Sue Terrell refuses to look on and do nothing. Sue began her work with the homeless in 2012 when she started an outreach called Hands Across Decatur. She tirelessly works to make those who come to her feel like friends and family. Growing from a room in her home to a 5,600 square foot facility, Hands Across Decatur could not make such an impact within the homeless community without the support of the community. Sue Terrell gives a voice to the voiceless by letting them know that they are seen and cared for. She is a Game Changer.

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May 2021: Betty Burnett

"She's always willing to go above and beyond, even in the face of personal tragedy."

-Brad Romine, CEO of Centers for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD).

Betty Burnett, CRNP and Director of Health Services at CDD, is a beloved member of the CDD community. She ensures that the clients receive the highest level of care. She is also a special friend to all of her clients! In the midst of being a health care worker in a pandemic, Betty and her husband contracted COVID-19. Unfortunately, Mr. Johnny Burnett passed away from this illness in November of 2020. With the passing of her husband, Betty perseveres and pours love into her clients. She describes her work as therapeutic, saying that making a difference in her clients' lives helps to heal her hurt. It is evident that Betty Burnett is a Game Changer in the lives of her clients and her CDD family.

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June 2021: John Seymour

John Seymour has been an integral part of this community since 1991.

As President and CEO of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce, John has helped to spear-head important advancements including the redevelopment of Decatur's riverfront and downtown area.

He is committed to bringing people from all walks of life together to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

His passion for this community and his commitment is unparalleled.

John Seymour is a Game Changer in every since of the word, and we are honored to be able to recognize him and his efforts!

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July 2021: Etta Freeman

Ms. Etta Freeman is the very definition of a Game Changer.

Celebrating her 104th birthday in July 2021, she is wealth of knowledge and wisdom wrapped in a fiery package. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious.

She has a heart for helping people. She begins her days with a smile and one thing on her mind, "Who can I help today?" As an educator, Ms. Freeman took care of her students, and nurtured them as her own. She would sew clothes for those who had none, and made sure that her students had what they needed to learn.

We are proud to honor Ms. Etta Freeman as a Game Changer in this community.

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August 2021: Amanda Godsey, Olivia Gillette and Sloan Sittason

Amanda Godsey, and her two daughters, Olivia Gillette and Sloan Sittason, use their time, talent and treasure every day to impact the youth of our community.

These three Hartselle City Schools educators are everyday heroes, and we're proud to honor them as Game Changers in Morgan County.

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September 2021: Ellen Didier

Ellen Didier, President of Red Sage Communications, is the epitome of a Game Changer. She continues to make a lasting impact on this community. Watch the video, and see for yourself how she is a true difference maker in Morgan County.

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October 2021: Lt. Eric Fields

The October 2021 Game Changer is Lt. Eric Fields, an officer with the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. He’s using his surprise viral fame to bring awareness of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Thank you for being a true Game Changer, Lt. Fields!

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November 2021: Pastor Emilio Sanchez

With a big heart and open hands, Pastor Emilio Sanchez has dedicated his life to serving others. He shows compassion and offers guidance to people from all walks of life. There's no question as to why Pastor Sanchez is the November 2021 Game Changer!

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December 2021: Jerry Shumake

For 47 years, Jerry Shumake (aka The Candy Man) has been bringing joy to local children. His giving nature and compassionate heart continue to inspire others. He is a true Game Changer, and this community is better because of him.

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Address:

115 1st Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601

PO Box 1058
Decatur, AL 35602

Phone: 256-353-6643
Fax: 256-306-0090
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