Shine the Light

 

Shine the Light Campaign

Shine the Light is NYSCAA’s annual tribute during Community Action Month (each May) that shines a spotlight on the people who are the heart and soul of Community Action. While Community Action Month raises awareness of the network’s broad impact, Shine the Light goes deeper—inviting CAA staff themselves to share the firsthand stories that illustrate the creativity, compassion, and perseverance happening every day in communities across New York State.

Why Shine the Light Matters

  • Elevating Voices: We give CAA employees a platform to tell their own stories—whether they’re direct‑service staff, program managers, or behind‑the‑scenes coordinators.
  • Honoring Commitment: By recognizing individual dedication, we celebrate the passion and resilience it takes to meet community needs.
  • Inspiring Action: Real‑life examples motivate colleagues, partners, and supporters to see how small acts can spark big change.
  • Building Community: Sharing these stories creates connections between agencies, fosters peer learning, and strengthens our collective mission.

How It Works

  1. Call for Stories: We invite any CAA staff member to submit a 150–300‑word personal narrative about their role or a colleague’s impact.
  2. Selection: A review panel of past winners and NYSCAA leaders chooses a handful of standout submissions.
  3. Spotlight: During Community Action Month, selected stories are featured on our website, social channels, and newsletters—bringing well‑deserved recognition to the people making a difference on the ground.

2025 Shine the Light—Submissions Closed

Thank you to everyone who shared a story! Check back early next year for details on submitting to Shine the Light 2026.

Congratulations to our 2025 Shine the Light Campaign winners:

Laurel Polttila, Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO)

Hear from Laurel:

Laurel PolttilaA year into leading Weatherization, Laurel discovered that sealing drafts is really about sealing worry. Each insulated attic means a senior can heat their home and a single parent can keep food on the table. Seeing that empowerment ripple across Clinton and Franklin Counties is what fuels her every day.

Bridget Dolbear, Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)

Hear from Bridget:

Bridget DolbearFrom crisis‑line advocate to Fund Development leader, Bridget’s 25‑year journey began in a domestic‑violence shelter and now ensures OCO programs—meals for seniors, after‑school care, housing—stay strong so hope can flourish county‑wide.

Bre Jackowski, Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)

Hear from Bre:

Bre JackowskiAfter overcoming trauma and addiction, Bre joined OCO as a Direct Support Professional and found purpose helping others. Today, as Community Engagement Manager, she turns lived experience into a bridge of trust for neighbors moving from homelessness to stability.

Theresa Radley, Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO)

Hear from Theresa:

Theresa RadleyTheresa left a school secretary desk for CAPCO’s Adult Education classroom, where she has guided 35 adults to diplomas—and many more to newfound confidence—through academics paired with Community Action’s wrap‑around support.

Karima Wines, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)

Hear from Karima:

Karima WinesFlexible hours at MVCAA let Karima finish her psychology degree summa cum laude, but the agency’s compassion carried her through pandemic isolation—giving her purpose, family, and a new career devoted to mental‑health advocacy.

 

 

Thank you to all of the CAA staff who took the time to submit your story!

Click here to read all of the 2025 Shine the Light submissions!