153 Votes for Iray Nabatoff
Iray Nabatoff
Arabi, Louisiana
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
When he heard about the horrific destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, Iray decided to go to Louisiana and help by working for a few weeks in a relief kitchen. But as he talked with people who had lost everything -- from clothes to cars to pets to homes, and even family members -- Iray's plans for a short stay turned into a long-term commitment. Together with local residents, he envisioned and then founded the nonprofit Community Center of St Bernard which opened its doors in January 2007 with Iray as the volunteer Executive Director. Under Iray's guidance the Community Center has quickly grown into one of the premier recovery resource providers in the greater New Orleans area, helping hurricane survivors as well as victims of the Gulf Oil Spill. In just the past 6 months: * The Center's Food Pantry has given out 134,211 lbs of food to 3,122 low-income individuals. * 275 senior citizens have received information about the Senior Community Service Employment Program. * Office staff have passed out 13,635 flyers, brochures and pamphlets to help families find the help they need. They've also made 2,024 referrals. * 81 people have signed up for the Community Center's free computer classes.* The Clothing Bank has been accessed 14,015 times. * 1,859 free books have been given out in the Center's reading area. * And the Center's media lab (Internet computers, public phones, fax & copying services) has been used 4,374 times.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
Throughout his life, Iray has shown a personal dedication to helping those in need that is truly inspirational. Iray's commitment to service began in 1990 when he started volunteering at The Community Kitchen in New Hampshire. Over the next 16 years he tirelessly worked to help feed those in need. Then in 2006 Iray took on a new challenge, building the Community Center of St Bernard in Louisiana from a vision into a real bricks-and-mortar facility where thousands of families get help. Iray's story clearly shows the difference that one committed and dedicated person can make.
