partnersspeak creative
follow sgim
facebooktwitterflickryoutube



 

MIFA’s Something Good in Memphis campaign is designed to celebrate those who make Memphis better, whether it’s the stranger who helps change your flat tire in the rain or a human services pioneer who changes the lives of a hundred poor Memphians. Sometimes people tend to focus on the bad and forget the good, but we see reminders of the good in Memphis every day!

 

Nominating is quick and easy – just fill out our simple form! Nominate friends, neighbors,and colleagues whose daily efforts or remarkable deeds embody the spirit of positive action in our community.Thank you for being a part of the good in Memphis!

 

MIFA's mission is to change the community by helping change lives through programs which sustain the independence of seniors, stabilize and transform families in crisis, and equip urban teens for success. Learn more about MIFA.

          

shadow

 

the good in memphis

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

More praise for Mike Hodges

We have been friends for more than 25 years. She is wonderful. I was Mike's friendraiser for 18 years for Martha's Manor. She is the best for each angel (I call the ladies "my angels"). Mike and I worked very closely and never had a cross word. She is a very special person and a great PR person. Nominated by Dot Dickey McManus. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:28 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tara Lamar is a City Changer

  Tara is the founder of City Changers of Memphis (CCOM), which promotes the good in Memphis youth. Once a single mother, she has compassion for single mothers. For the last ten years on the Saturday before Mother's Day, she has hosted a Mother's Day banquet for single moms as a way to encourage us. The evening has free childcare, dinner, entertainment, gifts, and words of encouragement. Truly a night to remember. Tara Lamar is also a minister. Nominated by Andrea Little. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:27 PM | 0 comments
Youth

Monday, December 19, 2011

Alfred Garrett changes lives through literacy

  Alfred is the Director of Adult Programs at Literacy Mid-South. Every day, Alfred and his staff are helping adults who can't read. Because of his innovative approaches to the program, we are helping more students every day achieve their dreams. They are getting their GEDs, their driver's license, and their citizenship. They can read to their children now, understand prescription bottles, and fill out job applications. Alfred is so dedicated to the cause and has brought such energy to... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:58 AM | 0 comments
Education Nonprofit

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Matthew Stroud raised $314.71 for MIFA

Matthew Stroud came up with the idea of selling hot chocolate and donuts one Saturday morning to raise money for MIFA. This Snowden Elementary 2nd grader raised $314.71 for MIFA. Matthew rocks! What a selfless act during this holiday season! Nominated by Cindy Moore. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:41 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Mike Hodges makes Martha's Manor

  Mrs. Mike Hodges has served as Martha’s Manor Program Director for 25 years. Martha’s Manor is a day activity program for women with intellectual challenges. Over these years, 150+ women with varying disabilities have benefited from Mike’s consistent direction and attention.  Each day, she guides the Manor Ladies in a variety of activities, including cooking, sewing, and crafts.  She delights in the great times... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:41 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Mary Lou Cushing is something good!

Mary Lou Cushing, a cancer survivor, has a twinkle in her eyes and a slow, easy smile that would never cause you to suspect the amount of volunteer work she does throughout the city. She is a member of the bus drivers’ team for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir and held virtually every layman’s leadership position at St. Luke’s, using her quiet organizational skills to get the job done. She delivers meals for MIFA, volunteers for disaster clean-up crews near... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:39 PM | 0 comments

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Mayor AC Wharton is something good!

Mayor A C Wharton is something good in Memphis, for his continued hard work to benefit our city, and for recognizing MIFA as one of twelve local nonprofits to be highlighted this holiday season. Thank you, Mayor Wharton! Nominated by the MIFA team. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:12 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Charlie Caswell is something good in Frayser!

Outstanding work and leadership in Frayser Community. Charlie helps homeless, needy, poverty-stricken, spiritually deprived, and former felons. He also has been involved with helping young mothers and holding youth camps. He's been involved with building up the people and the community in Frayser and is making a difference in blight and crime as well. Nominated by Curtis McNair. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 1:37 PM | 0 comments
Leadership Social services Youth

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sharon L. Coleman is healing the land

  Sharon L. Coleman has taken her own family's plight and story to help others overcome self-destruction, drugs, alcohol, physical abuse, and generational strongholds. She has done this through her book foundation and play that is currently going into MCS. She started the Healing the Land Foundation in early 2011 to help youth faced with challenges. Her relationship with God helps her to heal the souls of those who may not know how to help themselves, equipping them for life's... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:52 PM | 0 comments
Volunteers Youth

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Terre Gorham is something good downtown!

She volunteers her time selflessly to the Memphis Farmer's Market and other non-profit organizations. Terre is a true believer in diversity and promoting Memphians through her work as the editor of the Downtowner Magazine . Nominated by Barbara Standing. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:56 AM | 0 comments
Media Nonprofit Volunteers

Monday, October 10, 2011

Tari Harris makes disciples

  As principal of the Neighborhood School, Ms. Harris encourages and inspires her students to have servant hearts. She also educates them about the importance of giving to their community and how they can make a difference in someone else's life. She allows her students in grades 6 through 8 to go out twice a year to with The Outpouring of God's Love to feed the homeless at Morris Park and allows her students to get involved with feeding the adult men and women at Welsh Manor. Ms.... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 10:09 AM | 0 comments
Education

Monday, October 10, 2011

"Ham" Hilliard is something good!

  For the past 39 years, Alexander Hillard, from Bartlett, has offered his time, talent, and considerable expertise to his community by sharing his knowledge of radios and emergency communications. An active amateur "ham" radio operator with an Extra Class License, Hilliard also has a commercial license, is a radio instructor, and a volunteer test examiner. Knowing radios "like the back of his hand" as well as the ancillary equipment that makes them work, Hilliard has built five ham... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 9:49 AM | 0 comments
Volunteers

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Clyde Carson turns jury duty into a positive experience for Memphians!

  I was recently summoned for jury duty, and little did I know what a treat I was in for. The entire process was very well organized, and I feel certain that had everything to do with the Chairman for the Board of Jury Commissioners, Mr. Clyde Carson. Mr. Carson showed great respect to all of the participants by taking time to proactively answer every conceivable question that anyone could possibly ask. He also went to great strides to make you feel that it was an honor and a... Read More
Posted by trobinson@mifa.org at 3:34 PM | 0 comments
Government

Monday, September 26, 2011

Offering a new direction

MIFA's Inter-Faith Coordinator Linda Marks sent this article around earlier. It's an uplifting example of bringing the community together. Stacy Spencer and New Direction Christian Church are something good in Memphis! Nominated by the MIFA team.   Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:14 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Carolyn Dowell is something good!

  Carolyn is a RN at the VA hospital. In her spare time, she conducts free health fairs at local churches and provide free blood pressure checks for the elderly in her community. Nominated by Tammy Nabors. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 4:34 PM | 0 comments
Health services Seniors

Monday, September 12, 2011

Brenda & Darnell Williams: An Outpouring of God's Love

  This couple has a ministry called "The Outpouring of God's Love." One of their main initiatives is to feed the homeless and hungry a hot breakfast every Monday morning, rain or shine, hot or cold, at a park downtown. With the help of volunteers, they serve approximately 100-200 people each week. Brenda and Darnell cook the food in their home then transport it to the park. Volunteers provide fruit, water, and baked goods and assist with serving. One morning, there was a woman who... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:39 PM | 15 comments
Faith community Social services

Monday, September 12, 2011

Tom Hutton encourages charitable giving

Because he gave an hour of time out of his busy schedule to speak with 40 5th-8th graders at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School. Instead of accepting an honorarium, Mr. Hutton asked that I ask our students to think about a charitable cause we'd like to support instead. We'll be donating $100 to MIFA. An MUS and University of Tennessee graduate, Mr. Hutton went on to play five years in the NFL before returning home to Memphis. He currently works as a VP at Boyle Investment Group. Nominated by Mike... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:38 PM | 0 comments
Athletics Education Philanthropy

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

William Muhammad, organ donor

William Muhammad and Mubaarik Sulaimaan have been a part of each other's lives for as long as they can remember. Best friends, related by blood, first cousins--but they are as close as brothers and consider themselves so. Their unique bond is strong and unshakable. They both believe that there is nothing they would not do for each other. Recently, that sentiment was put to the test. In recent years, Mubaarik's health has began to falter. He is a diabetic and was diagnosed with chronic kidney... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 9:40 AM | 0 comments
Health services

Monday, August 22, 2011

Melvena Leake, hero for the homeless

  Melvena Leake is a hero for her work with homeless women ex-offenders in greater Memphis. In 1999, after retiring from her career as a high-school English teacher, she founded Karat Place, a residential rehabilitation program. Here she provides a safe, clean, attractive home and a structure for women coming out of prison to learn basic skills and self-discipline. Mrs. Leake balances providing a loving environment with instilling a sense of responsibility that allows these women to... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:28 AM | 0 comments
Nonprofit Social services

Monday, August 22, 2011

Gwendolyn Brown is carin' & sharin'

Gwendolyn Brown is the founder of Carin and Sharin, a breast cancer support group for Shelby and Fayette County women of color.The group has been in existence for over 20 years. Nominated by Kimberly Richardson. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:24 AM | 0 comments
Health services

Monday, August 22, 2011

Marilyn Johnson helps children perform

  Every day five days at week, Marilyn Johnson arrives at the MAM Park Golf Course in South Memphis with a smile on her face to make sure that the 30+ boys and girls have full stomachs as they participate in MAM’s summer golf academy. “I have to make sure the children in our community have food to eat daily,” states Marilyn Johnson. “Children can perform better, strive for excellence, are more attentive to learning – and they can thrive and be the person that God wants them to be.”... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:23 AM | 0 comments
Athletics Social services Youth

Monday, August 22, 2011

Johnny Jackson makes Wifflestock a home run

Johnny put together the recent Wifflestock event, which raised twice as much money for Ronald McDonald House as it did last year. When the traditional venue for the tournament was no longer available, Johnny swung for the fences and secured Tiger Lane for the best Wifflestock that I have been a part of. More teams, more activities, and most importantly, more money for charity. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/22/pitching-in/ . Nominated by Thomas Robinson. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:22 AM | 0 comments

Friday, August 12, 2011

Thi Mitsamphanh is something good!

  As the pastor of the First International Baptist Church, Thi Mitsamphanh is reaching out to refugees of many nationalities in our city. He and his congregation provide these families with much needed care and comfort as they learn the ropes in a new country. He gives these families sanctuary and security as he guides them through the process of attaining jobs, preparing children for school and directing them to affordable medical care. Most importantly he shows them that they are not... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 9:36 AM | 0 comments

Monday, July 25, 2011

Terina White cleans up Memphis

Because she believes in the importance of keeping our neighborhoods free of debris, Terina White has been visiting various areas in Memphis to clean up. She calls her crusade the “Clean Campaign.” Terina uses a corps of volunteers, including students, to pick up litter and educate others of the importance of a clean neighborhood. Nominated by Sherri Stephens. Read More
Posted by trobinson@mifa.org at 10:10 AM | 0 comments

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Phyllis Roy inspires students

  Phyllis Roy is a remarkable, caring women who helped cultivate the talents of many young students during her tenure at Overton as the Assistant Principal in charge of Performing Arts. She is now busy growing the Arts Programs at Wooddale Middle School while also encouraging and inspiring students to become good citizens. She has brought about many firsts for Wooddale Middle School, producing their first ever holiday show and exposing the dance team to professional choreographers.... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:54 PM | 1 comments

Friday, June 17, 2011

Mary White is something good!

Mary White is a sweet person with a big heart. She is one of the nicest, most caring, giving, and respectable people that I know. She is so friendly and will help you out in any way she can and is always there to help you no matter what. She will go the extra mile for you with a smile. Mary always has something good to say about any situation and she finds the good in people even if they don't deserve it. I love her like a sister, and there are a lot more good things to say about her. She is a... Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 1:13 PM | 0 comments

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Gail McCracken is always there

  Gail McCracken is a very caring and giving person. She lets her own bills go to help others in need. People call her at all times of the night or morning, and she'll drop everything to go comfort and help them. She is a single parent of one son. She works a full-time job but still finds time to serve others without expecting anything or any special recognition. This is why she is SOMETHING GOOD IN MEMPHIS. Nominated by Janice Jackson. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:32 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Jon Bonney, 12-year MIFA donor

Mr. Bonney has donated more than 200 fans to MIFA for 12 consecutive years and has a passion for those in need. Nominated by Arnetta Macklin. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 3:52 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Shirley Deberry is something good

Shirley Deberry's business, Pendleton House of Love Assisted Living Home, is a place that cares about people. Nominated by MacAuther Sharkey. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 2:36 PM | 0 comments

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Jaria Sharkey is a leading lady!

  Mrs. Sharkey is the executive director of My Leading Young Lady, Inc. , a FREE summer leadership institute for young ladies. She has a passion to mentor, support, and lead young ladies on the path to becoming community leaders. The program is designed to prepare girls ages nine to 18 with practical life skills needed for adulthood. Nominated by Peggie Russell. Read More
Posted by ewhitten@mifa.org at 11:22 AM | 0 comments
shadow