Ed Vanover was raised on a farm where he learned to love animals and care for his fellow man. On the family farm he helped care for the pigs, cows, cats and dogs — even the pet snake in the barn that took care of the mice.

Ken Swindler saw a need among those who could benefit from equine therapy and came to the rescue.

Judy Wilmes is all about making people happy.

A decade after Bill and Carol Baltezor lost their son, Brett, they’ve helped raise thousands of dollars in scholarships through an annual event in his honor.

Without Nancy and Charlie Clisbee, the community wouldn’t be the same.

Gary Hayner said he is blessed with the gift of helping. The Desert Storm Marine and Air Guard retiree volunteers at Camp Guardian, a free camp for special-needs children and adults, and he also helps struggling people through his church.

Missouri Western State University music professor Dr. Elise Hepworth’s influence reaches beyond the classroom into all of her students’ lives as musicians.

Drew Brown didn’t grow up in St. Joseph, but he has embraced the community like a born and raised native.

Chad Crooks knows the importance of music as well as having a space for it.

Roy Maxwell’s eyes dart back and forth as he recalls fond memories as Central High School’s band director.

According to Beth Ann Reinert, teaching high schoolers can be a difficult job, but teaching high schoolers who have given up on school is even harder.

Melody Prawitz started working with the Special Olympics of Missouri as a volunteer in 1984. Decades later, she now helps oversee the operations of more than 700 athletes from 17 counties in Northwest Missouri.

When Stephanie Stewart left Toledo, Ohio, to return to St. Joseph, she knew she had to do something for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease in the community.

Like many widows, when Mary Noel-Owens lost her husband of 48 years, she felt lost and even like she was going a bit crazy. It was during her grieving process that Noel-Owens discovered GriefShare, a 13-week program that touches on the different aspects of grief in a group setting.

After 25 years in a job, sometimes the sparks and enthusiasm dwindle within a person, but not when you work with people who make every day worth it.

Ryan Stobaugh remembers having to compose himself when one of his students was awarded the first-place trophy at the Technology Student Association competition in Washington D.C. this year.

Barbara Laurizan is the former president and current board member at Sisters of Solace in St. Joseph. She said she is proud of the progress made at SOS, especially its women’s homeless shelter, which will soon open.

Jamie Segrist is a name or a face that some people might not recognize — but Miss Dot the clown is.

Dr. Scott Killgore counts himself blessed to have been called to two careers that suited him, first as a radio newsman and, for the last 27 years, as a minister. Both pushed him toward involvement in the places where he lived.