Each month, Community Shares of Wisconsin and our sponsors, Budget Signs and Specialties, Isthmus, and 105.5 Triple M Radio, recognize two outstanding member agency volunteers who have given their time to our member groups and to our community. These volunteers are seldom in the news but are always on the front lines of critical issues that make our community a better place to live.
Mary Beth Schlagheck, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice
Mary Beth Schlagheck, a board member of Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, is a stellar organizer. She organizes the weekly peace vigil in downtown Madison, now in its 30th year. She is a gracious and gentle person who is active with her church, and who took in seven children while their mother served a long prison sentence for nonviolent civil disobedience.
For more information about the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice or to volunteer, visit www.wnpj.org or call 608.250.9240.
Bill Johnson, Project Home 
For years Bill Johnson has been providing free major plumbing repairs for Project Home’s Hammer with a Heart and Emergency Home Repair programs, which help low-income homeowners. His willingness to volunteer as needed—not just for large volunteer events—is the reason Project Home could start the Emergency Home Repair program. In return, Bill sees how much the homeowners appreciate his help.
For more information about Project Home or to volunteer, visit www.projecthomewi.org or call 608.246.3737.
Andie Algar, Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools
Andie Algar began volunteering with Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools (GSAFE) years ago as a freshman at Oregon High School. Andie led her school club, and she helped GSAFE organize many leadership groups where she trained students how to be effective activists. Andie has also taught educators how to create safe, inclusive schools for LGBT youth.
For more information about Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools or to volunteer, visit www.gsaforsafeschools.com or call 608.661.4141.
Kelsey Delander, ABC for Health
Kelsey Delander began at ABC for Health as a volunteer legal intern while taking a full load of courses at UW Law School. Kelsey, who is also a nurse, brings considerable insight and compassion to her work with health care clients. Kelsey has helped hundreds of children and families navigate the complex maze of health care coverage and services.
For more information about ABC for Health or to volunteer, visit www.safetyweb.org or call 608.261.6939.
To read about earlier Backyard Heroes, please visit the Backyard Heroes Archive.