Week 432

Positive Post Sunday, June 8, 2025…. Week 432.  Community service is the backbone of a thriving society, ensuring that people come together to support one another, strengthen local connections, and foster positive change. Volunteers play a crucial role in filling gaps that institutions alone cannot cover. Examples include aiding the vulnerable, serving on nonprofit boards, volunteering within the educational system and actively participating in ministries at your local church. A well-functioning community relies on collective effort, not just the goodwill of a few, but the contributions of all. When each person takes responsibility for giving back, whether through our time, talent, or treasures, the impact multiplies, creating a more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate world. Simply put, without volunteers a community would perish. Take a moment to reflect on your own neighborhood and the countless opportunities where people step up and give their time. Like me, you may find it astounding how many essential roles are filled by volunteers, shaping the very foundation of the place we call home.

Michele and I have worked hard to model community service for our children and grandchildren and it’s our hope that they will continue to carry forward the family commitment to volunteering.

Although I have recently retired, let me give a shoutout to a few very important and deserving nonprofit organizations I have been blessed to be on the Boards of:

• Goodwill Southern California: Goodwill Southern California. An amazing organization with a mission we can all support. “Transforming Live Through the Power of Work”.
  
• Inland Empire Economic Partnership: IEEP – Inland Empire Economic Partnership. The lead regional voice for businesses and residents in the Inland Empire focused on “Building a Vibrant Inland Empire Together”.

I have also been blessed to create a nonprofit foundation in honor of my parents Dana and Ken Rendler who have and continue to be true servant leaders. The Rendler Family Foundation Fund was formed to enhance the lives of families with 3 areas of focus: Faith, Family and community stewardship. Here’s the link: Rendler Family Foundation Fund.

In memory of Michele’s dad, we supported the creation of the Michael Lomen Memorial Scholarship at Eagle Rock High School where his legacy spanned over 7 decades, from student to teacher, coach and athletic director. We donate each year and present scholarships to deserving students.

I am also truly honored to be a part of the formation and launch of Bridge of Grace with my lifelong friends and true servants of our Lord, Jay McCall and Brian Cameron. As a Board member, I am blessed to help support our mission: We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between youth and seniors through the transformative power of art, poetry and storytelling. Here is our website: Home – Bridge of Grace.

Michele and I have also volunteered our time and talent and shared our treasures with several local community-based organizations including:

• Eucharistic Ministers at our church; The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community – Redlands, CA,
• Michele serving as the president of the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education
• Supporting numerous local educational programs (e.g., PTA’s, Mock Trial, Inspire Choir, Redlands Educational Partnership, Redlands Community Scholarship Foundation)
• Leading the school visits for the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Home – Redlands Bicycle Classic – Redlands, CA,
• Supporting Redlands Family Services – Home
• Supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Mission | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to serve in our community, and we look forward to continuing our service and exploring new opportunities to help where needed.

Where do you see opportunities to volunteer in your community, sharing your time, talent and treasures?

How are you modeling community service for future generations to follow?