2024 volunteers of the year announced

“John’s kind and curious personality is infectious, and he is just a joy to be around,” said Fundraising Officer Ashley Brown. “Couple that with his immense knowledge and ability to explain software in a way that is understandable, he is a gem among humans, and we are so fortunate to have his support!”

Serving as a board member for the Hood River County Education Foundation, Fine had also previously implemented the same donation software for their organization. This knowledge later helped Fine in guiding TNDI’s team step-by-step to finetune the platform to fit TNDI’s needs, troubleshooting and offering support whenever and wherever needed. 

“John Fine has supported nonprofits throughout the Gorge in substantial ways for a long time,” said Amanda Lawrence, director of marketing and development. “His willingness to help solve technical, complex issues to help our local organizations thrive is a huge gift to The Next Door and the other groups he has supported.”

Ballinger has been involved as a mentor in TNDI’s Gorge Youth Mentoring Program (GYM) since 2006. During that time, she has supported three youth and has been paired with her current mentee for five years.

The relationship Ballinger has built with her current mentee is steady, secure, and one-of-a-kind. Not only does she maintain consistent meet ups and regularly attend Gorge Youth Mentoring’s in-person activities with her mentee, but she also has come to know the family, adapting to different needs such as showing up more frequently on snow days when school was closed this winter.

Over the years, Ballinger has also built great trust with her mentee. This has come to light as the youth has gone directly to Ballinger when going through experiences that are difficult to navigate. She has taken it as an honor to be that person for her mentee, offering the appropriate support through her own experiences and training through The Next Door. She is a wonderful listener and offers an open ear whenever needed. Ballinger is highly valued and appreciated by her mentee, her mentee’s family, Gorge Youth Mentoring staff, and many others within the community.

“Colleen is a retired registered nurse for Hospice who certainly has a heart for giving back to her community,” said Charlotte Meeks, GYM match coordinator. “She has volunteered in many different capacities, and we have been honored that she has continued to give the gift of time to youth in our GYM program.”

To learn more about volunteering and/or becoming a mentor, visit nextdoorinc.org/get-involved, call 541-386-6665, or stop by 965 Tucker Road in Hood River or 1113 Kelly Ave. in The Dalles.