Brittany Judge is a volunteer at Celebrating One, where she has been actively involved since 2019 and is currently the Director of Communications and PR. She has a background in pre-medicine, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology from the University of Illinois, Honors College, as well as a master's in public health from Benedictine University. 

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From a young age, Brittany has had a passion for helping individuals and improving community health, which has led her to volunteer at hospitals and non-profits since high school. She has taken her commitment to serve globally, participating in International Service Learning trips to Nicaragua and Tanzania, where she not only helped individuals but also worked to uplift entire communities.

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At Celebrating One, Brittany plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission by managing social media content, creating press releases, assisting with promoting events and organizing campaigns for events such as the No Grad Left Behind 5K walk/run, Giving Tuesday, The Big Give, and past Annual Garage Sales. Her genuine dedication to making a difference in the lives of youth and families is evident in her choice to volunteer at Celebrating One, a non-profit that provides emotional and financial support, and vital resources to those in need, positively impacting the lives and well-being of others, as well as opening doors for opportunities. 

My friend and former employer, Sam Baddoo, told me about Celebrating One. He spoke so highly of Jurgita and the mission of the organization—recognize the importance of the individual and celebrate each person’s milestone—no matter how small they may appear to others.  He knew my love of designing and distributing handmade cards to others in all facets of my life—friends, family, students, colleagues, and those that I assist on their job search and career development—and encouragement me to participate. He also nominated me to be a recipient of the cards.  I believe in recognizing not only milestones, but moments of sadness, loneliness, and struggle. Each person must overcome so many personal challenges and every step deserves applause and recognition. We need love. We deserve praise. We depend on the care from others. Celebrating One gives all of this to others and it brings me joy to be one of the people who reaches out. Job coaching and helping people reach their full potential in their lives is my passion and it directly aligns with the volunteer coordinator position. 

I have always loved to volunteer, but finding the time between a busy family life and a demanding work life is not always easy. C1 offers flexible volunteering opportunities that can fit my life.

I am co-chair of the annual 5K walk/run fundraiser, helping support the No Grad Left Behind program.

Each year, it is rewarding to attend the Graduation event and see these amazing students graduate after facing many challenges. Helping them navigate the last year of high school, and transition to their next step in life with adequate support makes it so worth it! 
Celebrating One is also a volunteer opportunity that I share with my daughters. I want them to understand that they are privileged and to learn to give back. They are always excited to be able to help by adding stickers to envelopes or decorating cards.

I believe in Celebrating One’s statement that we can support one person at a time, and that no gesture is too small.

Sheryl Lehman is a Celebrating One volunteer, wife, and mother of two children. She is actively employed as a primary care nurse practitioner and enjoys participating in 5K and 10K races. Sheryl has volunteered with Celebrating One since 2020 and became a Co-chairperson for the No Grad Left Behind 5K Walk/Run fundraising event in 2021. Her contributions are focused on planning, promoting, and providing First Aid on the day of the 5K event.

Volunteering with Celebrating One has brought me great joy and the opportunity to work alongside amazing people. I specifically help with the Send a Card program. Not only do I receive encouraging notes and cards but I get to hear from our recipients now much the cards mean to them. 
Giving a card and sending an encouraging note truly brings joy, and encouragement to so many people. In a digital world it's so nice to receive in the mail a card or note with an encouraging message. 

As a web designer/developer for Celebrating One, I built and regularly update the organization's website. With a passion for web design and a commitment to making a difference in the community, I am proud to contribute my skills to this important cause.