NBC12.com-Richmond, VA News, Weather, Traffic & SportsGrateful mother recognizes "Camp Baker"

ACTS OF KINDNESS

Grateful mother recognizes "Camp Baker"

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By Terry Alexander - email
By Sabrina Squire - bio | email

  • Acts of KindnessActs of Kindness

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 5:31 PM EDT2012-05-15 21:31:52 GMT
    Sometimes it takes a village to pay it forward. I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village to find someone ready on the spot to pass on a $300 Act of Kindness. I was certain my
    I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village and met with Michelle Johnson, a bus driver with Henrico Public Schools.

  • Tuesday, May 8 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-05-08 22:25:37 GMT
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot.
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot to someone in need or reward someone's good deeds.

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 5:34 PM EDT2012-05-01 21:34:51 GMT
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.

  • Tuesday, April 24 2012 6:28 PM EDT2012-04-24 22:28:17 GMT
    RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Sometimes family ties can test us in ways we never imagine. We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while
    We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while also caring for his own critically ill mother. His friend calls him a strong, inspiring role model who deserves an Act of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 17 2012 5:40 PM EDT2012-04-17 21:40:56 GMT
    We're paying it forward in Chesterfield to a woman her neighbor calls "the most compassionate caretaker." Not only is she managing her own family's serious medical issues, she's opened her home to displaced families and pets, and looks after kids around the apartment complex.

  • Tuesday, April 10 2012 5:57 PM EDT2012-04-10 21:57:21 GMT
    A knit hat warmed a local woman's "heart" so much, she tracked down the person who knitted it and nominated her for today's Acts of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 3 2012 8:05 PM EDT2012-04-04 00:05:02 GMT
    We're paying it forward to a woman who takes care of seven hundred children and dozens of adults several days a week. She's such a great asset to her school and everyone in it, she's been voted support staff person of the year several years in a row and today she's our Act of Kindness recipient. 

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 27 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-03-27 22:25:37 GMT
    Lots of us remember an exceptional teacher who made us believe we could succeed at anything. Today a grandmother and cancer survivor is paying it forward to the educator she says has given her confidence that she absolutely will earn the diploma she's been longing for. Their teacher-student bond is this week's "Acts of Kindness."

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Wednesday, March 21 2012 8:10 AM EDT2012-03-21 12:10:09 GMT
    In this week's Acts of Kindness, we pay it forward to someone who opened their heart and their home to one of our viewers.

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 13 2012 5:13 PM EDT2012-03-13 21:13:10 GMT
    Today we're paying it forward to a dynamic young CEO who is passionate about children, education and empowerment. She committed to nurturing future generations of local leaders and today a loyal supporter is making a three hundred dollar Act of Kindness investment.

By Sabrina Squire - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – We met Elizabeth Morales in the parking lot at a local strip mall. She shared pictures of her son Matthew who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. 

"I knew when he was about 2 and a half, he didn't talk very much," Elizabeth said. "It affects his social skills, speech, and behavior."

 Matthew grew up going to Special Education classes in public schools. 

"It's been very rough because they do have aggressive behavior and it's cut down to like 85% better," she said. 

Elizabeth credits Camp Baker, a peaceful, wooded 22 acre Chesterfield retreat run by Greater Richmond ARC. 

"They have more patience," Elizabeth said. "He just loves everybody in there. He's much more verbal. He's much happier. He's growing up and he's much more outgoing." 

Matthew's 21 now and spends five days a week at Camp Baker, attends summer camp here and monthly weekend respite a vacation from mom. 

"They don't just take care of him, they take care of me. When I need them they're there, they just need the recognition," said Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth Morales: "This is a way to say thank you to them, to give them whatever they need for the shortage."
Sabrina Squire: "Absolutely. So here's $100, $200, $300 for Camp Baker."
Elizabeth Morales: "Thank you so much. They are going to be shocked."  

We follow Elizabeth and her husband to the Beach Road campsite. No sooner than we arrive, Elizabeth sees Camp Director Shirley O'Brien. 

Shirley O'Brien: "How can I help you?"
Elizabeth Morales: "I nominated you for Act of Kindness for what you do for my son Matthew."
Shirley O'Brien: "You deserve it. You're an incredible woman, incredible mother."
Elizabeth Morales: "Thank you. I want to give you $300."
Shirley O'Brien: "For Camp Baker?"
Elizabeth Morales: "Yes."
Shirley O'Brien: "Why thank you."
Elizabeth Morales: "$100, $200, $300."
Shirley O'Brien: "Thank you. I can use this for…"
Elizabeth Morales: "Whatever you need."
Shirley O'Brien: "Thank you! You've caught me off guard."
Elizabeth Morales: "Do you know hard it was to keep this a secret?" 

Camp Baker's secret say O'Brien is a caring staff, a well of volunteers like these William and Mary college students working spring break, and an array of activities for more than 600 differently-abled campers. 

"We provide swimming, and horseback riding, canoeing, sport and games and provide a very safe and opportune recreational program, just have great fun," said Shirley.

Asst. Director Gwen Hicks calls it fun with a purpose, basic life skills and community involvement. 

"We do Meals on Wheels and also we do Adopt a Highway; our individuals who receive services from us, it is an opportunity for them to give back," Gwen said.

 They're paying it forward too, while making the most of every day. 

If there's an organization or individual you know deserves an Act of Kindness, e-mail me. It can't be a relative. Send your nomination to kindness@nbc12.com. 

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