By Cynthia Hirtzel
Grants and Development Volunteer, Youngstown Blue Coats
Youngstown Blue Coats is a great place to work for numerous reasons, including its inspiring and compassionate mission, the incredible people who lead the organization and all the amazing volunteers.
These incredible leaders include founder and current President/CEO Patty Summers. Based on her longtime experience working with homeless veterans, she saw the need for a group that cares for all homeless people, especially during winter.
The mission of this nonprofit group is straightforward: “In America, nobody should freeze to death.”
Another remarkable individual who works there is Roseann Panning, vice president of the YBC board. In addition to serving as vice president, Roseann is the “master” of basket raffle efforts.
She is an expert at assembling and marketing diverse and attractive baskets for auction at virtually all our fundraisers and other events. Her commitment is increasingly needed, as the number of homeless individuals continues to increase annually.
Both Patty and Roseann have made a positive and empowering difference in the lives of homeless veterans and other homeless people.
Like all people who “work” for YBC, Patty and Roseann are unpaid volunteers. They lead with expertise, enthusiasm, dedication, inspiration and compassion.
Pictured at top: Youngstown Blue Coats members at the Youngstown Marathon Foundation Recipients Awards Ceremony. Roseann Panning is the first from the left. Patty Summers is fourth from the left.