StandUp for Kids – Silicon Valley 
The lovely ladies of the Junior League of San Jose awarded our Executive Director, Michele H., with the award of “Voluntarism at its Best” at their 51st Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Congratulations!
Michele was nominated by Michele Cabania, Director of Outreach Services, to recognize her creative, caring, and charismatic nature where she selflessly goes above and beyond because her core belief that homeless youth deserve a chance at life. Michele was one of the 11 Crystal Bowl winners and during the luncheon was awarded the overall award of “Voluntarism at its Best.”
Michele has been the Executive Director for over 4 years where she has reinvented the Silicon Valley program to what it is today. She came to StandUp for Kids to donate knit beanies and decided to become a volunteer where she quickly joined the leadership team as Director of PR & Marketing. From there she soon became the Executive Director taking the Outreach Center, The Village, to being open 3 days a week to 5 days a week with seeing an average of 100 kids a week.
Michele exemplifies passion as she dedicates time to serving homeless youth in Silicon Valley. She takes the time to know every youth that she meets, understanding their situation and letting them know they are in a safe place. She has a gift of helping them feel, often for the first time in their lives, that their life is of worth and value. She has reunited several youth with family, as well as helped many get back into school and into housing. Michele also attends court dates and is known for always picking up her phone no matter the time of day. She leads fundraising efforts by organizing and attending every event, ensuring that each donor is appreciated and valued.
Many volunteers have noted Michele is an inspiration. We are so grateful to have her leading StandUp for Kids – Silicon Valley and can’t wait to see where she takes us. One kid at a time, one day at a time!
