They are the mothers, the sisters, the friends, the colleagues, the aunts, cousins and mentors, and they’ve spent most of their life dedicated to helping others. They are women who have made a difference in the lives of others. They are our 2014 Empowering HeArts Honorees.
Single Mothers Outreach will celebrate these six women who have changed lives and shaped their communities. Empowering HeArts will bridge the worlds of social action and artistic expression in the annual arts competition which will be held on Saturday, November 1 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. The following are this year’s nominees.
| They are the mothers, the sisters, the friends, the colleagues, the aunts, cousins and mentors, and they’ve spent most of their life dedicated to helping others. They are women who have made a difference in the lives of others. They are our 2014 Empowering HeArts Honorees. Single Mothers Outreach will celebrate these six women who have changed lives and shaped their communities. Empowering HeArts will bridge the worlds of social action and artistic expression in the annual arts competition which will be held on Saturday, November 1 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. The following are this year’s nominees. |
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| Empowering HeArts Honorees:
Kiki Hacker has partnered, supported, donated and volunteered for many local non-profit organizations, including the College of the Canyons Foundation, Child and Family Center and The Michael Hoefflin Foundation to name a few. In her 30 years as an SCV resident, Kiki has made it a priority to lift children and their families out of poverty, protect them from abuse, and ensure their access to education and healthcare. She considers it her honor to be able to assist struggling families to become self-reliant.
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| Linda Hafizi is the co-publisher of The Magazine of Santa Clarita and élite Magazine, but many know her as the woman who stands side by side with non-profit organizations. Through their publications, Linda has also been able to support non-profit organizations including the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, SMO, Domestic Violence Center and many others. In 2009, Linda co-created and developed the Dancing With Our Stars event. Now, in its 5th year, the Dancing With Our Stars event has raised well over $600,000 to benefit local non-profits. Through her work, Linda is spreading awareness of local non-profit organizations and is a key partner in sustaining them and the people who need their help. |  |
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Kacey Surratt is the mother of five. When her oldest was just 13, Kacey found herself as a single parent. Kacey struggled financially and found that each day was more challenging than the one before. She found Single Mothers Outreach (SMO) and became not only an active part of the program but is now paying it forward by mentoring SMO single mothers. And in turn by reaching out and helping others, Kacey created a remarkable role model for her five children. All five children have grown up to be outstanding members of society, a tribute to the love and care these children received from their mother. |
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Deborah Rio raised three children as a single parent after an abusive marriage and contentious divorce. Following her divorce, Debbie went back to school to earn her Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts, as well as her Master’s of Public Administration. Debbie went on to join College of the Canyons as the Director of Admissions and Records and is now the Dean or Enrollment Services. |
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Adele Macpherson has been helping the Santa Clarita community for over thirty years. Adele began with work for the American Red Cross. During her time there, Adele embraced her calling in disaster preparedness. Adele also headed the Blue Ribbon Task Force provides information and education to the community about teen alcohol/drug/tobacco use. She served as president of the SCV Zonta group and is a founding and twenty-year board member of the Children’s Dental Health Foundation. Not surprisingly, Adele is a long-term board member of both the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, and the Child & Family Center. As of late, Adele has brought her energy and tireless efforts to assist the Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program. |
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Rocky Turner is mother to four boys and two girls. Rocky established Mothers Fighting for Others (MFFO) in 2006. MFFO is dedicated to providing orphans and vulnerable children with opportunities their parents would have provided, if they only could; a loving and nurturing environment and a quality education, so they can learn, thrive and achieve their highest potential. In addition to raising six children, Rocky volunteers both locally and abroad. She makes frequent trips to Kenya in support of her organization and does everything she can to spread the word that children deserve to reach their highest potential no matter what the circumstance. |
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Save-the-Date 5th Annual Empowering HeArts Gala & Art Exhibit. On Saturday November 1, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook
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| Photos by Yoti Telio ©2014 Yoti Telio scphotostudio.com | |