Kevin Morss
They say that everything old becomes new again. For instance, retro t-shirts are the newest rage. Remember the ones you may have collected with your favorite band like, The Rolling Stones or The Who? New stores have popped up and specialize in just these shirts. 89074 resident Kevin Morss wears a t-shirt that some might think of as a retro notion, but today seems more important than ever. On days when he’s not in his office at WestCare of Southern Nevada, (a family of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations which provide a wide spectrum of health and human services in both residential and outpatient environments,) you’ll see him wearing a shirt that says just two words…Be Kind. Kindness was a common courtesy that seems more prevalent in earlier days, but the word is spreading through a kindness revolution. Kevin Morss is committed to the tagline—not just by wearing the shirt, but by living the message.
By: Callie Thomas
Kevin began his career with WestCare as an Outreach Worker, targeting high-risk youth. Each night he’d map the streets of Las Vegas talking to homeless kids about the services they offered at WestCare. Throughout the years he’s worked diligently with various populations and in a multitude of positions within the company. Throughout his travels he’s met many people that have increased his involvement in the community through innovative organizations and people working in social services. Through those associations he became involved with the Josh Stevens Foundation. An organization that honors the memory of a boy who lost his life just before his 13th birthday by carrying on his legacy for kind acts. Morss tells us about his commitment to community-based non-profit programs and why he’s part of the Kindness Revolution.
At WestCare the motto is “Uplifting the human spirit.” How do you accomplish this?
“By consistently improving, expanding and strengthening the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of everything that we do in building for the future. We empower everyone to engage in a process of healing, growing and change which benefits themselves, their families, coworkers and communities.”
What type of services are offered at WestCare?
“We offer programs for women and children, Veterans, the homeless plus resident treatment facilities, mental health services and transitional living services.”
That alone must keep you busy, but you’ve also become very involved in the Josh Stevens Foundation?
“Yes, Josh’s legacy of kindness has now spread to more than 350 schools in eight states including Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey and Mississippi. We’re currently working with new schools in Germany, Alaska and Hawaii and have reached worldwide to support a Kind playground in Uganda, Africa named after Josh.”
What’s the mission of the Josh Stevens Foundation?
“We want children and adults to know that people really do appreciate their kind actions, even though most times they go unnoticed. Kindness cards are a simple way to let someone know that their genuine kindness can change the world.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
“In working with Josh’s family I’ve learned the importance of my own legacy and talking to my children about theirs. I find myself often thinking about how people will remember me and if they will say that I was a genuinely kind person.”
Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
“Both my wife and I work in community-based, non-profit organizations. You might say that our hearts are rich, but our pockets are empty. Our family believes in the importance of involving ourselves in our community and of philanthropy.”
What are you most proud to have accomplished?
“Marrying my wife. And I’m not just saying that because our anniversary is coming up. I’m proud of being a dad to my two beautiful children Madilynn and Carter. I never imagined being a dad would be so awesome.”
Any inspiration or advice to others you’d like to share?
“The choices we make today will determine the legacy we leave behind.”
Kema & Jonathan Ogden
If the Ogden name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it should. Residents Kema and Jonathan Ogden are a pretty dynamic duo. Not only are they champions in the business world, but they are also champions at helping at-risk kids in the community.
By Callie Thomas
Kema Ogden has owned and operated a successful boxing gym in Henderson for the past six years. The Vegas native has taken her corporate management experience in the hospitality industry and coupled it with and her passion for boxing to create one of the top boxing gyms in the area. Meanwhile, Jonathan Ogden spent over a decade playing in the NFL as the offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and became an eleven-time Pro Bowl selection and nine-time All-Pro. Last year he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and having played his entire career with the Ravens, was the first on the team to be recognized with the honor. The former UCLA alum also made history after he retired his #79 jersey and became one of only eight from the school to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Kema and Jonathan, who are also proud parents to son Jayden and daughter Mya, are proud of their accomplishments, but their development of the Ogden Foundation (www.theodgenfoundation.org), a non-profit organization that helps at-risk kids by providing them with weekly after school enrichment programs, is creating a legacy of support for children and families in the community.
The Mission of The Ogden Foundation is to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyles choices for low income youth through their academic, mentoring, athletics, and empowerment programs. Kema and Jonathan talk about the Foundation, what it means to them and what they’d be doing if they weren’t already deeply satisfied with their work.
Why did you start The Ogden Foundation?
Kema: “Starting a Foundation in the Vegas community is very important to us. Our goal is to promote a healthy body and healthy mind for at-risk children through the weekly enrichment programs. We’ve adopted two Title One schools in Henderson where we focus on academic and athletic programs.”
Jonathan: “Our mantra is ‘level the playing field.’ It’s important that the kids understand the importance of education on and off the field. We also show them the value of being healthy through nutrition and exercise.”
What was your vision in developing the organization?
Jonathan: “We want to provide activities that unite the greater Las Vegas community and create a positive, safe, and healthy outlet for at-risk youth. We aim to ultimately provide after school programs throughout the community and a state of the art facility where youth can participate in year round programs including academic, athletic, nutritional/wellness, and personal empowerment.”
What is the CA.A.M.P. Ogden Club?
Kema: “C.A.A.M.P. Ogden Club provides various program including Book Buddies, a reading, writing and pen pal program and After School Enrichment, which includes academic and athletic mentoring, health/wellness workshops, life skills and anti- bullying. Our summer Fitness Camp offers challenges, boxing classes and healthy meals.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
Jonathan: “We’ve seen grades improve tremendously in comprehension, English and Math with the kids that are in our after school literacy program. Also to see them so excited when our professional trainers or athletes work with them makes it so special for us.”
Tell us about your upcoming fundraising event “A Fighting Chance.”
Kema: “It’s a sparring charity event on May 3rd at UFC Gym Anthem to help support our two adopted schools, Robert Taylor Elementary and Jim Thorpe Elementary. We’re also having a school supply drive for our adopted schools.”
If you weren’t doing what you are presently what other job would you like to do?
Jonathan: “I love golf and hop on the course whenever I can so I’d be a Professional Golfer.”
Kema: “I’d probably be his caddy (laughs.)”
Patricia Clauretie
How many mornings have you gone to your closet and can’t seem to decide what to wear for the day? For some, the effort may result in a heap of clothing in the closet or strewn over the bed. Imagine what it would be like if you simply didn’t have a closet or a choice of clothes? That is what it is like every morning for thousands of children right here in our community. 89012 resident Patricia Clauretie has experienced first-hand the heartwarming, yet heartbreaking effects of helping children through a program called Operation School Bell, an initiative of the Assistance League where she is a member.
By: Callie Thomas
Helping others comes easily to Clauretie, having lived the small town life in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and later Shreveport, Louisiana. While each of the areas is quite distinct, both offered a strong sense of community and the notion of “pitching in” wherever needed—a way of life she has carried with her to this day. The family moved to Las Vegas in 1988 after her husband Mike accepted a teaching position at UNLV. After her two children Sean and Kevin had grown, Clauretie joined the Assistance League of Las Vegas in 2011 at the invitation of a friend. She was instantly taken with the opportunity to help other children in the valley.
She is an active member and is the Chairman of the group’s Technology Committee in addition to helping at the Assistance League Thrift Store and Operation School Bell program. Each year thousands of children from kindergarten through eighth grade may not attend school because they do not have adequate clothing. Last year Assistance League of Las Vegas provided clothing for more than 8,300 children through Operation School Bell. Patricia Clauretie shares her experiences with the program and tells us why giving back is so important.
How has the small town lifestyle influenced you here in Vegas?
“The population of Shepherdstown was 2,500 in 1972 when we lived there. I quickly learned that everyone had to pitch in to make things happen. If someone got sick, you took food…no one had to ask. If someone needed to raise money for a cause, you chipped in without a thought. Our experiences in Shreveport were much the same but included a heavy emphasis on family first. So when my husband chose to retire from UNLV and our children were grown, I wanted to get involved with an organization that focused on the needs of the valley children and Assistance League does just that.”
What is your role with Assistance League?
“As a member I work a number of shifts in the Thrift Shop or in Operation School Bell. As Chairman of the Technology committee I am responsible for keeping all the computers at peak operating level and helping other members with any technical issues.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
“Operation School Bell provides school clothing, a warm zippered hoodie, underwear, socks, athletic shoes, a book of their choice, hygiene items and school supplies to children from families in need that are referred by the Clark County School District. The children come to our facility and as a volunteer I have helped them go shopping. My first experience was with a young girl and while we began picking out clothes for her to try on, she kept asking me if she really could pick out anything she wanted. I would politely answer yes and she responded that she had never been shopping before where she could have anything she wanted. How does that not break your heart?”
What does giving back mean to you?
“It’s a way for me to acknowledge the many blessings I have by helping others less fortunate.”
Do you have a life inspiration or quote you’d like to share?
“It’s from my husband Mike: Life is a great teacher but sometimes the exam comes before the lesson.”
