2022 Hometown Heroes

As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen of America is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities. They created the Hometown Hero award as a way to recognize and appreciation volunteer accomplishments, and award individuals each year with a plaque of appreciation and a $100 donation to the local organization in their honor. 

Modern Woodmen has partnered with On With Life to recognize nearly 20 Hometown Heroes since 2014, most recently recognizing four volunteers in 2022: Mike Burke, Steve Evans, Cindy Friedrichsen and Rick Overton. These four individuals were chosen because of their dedication to On With Life and all of the time and talents they give to our organization.

“We know how important volunteers are to the mission of not-for-profit organizations," said Denise King, Career Development & Fraternal Coordinator at Modern Woodmen. "It’s our honor to celebrate these heroes who make a big difference for On With Life.”

Learn more about each the 2022 Hometown Heroes below. 

Mike Burke: Mike is the father-in-law of an On With Life therapist. He began volunteering his time during the pandemic by cleaning up the therapy grounds - a tremendous help to our facilities staff.

Steve Evans: Steve has been a consistent volunteer at On With Life since 2018, and enjoys assisting with weekly chapel services. 

Cindy Friedrichsen: Cindy has been a valuable asset to On With Life, both during her time as a full-time employee and continuing on during her retirement. She has gone above and beyond to make the environment a beautiful and healing one for those we serve and their families. She has also partnered with Modern Woodmen to plant several trees on our campus. 

Rick Overton: Following a stroke and outpatient neuro rehab at On With Life, Rick comes in several days a week to help clean the clinic.