Filed under: Ruth Pavilonis
Ruth Pavilonis was already an award-winning author of “Betina’s and Bailey’s Adventures” when she joined our Board of Directors earlier this year. Now she is receiving national attention on Lifetime TV’s, “The Balancing Act” in a feature interview on Thursday, December 9th at 7:00 a.m. ET/PT. 
A writer since childhood, Ruth has gained recognition for the facilitated learning benefits of her reader-illustrated books. Sparking imaginations, exploring new ways of learning and engaging young readers are just a few of the exciting discoveries achieved through this process. The books are now available on Amazon – the perfect gift for encouraging young readers in your life!
We love that Ruth brings the same passion to her involvement with C.C.M.P. that led her to create such innovative and entertaining books. Her enthusiasm for empowering children to reach their full potential is making a difference – in all her endeavors. Watch her interview and learn more by visiting Betina’s and Bailey’s website, too!
Congratulations, Ruth! We celebrate your success and are excited about all the possibilities in the New Year!
When Gina Sabia, 17, witnessed a homeless teen in need of resources earlier this year, she saw a need – and filled it! The result is http://www.teenhelpmonterey.com/a website loaded with local resources for any teen in need of answers and it features a compilation of those contacts in a downloadable brochure available on the home page.
Gold Award Recipient Gina Sabia
As a Senior at Monterey High School, Gina first went to the counseling office and school administration to see what information they had available for a teen such as the one she had encountered; the answer took two weeks and was inadequate, at best. For Gina, that wasn’t acceptable.
So she threw herself into a project that required research and a bit of support from contacts at United Way and Community of Caring Monterey Peninsula. A “bit” because Gina did loads of work with minimal assistance, but maximum cheering, from CCMP. The results of this project and the hygiene kits Gina produced in quantity have earned her the highest award granted by the Girl Scouts – a Gold Award. Her well deserved award ceremony is this weekend.
Where did the inspiration and drive come from? Gina is the product of a military upbringing. Her dad is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. His postings resulted in 8 moves for Gina, with the last three years of high school in Monterey where she graduated 30th in her class of more than 350 with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. Scouting has been a constant from the time she was young – as is a passion for music. Gina is now pursuing a music education major at Pacific Luthern University.
With this beginning, we’re sure Gina is a person who will continue to make a difference in the lives of others by taking action when she sees a need. Congratulations and thank you!
