By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
July 27, 2011

Nancy Simons doesn’t volunteer for recognition or pats on the back. She volunteers to impact lives.

I knew at an early age I wanted to be like my mom. I wanted to help people, the Northeast resident said.

Simons’ mother recognized a need in the community, Simons said, and reached out to neighborhood children who came from low-income families without personal vehicles. Piling area youngsters in her car, she’d take them on field trips to the swimming pool, the lake and picnics at the park. Simons’ mother also volunteered with Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.

She showed me you need to help other people, Simons said.

For more than 20 years, Simons has worked with inner city youth in Kansas City, whether its coaching youth sports or volunteering with the Della Lamb Community Center and Police Athletic League of Kansas City.

Recently, Simons won a prestigious award for her volunteerism for going above and beyond to make a difference in her community.

Only 18 people in the U.S. were chosen to receive the MLS (Major League Soccer) W.O.R.K.S./Home Depot Community MVP Contest. Simons’ oldest son nominated her, which earned her VIP tickets to Sporting KC and recognition during a home game, club merchandise, a $500 Home Depot gift card and a round trip for two to New York City, N.Y., to watch the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game and receive recognition during the halftime ceremony.

For years, she’s craved a trip to New York City, but it never happened, she said.

Now, with her friend Diane, she’ll spend July 26-28 in New York and plans to tour Times Square, Fifth Avenue and the Statue of Liberty.

Although giddy about New York, she couldn’t stop talking about PAL and how it changes lives.

Simons, who serves on the PAL board of directors and regularly volunteers, said the program gives youth a chance to interact with police officers in a positive light. PAL also aims to provide mentoring and sports programs with an emphasis on education.

I’ve seen a lot of miracles. I’ve seen a lot of lives saved, she said. There’s so much violence and gang activity in this area the east side of Kansas City. It just takes a few words of encouragement to keep a child on the right path. It’s amazing to say that, but it really works.

She’s witnessed youngsters begin to excel in school and receive full-ride scholarships as a result of being involved with PAL. With activities offered Monday through Friday, PAL keeps youth off the streets and in a positive environment, she said.

There are hundreds of (success) stories, she said. All you have to do is show them a little direction and you have a police officer here that’s being a good role model for them. It just works out really well.