WPBS-TV is introducing a new series celebrating the contributions of community volunteers in Northern New York and Eastern Ontario. Look for the Helpers: Portraits in Community Service will premiere on January 9, 2025, airing Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. The series will feature in-depth conversations with individuals whose dedication to nonprofit work is making a significant impact in their communities.
Hosted by Cynthia Tyler, the program will spotlight the personal journeys of these inspiring volunteers, exploring the challenges they face and the successes they achieve in addressing critical social issues. Each episode will delve into the work of local leaders who are committed to creating positive change, offering viewers a window into the world of community service and the impact of their efforts.
Among the featured guests in the inaugural season are Joe Rich, founder of the Disabled Persons Action Organization; Barbara Perez, an advocate with Scouting America and Executive Director of Watertown’s Habitat for Humanity; and Paul Elsley, a prolific volunteer in Eastern Ontario, known for initiating the Blessings in a Backpack program and championing child literacy. Other guests include Aileen Martin, Stacy Snyder-Morse, and Erika Flint, who represent diverse causes ranging from literacy and school safety to theater arts and historical preservation.
The series will also feature heartwarming stories of individuals such as Dennis Crowley, whose cancer journey inspired him to volunteer with multiple organizations, and Judith Gould, who established art workshops to support mental health and homeless communities. Additional episodes will include profiles of community leaders like Jessica Sheldon, founder of FAITH Riding Center, and Julie Garnsey, co-founder of Garnsey’s Feral Acres sanctuary.
Episodes will be available for on-demand viewing after their initial broadcast on the WPBS video player at watch.wpbstv.org. Broadcast dates are subject to change and will be updated in program listings as necessary.
WPBS serves over 600,000 households across Northern New York and Eastern Ontario, delivering educational and inspiring content through multiple platforms.
