Krista Michelman, owner of Michelman Insurance Group in Kenmore, nominated Sandy Novak, a dedicated volunteer for Safeco’s Community Hero Award. This contest received over 170 applications nationwide. Novak is one of sixteen recipients selected to make a difference with a $5,000 donation to the nonprofit organization they support.

“Sandy Novak is a true force for good in the Puget Sound region,” said Michelman. “Her work with Youth in Focus doesn’t simply make our community better; it also inspires others to do get involved and make an impact. At Michelman Insurance Group, Inc. we believe strongly in supporting our community and dedicated citizens. And this is what the Safeco Community Hero Award is all about.”

Safeco Community Hero Awards honor local heroes and nonprofit organizations that have a positive impact in education, health and safety, or civic engagement – and they support the community involvement of independent agents.

Youth in Focus helps kids and young adults, ages 13-19, with confidence and personal growth through photography. The program provides participants with an outlet and a potentially new way for them to express their feelings. The classes are small, and offer training that covers film and digital photography.

Thanks to a scholarship process, the organization provides all necessary materials and supplies, including a quality camera for each student to use for the entire quarter.

Students come from around the region to take part, often thanks to partnerships with other agencies and nonprofits that serve at-risk youth. The organization reaches them at a crucial time – at or before the nith grade. About 90 percent of youth who drop out of high school do so during that year.

“The volunteer work I do with Youth in Focus is so rewarding to me because of the confidence gained and positive changes I see in these kids every quarter. On a personal basis, seeing the photos they create has also made me a better photographer” said Novak.