Celebrating Our 2025 Difference Makers

For the last couple of years here at Gas South, we’ve engaged in campaigns to spotlight some of the great volunteers who work with the charitable organizations we partner with. We call these big-hearted individuals our Difference Makers, and we’re proud to celebrate their impact, share their stories and recognize the meaningful change they bring to our communities. 

If you’re one of our customers, you’ve probably noticed us featuring them in emails and on social media for the last few weeks. But we wanted to take a moment to recap their stories and highlight the difference they’re making. 

Brooke Ruffin, Street Grace 

Brooke serves as Vice President and Executive Director of Street Grace, an organization dedicated to eradicating the commercial sexual exploitation of children. In 2024, Street Grace empowered over 1.4 million people to combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation of children through social media and awareness campaigns, while engaging more than 21,000 individuals at live events. Their Youth Trainings and Leadership Academy reached 2,878 young people, and their direct services team provided vital support to 342 individuals via a 24/7 hotline, including essential care for 171 survivors. 

Street Grace was one of two nonprofits that benefitted from Gas South’s fundraising efforts at this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees. The organization received $5,000. 

"Street Grace is honored and grateful to be a beneficiary of the Georgia Festival of Trees,” Brooke said. “Through this partnership, children are being protected, and buyers’ anonymity is being removed, all while community members are enjoying the Christmas traditions of yester-year!” 

Jessica Lamb, Atlanta Redemption Ink

Jessica serves as Executive Director, Survivor Lead and Tattoo Iconographer for Atlanta Redemption Ink, a survivor-led nonprofit founded in 2017 that restores dignity by removing and covering tattoos connected to trafficking, gang involvement, self-harm and addiction. The organization also trains law enforcement, medical professionals and the tattoo/body-modification industry nationwide on trafficking tattoo iconography, exploitation indicators and trauma-informed response. 

Like Street Grace, Atlanta Redemption Ink also received $5,000 this year from fundraising efforts at Georgia Festival of Trees. 

“Last year’s Festival of Trees was a joyful reminder of the power of community,” Jessica said. “We were honored to stand among other nonprofits and witness the generosity that fuels lasting impact. We are thankful for this partnership and the chance to keep bringing restoration to those who need it most.” 

Sydney, Shepherd Center 

Growing up in a family rooted in medicine and service, Sydney, of Thomasville, Ga., learned early in life the value of kindness and giving back. As a rising senior at Georgia Tech, she studies neuroscience on the Pre-med track with minors in Spanish, health and medical sciences.  

Over the past two years, Sydney has volunteered in many roles at Shepherd, from supporting physical therapy and helping patients at mealtimes to delivering mail and assisting with satisfaction surveys. She values the joy of connecting patients with loved ones through letters and care packages, and she’s inspired by the determination of patients and caregivers working toward recovery. Sydney’s warmth and dedication have made her an exceptional part of the Shepherd Center community. Her dream is to return to Shepherd Center as a physician after she’s completed her studies. 

Latrice, Bert’s Big Adventure 

Latrice is an exceptional volunteer. Since she began volunteering with Bert’s Big Adventure in 2018, she has continually shown her dedication and heart. Now serving as a Fairy Godmother with the organization—a title bestowed upon those who help support children and families during hospital stays—she brings joy and comfort to every child she meets. Her ability to see a need and take action without being asked is a testament to her commitment.  

“God blessed me with a servant's heart,” she said. “So, signing up to be a Fairy Godparent was a no-brainer for me. My baby brother was disabled, which makes it easier for me to relate with the kiddos and their families.” 

The genuine connections she forms with Bert’s Big Adventure kids are inspiring. The personalized care and time she devotes to each of them, whether in the hospital or at events, is what makes her so special. The organization is incredibly grateful for her support in its mission, and her profound commitment to giving back to the community shines through in all that she does. 

Selama, Bert’s Big Adventure 

Since joining as a Bert’s Big Adventure in 2019, Selama has been an invaluable part of this important organization, known for her dedication. She’s consistently offered her full support at events, stepping in wherever needed and bringing joy to the children she interacts with. Her kindness and enthusiasm have made her a favorite among the kids, while her encouragement and care for the staff highlight her generous spirit and commitment to uplifting everyone around her. 

“These kids and their families have taught me so much about strength, perspective and gratitude,” Selama said. “Witnessing the challenges they face every day, yet still showing so much love and appreciation for life and for each other is humbling.” 

In 2022, Selama officially became a Fairy Godparent, a role that perfectly reflects her values. For her, the experience is defined by three words: joy, love, and appreciation. Whether connecting with children, supporting families, or caring for staff, she embodies the heart of Bert’s Big Adventure and continues to make a lasting impact through her service and compassion. 

Selama said one of the most powerful experiences she’s had was delivering items to a young boy taking part in the services offered at Bert’s Big Adventure. 

“As I handed them to him,” she explained, “he looked at me with such genuine appreciation and gratitude and said, ‘This was so thoughtful of you to think of me. I’ll keep some for myself and share the rest with my siblings so they can appreciate you, too. Thank you for taking time out of your day to hang out with me.’”  

She said it was hard to contain her own emotions.

“How someone so young could express such appreciation for something as simple as a visit from me and some treats truly blew my mind.” 

Melissa, Saint Vincent de Paul 

For more than 43 years, Melissa has been a dedicated St. Vincent de Paul Georgia Vincentian volunteer member at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville. She’s served in many leadership roles, but her greatest gift is the love, warmth and faith she shares with every neighbor and fellow volunteer she encounters. 

“I serve with St. Vincent de Paul because of the neighbors I meet and the Vincentian volunteers I work with,” Melissa said. “Every week our Chapter faces a mountain of need with a molehill-size pile of resources! But the Vincentians I work with move that mountain at least a little each week. Addressing neighbors’ real needs is truly to be the hands and feet of Christ. To work with other Vincentians is to see Christ in action! That never gets old.” 

Melissa is a shining example of service in action. Each week, she answers the organization’s assistance line with patience and compassion, offering neighbors practical help, prayer, reassurance and hope. Her ability to comfort others reflects her deep faith and commitment to caring for the whole person. Within her volunteer group, she is known as the “glue,” welcoming new members, fostering an inclusive atmosphere and modeling servant leadership by consistently going the extra mile. 

Her dedication extends beyond her local community, even inspiring her to travel to Paris to visit the tomb of St. Vincent de Paul. Those who meet her quickly discover her welcoming heart and her gift for making everyone feel seen and valued. Melissa’s faith, compassion and tireless commitment to helping others make a profound difference for neighbors in need and for fellow volunteers, embodying what it means to be a true Difference Maker. 

Allison, City of Refuge 

Alison leads a weekly yoga class for residents at City of Refuge, a program she created after recognizing the need for more movement and meditation opportunities. For the past couple of years, her class has been an incredible addition to women’s programming, offering both physical and emotional benefits. Alison is quick to emphasize that it’s a true team effort — alongside her, six instructors and four helpers selflessly dedicate their time to teaching and supporting the program, making a meaningful impact together. 

Zac, City of Refuge 

Recently, Zac Potter began volunteering with the after-school program at City of Refuge, and he noticed a gap in activities for the boys on Wednesdays while the girls attended ballet. Stepping up, he created a weekly workout and movement class to keep boys active and engaged. The program has become one of their highlights each week, and Zac’s presence has brought a much-needed positive male influence to these growing boys. 

Brenda, YMCA 

Brenda has been a dedicated member and volunteer at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA for the past two years, faithfully giving her time every Tuesday and Thursday to support the Membership team. Whether filing, making copies, preparing crafts, or assisting with special projects, she approaches every task with positivity, patience, and a smile. Her willingness to step in wherever needed reflects her commitment to serving others and strengthening the Y community. 

Her contributions extend well beyond Membership, as she regularly helps prepare crafts and activities for events and the Play Center, ensuring families and children enjoy memorable experiences. In addition to volunteering, Brenda actively participates in Y classes and programs, building meaningful relationships with staff and members. Her generosity, cheerful spirit, and dedication embody the true spirit of the Y, and her impact is deeply appreciated. 

Gas South is proud to highlight these individuals and help support the organizations they work with. Together, we’re making a difference. And the difference is good.