Everyday Heroes in the Quad Cities make a difference one day at a time – WQAD.com

Three people in the Quad Cities share their love for giving back and making a difference in their day to day lives

MOLINE, Illinois Heroes can be hard to spot when they aren't wearing a cape but there are plenty throughout the area.

For 45 years here in the Quad Cities, Glenda Nelson has been known for her heart of gold.

"I just feel like it's my mission in life," Nelson said. "I retired from the Arsenal and somebody said what do you want to do and I said I want to work at a church."

She ended up at her daughter's church: QC Living Hope in Davenport.

"Starting about 17.5 years ago they needed a bookkeeper and I volunteered... thinking 'Well I'll do this until they get a bookkeeper' and I am still the bookkeeper," Nelson said.

Nelson has worked in the library, acted as the front desk receptionist, cooked in the kitchen and plays the piano before every sermon.

"God's done so much for me in my life, isn't it time that I give back," Nelson asked.

During retirement, Nelson has spent her time doing just that.

Jim Maloney on the other hand is making his time at work count.

"When you're the receptionist like me at the front desk, I am the first face of the agency and the first impression, if you will, that a person gets," said Maloney.

He takes his kindness to the next level at The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, an organization for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"I just try to be friendly and ask them how their weekend was and try to treat them how I would want to be treated," Maloney said.

Maloney comes in day after day only taking time off to volunteer at his other job, the Red Cross.

"To me it's not really work," Maloney said. "It's cause it's something that I really enjoy doing and I really enjoy being here and helping our individuals and the staff."

For Maloney it's seemingly no big deal, just an easy way he can give back for all of the help he has received in his life.

"I have a physical disability I have cerebral palsy and I need help with my daily living activities so I feel it's really important that I give back and try to help anyone that I can in the community to make this a great place," Maloney said.

Throughout her career Stehpanee Jordan has done it all. Teaching at various levels, writing grants and holding multiple positions within the Moline-Coal Valley School District.

"It's pretty exciting to have had a career in education where your oldest student is 82 and your youngest student was three," said Jordan.

Jordan not only works with the kids but their parents too.

"We believe that all parents are part of our team," Jordan said. "We don't tell parents what to do, they don't tell teachers what to do, we work collaboratively."

Using the parent mentoring program she has helped over 50 parents find a working part at their child's school.

"Our number one goal is to help our kiddos," Jordan said. "I see what everyone in our community has to offer and recognize that for a great community we need to recognize the gifts that everybody brings to the table."

In the Quad Cities, Stephanee, Jim and Glenda are all using the time and skills they have to make a positive impact on the community becoming everyday heroes.

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Everyday Heroes in the Quad Cities make a difference one day at a time - WQAD.com