2009 Volunteers of the Year: Darlene Bell

Darlene Bell had a happy childhood in south Minneapolis, with parents who loved her unconditionally and opened their home and hearts to family, friends, and the community. “I didn’t know the difference between family and friends,” says Bell. “You may have come in as a friend, but you left as family.” As an adult, Bell has worked hard to continue that same philosophy. She’s spent 20 years mentoring youth and welcoming foster children into the home she shares with her husband, Curtis, and their six children. She’s also worked with organizations such as Children’s Home Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters (where she is director of community outreach and volunteer recruitment), and Project DIVA, all in hopes of enriching the lives of teens. “For every teen there is a gap,” Bell says. “We need to stand in that gap.”