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Everyday Hero of the Year John U. Kelemen

John is a man of great compassion and generosity. Dedicated to his community, he grew up a few yards from where he now lives and owns a business in Central Valley. When John was 16, his father died suddenly, so he had to help his mother and four younger brothers cope without a bread winner. This experience gave him a lasting understanding of how life can be a struggle. It also taught him to appreciate the blessings and strengths of a close family and wonderful friends and neighbors.

Now his view of life is simple: “Appreciate what you have and every day make sure you give to others.” This outlook undoubtedly helped him connect to Jewish Family Service. Hoping to provide wheels to someone who could not afford to purchase a car, John called and asked if we could recommend a person in need. As the owner of JBA Fine Imports/John Kelemen Foreign Car Repair, he offered to repair a Volvo that had been donated by a customer. The match was made, and a single hard-working mother living in Newburgh was the grateful recipient.

As an active member of the Woodbury Community Association and the Lions Club, John works hard to help his neighbors. He has sparked collection efforts within the Association to provide assistance to local families in financial need, including a client of Jewish Family Service who was at risk for eviction.

John’s compassion extends to animals as well. If you visit his business, you will be warmly greeted by his Labrador retriever, Ollie, whom he rescued. Despite Ollie’s rough early days prior to being adopted, Ollie is very friendly and clearly one of the family.

“It is rare that a day goes by when John has not reached out to help someone who is in need or has hit a rough spot in their lives,” says his wife, Charlene. “Whether it is mowing a disabled person’s lawn or helping individuals recovering from mental illness obtain transportation, John is committed to getting help to those who need it.”