LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Audre Allen was nominated by Stephanie Crowe, a colleague.

As the principal of Chatsworth Elementary, Ms. Allen has made a lot of positive changes in her school.  Overall, the students and teachers are happier, and the school environment is more pleasant.  She truly cares for students and staff.  In the fall, she sends students home with cards asking if they need anything, including blankets, coats, and clothes. The school then provides these items to students. The school now has a coat closet with clothes, coats, shoes, supplies, and toiletries they can provide students.

She raised over $30,000 this school year to start a pantry in her school.  The money is used to buy food from a local food pantry.  Weekly meals are sent home to over 40 families and feed over 170 people weekly. The food has made a big difference in the school because over 80 percent of the students are living below the poverty line. Food is also provided to families at three other schools in the district. Large food boxes are donated at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mid-Winter Break. There has even been a little free pantry installed in front of the school so that people from the community can get food as well if needed.

"Personally, Audre has been a big support to me.  In December of 2020, I had breast cancer surgery, followed by another surgery and radiation in February of 2021.  After that, I had numerous scans, medications, and doctor appointments. During that time, she would check on me regularly and offer support. Last year, I was upset because I was struggling to pay for my daughter's college classes.  Audre and two other staff members prayed with me.  They offered to help financially, but I turned them down. They raised the funds to pay for my daughter's college expenses and books.  They also gave my daughter some Christmas presents.  Their work blessed us because our finances have been tight for the last few years due to medical expenses.  She truly is a LifeChanger to many in our community," expressed Crowe.