By Laura Walter

Each year, the Daily State News celebrates its readers' poll, Stars of Delaware. A special part of that is the Person of the Year finalists who go above and beyond to make Delaware a better place. These individuals were nominated by people in the community who have seen the difference a good deed can make.

See event photos here: https://baytobaynews.com/stories/stars-of-delaware-honors-best-of-business-and-community-at-2024-event,144411

Read the keepsake Stars of the Banner special publication, including hundreds of categories' worth of winners here: BayToBayNews.com/SpecialSections.

Now, here are interviews with the 2024 Person of the Year finalists, who were recognized at a special event in September: Martha Gery, Carolyn Fredericks and Tetra Shockley.

PERSON OF THE YEAR WINNER

Martha Gery

When Martha Gery saw neighbors struggling to obtain the most basic of human needs, like food and shelter, she took in action Milford. For her years of effort in homeless service and prevention, she has been named the 2024 Stars of Delaware Person of the Year.

“Martha selflessly works to help, support and show kindness to all in need,” said her Stars nominator. “Her vision of inclusion and thoughtfulness is treasured.”

Gery is the founder and president of Milford Advocacy for the Homeless (MAH), a grassroots nonprofit that has been expanding services—now in a statewide effort—but never straying from its original mission. “We serve those experiencing homelessness, the displaced and those that are near homelessness,” the website explains.

Many Delawareans do not have permanent homes, including in Milford. Gery took notice because she had a family member who experienced homelessness for 15 years, and it flipped her own misconceptions about the issue. Gery always assumed that addiction or unhealthy choices were the main cause. “That wasn’t the case. Often, a life experience breaks you. Then, it causes depression … and a landslide” of issues to surmount.

Day by day, boots on the ground, she found volunteers to help, official partners to broaden the impact and the people themselves who would benefit from MAH services. Over the years, Gery has made strategic partnerships that bring desperately needed services to people in need, like haircuts, healthcare, meals, bicycles for transportation and sleeping bags for people living outdoors.

Gery also spends a lot of time educating and advocating in public.

Poverty is so much deeper than issue of not having enough dollars.

If your rent increases, do you cut the grocery bill, heating or trash collection in order to keep a roof overhead? If your landlord sells the rental property, where do you go? If you can’t afford laundry detergent, a laundromat or space to store your clothes, how can you feel confident at work or school? If you can’t afford a state ID, how can you apply for a job?

When a person can’t obtain nutritious meals, their physical health, sleep quality and mental resilience will suffer. “Their body is under duress. Not that they’re mentally unstable, but they have things going on causing mental duress,” Gery said.

“That’s why we’re focusing on the mental and physical piece of it,” Gery said. A small project: educating people on how to improve nutrition during desperate times. A big project: sponsoring up to 30 senior center memberships for adults to gain services and reduce isolation.

Small but mighty, the Milford Advocacy for the Homeless is very intentional with its efforts, including as they expand statewide (Look for their “doing business as” name, Delaware Advocacy for the Homeless).

“If something exists, we don’t want to duplicate it. We just want to enhance it, so it’s working out really well,” Gery said.

First, MAH will recommend people to existing programs in Milford, Dover, Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach, like Code Purple, the Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, and the Center for Neighbors in Need at People’s Community Center.

But then MAH builds upon existing services.

“How can we help you[r nonprofit]? You’re already feeding, so how can we help that program to feed more? Instead of us opening up a clothing closet [near an existing location], we’re giving them the clothing … whatever they can’t help with, we help with the other pieces. Our integration with all of these services is getting really good and better.”

The MAH bus can carry people to shelters, or supplies to people. “My husband and I drive whenever we can,” but Gery’s team seeks a driver to help.

Since the beginning, MAH has provided thousands of free meals to people in need, thanks to donations, volunteer hours and even household kitchens. With recent grant money, MAH currently seeks a rental space where they could provide supplies, plus on-site dining.

Another MAH major goal is keeping people in their homes, to prevent homelessness. One MAH program provides any three items that people may need (requests have included clothing, shoes, a new ID card, a working microwave, a clothes dryer, groceries or individual meals). Another program provides furnishings for people with a new house, apartment or even room. A laundry program helps people pay for laundromat usage. The Milford Advocacy for the Homeless gives generously, but responsibly.

They also host Helping Hands Community Events at the Milford Public Library, where everything is free for anyone. “We want to help people before they become homeless,” which means providing clothing, family haircuts, a fresh meal and food pantry. “There’s no criteria, so if you think you’re in need, you come,” Gery said. “Whatever you need, you take.” (The next event is Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon.)

Remember: this is mostly after hours. Gery still has a fulltime job as a technical project manager (and she’s grateful for the Cisco corporation’s generous paid employee volunteer hours.)

Originally, Gery assumed this might be a retirement project—but the need is now. “It happened a lot quicker than I expected! I didn’t expect to be running a corporation. For me, it’s a matter of ‘What I can do for my community?’ … We live here, and we love Milford.”

She also shares her time and vision as a board member of Downtown Milford, Inc., plus the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford.

For Delaware’s future, Gery hopes that lifelong residents can “afford to stay here, live here, eat here,” because she recognizes that “it’s easier” for people like herself, who’ve relocated from more expensive regions.

Gery also emphasized the survival of natural resources, farmland and farmers’ markets—but most importantly, kindness. “I’m always about ‘are we being kind to each other?’ I would love to see Delaware continue to be a place where people know and support their neighbors, and treat each other with kindness.”

As the 2024 Stars of Delaware Person of the Year (and a 2023 finalist), Gery is just trying to “put kindness out into the world and support people.”

She doesn’t seek personal attention, but gladly shines a spotlight on nonprofit efforts. “It doesn’t matter who you are—if you’re trying to make a difference for the good of others, then people [will] recognize it. And that gives me a lot of hope for humanity.”

She tries to uphold her parents’ values “to put others first and always do things in loving kindness.” She’s also fortunate to witness her own legacy: two adult children who are successful and donating their efforts to people in need.

Gery thanked the many people and groups that support the MAH mission, with partnerships and advice—and her own husband, “who is always helping with something.”

PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Carolyn Fredricks

What started as Carolyn Fredericks just being a good neighbor led to a fulltime job and lifetime of service for Kent County’s senior population. Her leadership and dedication to the Modern Maturity Center led her to be named a 2024 Stars of Delaware Person of the Year finalist.

In her early 20s, Fredericks would daily check on an older neighbor in Dover, who one day suggested that a little senior center down the street could probably use her help. Fredericks knocked on the door in 1972, soon became a fulltime employee, and 52 years later, she’s been the president/CEO for almost half that time (formerly titled executive director).

“It turned into a labor of love and a lifetime of service to others. For 50 years, I’ve been doing a job that I absolutely love. Not many people can say that,” Fredericks has previously said.

But more importantly, “People have told me we saved their life. They reach a point in their life where they’re facing the loss of a spouse, or facing an illness, and we, the Modern Maturity Center, become their family. They feel the love here, and we keep ‘em going,” Fredericks said. “We made their life better.”

Fredericks has overseen three capital campaigns as the MMC became a multi-million-dollar service center, with a “very supportive board of directors” and 130 “amazing” staff members. Older adults can enjoy social, recreational, fitness and education opportunities, plus services like Meals on Wheels, adult day programs, caregiver resources and an early memory loss program.

“We wanted to have one-stop shopping for the older person,” thanks to on-site partnerships. “I don’t have a doctor on my staff, but I have a doctor on my campus,” Fredericks said.

Meal prep has grown to 1,500-plus meals daily. Modern Maturity Center cooks all of Kent County’s meals for home delivery and congregate settings, even if served by a different group. This includes Meals on Wheels and other programs within the Title III grant funding for elderly nutrition services. If seniors can’t cook or afford food, these meals are a lifesaver.

That was especially apparent during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when MMC meal service actually increased. “We didn’t shut down. We were considered essential and sent out double meals to keep people stocked in case we had to shut down further.”

People often want to age at home in a familiar atmosphere, especially when assisted living is pricy. If that’s what they prefer, “Our purpose is to help people age in place in their home, but they’re going to need to those home services,” Fredericks said. By helping with food, healthcare and socialization, the Modern Maturity Center provides a sense of purpose and anticipation for people.

“I have always looked at this as my ministry. I’m involved with my church … but I felt there was a call on my life to be of service, and the people I loved were the older people, so I consider this to be my ministry … I believe older people need all the help they can get.”

And she served with everything she’s got. One state legislator affectionately called Fredericks tenacious and driven when she’s fighting for a cause.

“Funding!” Fredericks said. “I have no problem talking to legislators. You do have to have money to run this organization!” One time, when major government cuts were threatened, “I got together all of the nutrition people throughout the state. We had a press release [and] wrote letters to all the legislators to tell them how many people in their district would not get meals—so we got the money.”

For Delaware’s future, “I hope that there will always be the services in place that the older adults need. The population is aging, so my fear is that we will not have the money” to continue necessary services.

As a finalist for Stars of Delaware Person of the Year, Fredericks was very humble, but acknowledged some pride: “we have done some wonderful things for the community, and I’m proud of that—that we can be there for people when they need us to.”

Now sharing an age with many of her clients, she laughed, “I’ve aged in place! I started in here when I was 20 years young.”

Previously a choir director, Fredericks is also on her church’s board of directors, following in her late husband’s footsteps. “I believe in what we do there, and our church is growing,” and the enthusiasm carries forward.

Fredericks’ three passions are family, faith and work. A Kent County resident, she also loves gardening; was a 2022 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame inductee; organizes annual dinner theater fundraisers; and serves on Delaware’s Advisory Council on Services for Aging And Adults with Physical Disabilities.

PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Tetra Shockley

Tetra Shockley is an attorney, business owner, community leader, pageant queen, educator, mentor, mother and more. But it’s her ongoing advocacy that led her to be named a 2024 Stars of Delaware Person of the Year finalist.

By day, she’s a family lawyer and co-owner at Benton & Shockley Law in Dover.

As Mrs. Delaware America (for the third time), she competed for the national crown in late August 2024. It’s the sisterhood and community activism that keep her coming back to pageant life.

“It’s not just ‘Isn’t she so beautiful in her dress,’” Shockley explained. These women “are creating foundations, they’re changing legislation, they’re making an impact, they’re making real change in the world. So to be among them is a real honor in itself.”

Her pageant platform, “‘You are the crown,’ is designed to encourage and inspire women to discover your identity and purpose, so you can use the power and strength of your voice to make an impact in your community,” she said.

Shockley believes that people often ask themselves, “What is my role in community, in society, in family … why am I here?” But a lack of self-knowing or self-value make people susceptible to mental health issues and unhealthy relationships or behaviors. She feels particularly called to help women work through this burden. It’s not just about your roles and resumé—but recognizing your core passions and purpose.

She has previously said, “there’s nothing externally that defines you and gives you value, including this crown and this sash. This doesn’t add anything to me. I’m not in search of a crown. I am the crown. I am the thing of value. I am the thing of beauty. I am the thing of a worth. And so are you.”

Why is this important? “I guess the core of it is a passion to see people be their very best self. So many of the issues that our community faces … comes from us not knowing who we are and settling for things that are beneath who we are, and living beneath what we deserve.”

Shockley recognized her personal mission, with her pastor’s help. “What do I love, what do I hate, what am I good at? I love to see women empowered, thriving and being their best self. What really grates my nerves is seeing women settling or [naysaying themselves]. What am I good at? Public speaking, encouraging, inspiring … Now I know what my purpose is: to encourage, to assist and to inspire women to discover their identity, as well as their purpose.”

She uses her platforms in law, pageantry and advocacy to boost that mission. She’s even planning a Sept. 28 event called “The Experience,” a ladies’ day of self-discovery, empowerment, sisterhood, panel discussion and more.

Wanting to become a lawyer since childhood, Shockley earned her juris doctorate, plus an MBA in executive leadership, and is licensed in Delaware and New Jersey.

As an attorney in private practice, her focus is family law, criminal law, landlord/tenant and personal injury matters. In her early career with the Delaware Department of Justice, Shockley previously represented the Division of Family Services in child abuse and neglect cases.

As a Stars of Delaware Person of the Year finalist, she felt shocked to be nominated. “I do [these things] because it’s in my heart to do them. So for people to take notice … is very humbling,” she said.

“It is not lost on me, the village and the community that it takes to do anything successfully. There is not a single thing I’ve done in my life that I’ve done alone,” Shockley said, as she thanked her beloved family and friends for their support, plus her mentors and mentees for their trust and time.

Family is an incredibly important part of her life, with her husband of 19 years and two teenagers.

Where is her favorite place to be in Delaware? “The beaches!” she sighed. “I love the beach … the peace, the tranquility,” which are grounding for such a busy person.

Shockley is also a member of the Board of Bar Examiners of the Supreme Court of Delaware; Kent County Bar Association (as vice president); the Preliminary Investigatory Committee of Delaware’s Court on the Judiciary; and several more law-related organizations.

She has also taught at Wilmington University; remained active with The Family Church in New Jersey; and completed the Leadership Central Delaware program with Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.