In this edition of ‘Volunteer Spotlight’, we introduce you to Gary Burnett.  Gary Burnett is a Caribbean-born immigrant and proud graduate of East Orange High School  - Class of ‘87. His journey has been shaped by “lived experiences, a love for people, and a deep belief in the power of community.”  When he’s not working in healthcare administration, Gary  spends his time volunteering and serving with nonprofit organizations.  Gary is deeply passionate about “building communities where people have access to housing, food, and the supportive services needed to live meaningful lives.”  To Gary, “this work is personal; it’s about giving back, creating opportunity, and making a lasting impact.”  

Gary’s call to volunteering can be traced back to his family, who were deeply rooted in service and community.  They instilled him with the values that guide his life to this day:  “I am where I am because of the contributions and support of others, and I believe it’s my responsibility to give that same support forward. By sharing my time and talents, I strive to make life better for children and families.” Gary first became involved with Joi’s Angels in 2024, where he represented his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, to make a financial contribution in recognition of Joi’s growing impact in the community.  

Following this, Gary, along with his fraternity brothers, participated in the Holiday Party.  It is there that Gary experienced the mission firsthand.  As Gary recounts, “What truly drew me in was the opportunity to witness Mark and Joi’s selfless passion and unwavering commitment to serving others and the community at large, which deepened my connection to the organization and its work.” Joi’s Angels is important to Gary because of Mark and Joi Smith’s spiritual and authentic leadership.  

Together, they have fostered an organization that serves the very community where Gary once lived and went to school.  This created a deep, personal connection between Gary and Joi’s Angels, fueling his “sense of responsibility to give back and be an active part of supporting and strengthening the community.”  Through volunteering, Gary has deepened his perspective on life.  He is reminded that, regardless of circumstance, helping others is a gift we all carry.  One of the greatest takeaways from his work is that “no matter where we are in life, there is always someone facing a greater struggle and in need of support.”

To this day, Gary remains firmly committed to service.  A conviction only strengthened by his global travels and experiences with different cultures, which broadens his perspective and informs how he chooses to show up in the world.  As he puts it, “Through service, I’ve come to understand that impact isn’t always visible or immediate—yet every moment given has the power to change someone’s life. This realization has grounded me in a more thoughtful, purpose-driven way of living, where compassion, awareness, and quiet acts of service hold lasting meaning.”