After her son, Willis Saddler, was shot and killed just weeks before he was to leave home for college, UPS driver Valerie Tillis worked through her grief and anger the best way she knew how -- she opened an after-school "safe house" in North Tulsa, Okla. for children in low-income neighborhoods.

Instead of focusing her emotions on the crime and the two boys who shot Willis (in a case of mistaken identity), Valerie opened her home to children who are likely to become involved with gangs or violent peers, to turn them around and show them a different, better path.

In recognition of her efforts, the United Parcel Service Foundation (UPS) named Tillis the recipient of the 1999 Jim Casey Community Service Award, an honor given to just one of the company's 310,000 employees each year.

"My vision is to give these kids hope," Tillis said. "Studies show that 40 percent of juvenile crime is committed right after school. I want to provide help with homework, a computer center, snacks, counseling services, sports -- whatever these kids need.

Tillis said she wants to open a larger facility to complement the center, known as "Bookie's Place." The UPS Foundation granted her $100,000 to buy equipment and renovate a new facility that can serve up to 89 children. UPS employees are volunteering to help with the efforts.

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