Three Napa men earn props for giving back

In early 2004, Wendy Enright's grandchildren were in crisis.

Enright's daughter had a drug problem, and lost custody of three daughters and a son.

Enright, a Napa resident for 40 years, decided to adopt two of her granddaughters through Napa County Child Protective Services. Then, she had to deliver the big news to Gregory Sutton, with whom she had recently begun a relationship.

"I went to Greg and told him what I was going to do and told him that he should 'run, not walk, as fast as he could to the nearest exit,' because our life as we knew it was about to change forever," Enright wrote in an essay. "Greg chose to stay, stepped up to the plate, and has been 'Papa' to these little girls in every way since the day I got them. He has also given me lots of love and support."

Sutton, 45, who is now Enright's fiance, was recently awarded the 2007 Father of the Year Award by Napa Emergency Women's Services, an agency that assists victims of domestic violence. NEWS launched the "Men Making NEWS" program to honor local men who have exhibited a passion for leadership, respect and non-violence.

Enright, owner of Two Sisters Landscaping and a student at Napa Valley College, nominated Sutton for the title for all his work with the girls.

Sutton met Enright's grandchildren three years ago and has helped to raise them ever since. Yolanda, 9, is a straight-A student at Alta Heights Elementary School; Selena is now 4 years old.

"You never know what's going to be handed to you. ... These kids were handed to me. They are great kids and I'm honored to receive the award. ... (Winning the award) surprised me a lot. I do my best with these guys. They needed me and I've come to learn that I needed them," he said.

Sutton, a Napan since 1974, works in construction and remodeling -- a career that allows him to spend time with Yolanda and Selena after school.

Yolanda, or "YoYo," said she loves to read "Junie B. Jones" books, swim, ride bikes and go to the park with Sutton. She said she also does family projects with him, such as building a black walnut wooden display case they're creating to house their rock and gem collection.

"This one, with me, is like glue," Sutton said of Yolanda.

"I like to play with him and sit with him. He's fun to play with." Yolanda said. Turning to Sutton, she added, "What I want to tell you is I love you."

Enright said she learned of NEWS' contest online and decided Sutton was deserving of the Father of the Year title. "He's taken care of them since Selena was a baby. ... He stepped right up there. They have no father figure in their life except for Greg. He's been there for them through our trials and tribulations."

Like Sutton, Napan Dick Bull recently received an award from NEWS when he won the organization's Male Role Model Award. Through Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Napa County, Bull is a mentor to children at Napa County Juvenile Hall.

"Over five years ago, Dick became one of the very first Napa County Juvenile Hall mentors. Every Thursday evening, Dick spends two hours with the teenagers, offering support and guidance. Often, he listens with compassion to the teenagers, assists with homework and plays games," said Angelica Brambila, who coordinates the program for Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Juvenile Hall and nominated Bull for the award.

Bull, who also recruits and trains volunteers for the program at Juvenile Hall, said some people are initially afraid to interact with teens at the facility. But they shouldn't be. "If it wasn't for the entry requirements, they'd be just another bunch of teenagers."

For almost five years, Bull has also been a Big Brother to Michael, 23, whose last name is being withheld for privacy reasons. Bull, 65, said Michael, whose problems included drug use, drug dealing and theft, still calls him to talk when problems come up. "I still have contact with him. I just talked to him yesterday. ... He ended up spending most of the time from 15 to 18 in Juvenile Hall. ... When he got out of Juvenile Hall, he basically graduated to meth and was on meth for a couple of years. Michael has been clean from drugs for one year and I think he deserves a pat on the back."

Bull, who was overwhelmed when he won the NEWS Male Role Model Award, said others are also deserving of the title. "There's so much more that I could do. Yet with everything I'm doing, I don't have time."

Mitch Findley, 19, was also honored by NEWS when he won their Youth Role Model Award. Findley is the assistant director at VOICES -- Voice Our Independent Choices for Emancipation Support -- a local organization created to find housing, employment and educational opportunities for foster children, emancipated foster youth and young people living in group homes. Findley, a former foster care youth and one of the founding members of the agency, said VOICES has served more than 170 young people during its two years of operation.

Findley said he was nominated for the award by Leslie Medine, executive director of the On The Move and Project Foundations -- parent companies to VOICES.

"When I got the letter for being nominated, I was really excited. (When NEWS) called me ... I was really proud to be able to accept the award. It goes to show the good work VOICES is doing. I'm excited to go to the luncheon next Friday because I want to hear about all the great things others are doing too," he said.