By Debra Erdley

Published: Saturday, November 24, 2012, 8:57 p.m.
Updated: Friday, December 21, 2012

Noteworthy: CANDLE Inc., the Community Action Network for Drug-free Lifestyle Empowerment, recently won the 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award from Great Nonprofits based on reviews from volunteers, donors and clients. Norris is the organization's founder and executive director.

Age: 65

Family: Husband, Charles; three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

Residence: Butler

Background: After a 21-year career in small-market radio, Norris became concerned about a heroin crisis in her community in 2004 and started CANDLE Inc., which sponsors reality tours that take students ages 10 to 18 and their parents through a substance abuse prevention program featuring a walk through the life and death of a teen on drugs. Each young participant is given a photograph of him or herself adjusted to show the impact of drug use.

Education: High school graduate; certified prevention specialist through the Pennsylvania Department of Health

Quote: “Any civic group, community or faith-based organization that wants to save lives can start a reality tour within 90 days, and reimbursement grants are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. ... Information is at RealityTour.org.”

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.