I went to a small fundraiser on Saturday for a grass-roots nonprofit in Rockland that has grown — seemingly knit from lint — into an organization that honors others for their good works.

Adults Caring For Teens, Inc., a mentoring program that helps young people, honored Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell. ACT’s founder, Penny Jennings, started the mentoring program after her own life experience as a young, single mother shed light on the weak points in the support system. Kids who have already been in trouble, or are older, don’t always have a place to go for support. Jennings pretty much willed this organization into existence. Now, she has a strong Board of Directors, has received several key grants and has launched programs around the county that offer training and support groups for young people. And, Jennings continues to keep connecting young people with mentors.

So, it was fitting that Jennings, a woman who just plain gets things done, lauded Cornell. Cornell is well-known for holding working groups, hosting discussions and generally exploring any myriad of issues. But she also takes action on the discussions. She was a key player in establishing Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children—Rockland County was the first suburban area to enlist Family Resource Centers in its public schools through 21C. Her endeavors on launching “Project Tomorrow: Aging in Place,” a countywide initiative, has already advanced the discussion of Rockland’s growing senior population, which is estimated to hit 25 percent of total residents by 2020.

Cornell’s work on children’s issues, including 21C, are well known and extensive. So, after Jennings lauded Cornell’s work, the county legislator returned the favor. Cornell noted that during hearings many years ago that she hosted on a Year of the Child initiative in the Legislature, she recalls experts talk about the importance of mentoring children. The benefit went beyond the child with the mentor, she said, and benefited the entire family. The child was more engaged in education, and modeled that for the other children. The child’s behavior often improved, helping take stress of a parent. It was a prime example of helping to change one person’s environment has a ripple effect, because, after all, many share that environment.

And it was a reminder for all of us that small acts can also have ripple effects. Especially now, when so many more need help.