Life in the jungle has been Surin “Eet” Jaitrong’s world since he fell in love with his first elephant at the age of 19. As a mahout – or elephant caretaker – in the southern Thai province of Phang-nga, Jaitrong grew up living with elephants.

Today, at age 45, he lives a fulfilling life caring for Plai Gaew, a 48-year-old male elephant.Each morning, Jaitrong treks out to the forest to bring Plai Gaew in for a scrub bath and a day of tourist rides. When the sun fades, Jaitrong returns Plai Gaew to his jungle home that sustains him with food, medicinal plants and boundless freedom.Because of their unique bond, Plai Gaew is not just Jaitrong’s elephant. Together, they are supporting each other as family.

From the Multimedia Project Andaman Rising

Lincho is an undocumented worker who has lived in North Carolina for six years. Three years ago he was joined by his wife, and they now have a daughter together. He goes out every morning to a local gas station with hopes of finding a day’s work. He says he is constantly living in fear that he may be deported and separated from his family.

Though it means sacrificing higher wages and a better education for his daughter, Lincho recently decided to return to Mexico in order to ensure that his family can stay together. “It is more difficult, but I’d rather be together with my family…one cannot tell one’s heart what to feel.”

From the Multimedia Project Nuevas Fronteras

New Castle County is actively working with various organizations including the Emergency Services Corps to help recruit and retain new volunteers.

From the Multimedia Project http://www.ymcade.org/images/flashfire.swf