As advocates, we meet monthly and we are always learning new means of assistance that is available in our communities to help our clients.  I always feel an added sense of accomplishment when I am able to connect a client with an additional resource that may help them prevent having more problems the next month.  Often between the combination of LCOC assistance and the additional resource, it is enough to get our clients back on their feet.

Being a volunteer at Katy’s Korner for almost 10 years is rewarding and fun.  Clients enjoy finding needed clothing and nothing better than finding the right outfit for a special occasion or  a job interview! A number of clients use the volunteers as sounding boards for discussing issues that are going on in their lives.  We try to provide a supportive atmosphere for clients to feel comfortable and safe.

In my professional career, I was involved with providing assistance to people returning to work after a disability.  Hope Works provides the opportunity for me to use my skills in assisting LCOC clients find appropriate work that will enhance their lives.  I believe that work is an important component of a person’s self esteem so I find satisfaction in helping clients develop self esteem as well as increase their financial independence.

Meeting clients, both on the phone and in person as an office intake volunteer, gives me a great sense of the need that is out there in the community. It becomes clear that there are many people who are doing their best and are still unable to make ends meet.  Most are working in some capacity. They are challenged by many circumstances. This first hand knowledge enables me to see how much our organization is needed in our community.  This work gives me a sense of self-worth and usefulness in my retirement. It also gives me tremendous gratitude for all I have in my own life and makes my problems seem very small.  I really enjoy being able to give something back to the world.