News

Volunteer of the Year: IAM, Smart Start, Thrive, United Way

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 6, 2020

Here are the final four Season of Giving Volunteers of the Year.

 

Jim Gedwellas

Interfaith Assistance Ministry

What do you do in your volunteer job?

I have a variety of jobs at Interfaith Assistance Ministry. Packing boxes of food and restocking on Friday, working the food drive-thru on Tuesday, filling in for others and picking up food on Saturdays. This year, I organized a food drive and winter coat, blanket and towel collection at Immaculate Conception. I organized and helped volunteers from the Knights of Columbus to unload and put away 250-plus boxes on Mondays for five weeks. I worked with Harold, to redo the chain which blocks the entrance to IAM.

How long have you been volunteering?

About 11 years now. I have always been involved with IAM in one way or another. When we moved here I was the volunteer manager for Citizens Action Now, which involved organizing 17 volunteers, seven days a week. We picked up food from local grocery stores and delivered the food to IAM.

Why do you volunteer?

I get satisfaction from being able to help others and I enjoy working with our volunteers.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

Realizing that what I do makes a difference in our neighbors’ quality of life. Especially now, when there is such a need for food and other necessities. I love seeing the joy in the children’s faces and the relief in the adults’ faces as we give them the basic necessities of life. Also, being part of the kindness and hard work of all those who help others at IAM.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

Make sure it’s a good fit! Not all volunteer work has the same structure, requirements and work environment. Make sure you enjoy the time you are there.*

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Becky Reed

Smart Start

What do you do in your volunteer job?

Our responsibilities, as board members, involve financial management, community outreach, support, fundraising, and program oversight. In fact, I'm on two committees that engage in a couple of those activities. I also serve as an advocate in the community, sharing the work and services of Smart Start. I love meeting new people who've never heard of Smart Start. In fact, I found it's this great way to attract volunteers.

How long have you been volunteering?

I've been on the board for four years and I'm now in my second term. So, I've got another couple of years ago, which I'm really happy about.  

Why do you volunteer?

I spent my whole career working in the field of early childhood education. And this has been a wonderful opportunity to continue using my experience and understanding of the needs of young children and their families, to further the programs at Smart Start. The staff here are so dedicated and engaged it’s just a real joy to work with them. They’re just wonderful.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

One of the main things is serving on a board that includes committed professionals in the community, that has so much to offer, and support at Smart Start. And as I mentioned, the staff is really outstanding in the job they do. It's really one of the best boards I've ever been on and I’ve served on many in my lifetime. And one thing I'd like to say is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that really resonates with me,  "Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a great deal of thought into giving."

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

You can't find a more dedicated professional organization to be a part of, that's why I recommend it. People who want to volunteer with Smart Start, they just have to visit www.smartstartpfc.org or call 828-693-1580 and someone will be more than happy to talk to them.

 

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Joshua Denton

Thrive

What do you do in your volunteer job?

 I am the Board Chair of Thrive Mental Health and in that role I conduct the board meetings and chair the Executive Committee which offers any motions or changes to the board. Luckily, Thrive has an awesome staff that is focused so a lot of my work is helping them achieve their established goals and objectives.

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been a board member for three years now in which I have been on our fundraising committee for all three years. I have been able to volunteer at our signature fundraising event Bids and Blues every year. I have been able to help our community outreach committee head Linda Thomas by being a table host at our spring fundraiser Let Love Brew event.

Why do you volunteer?

Just like most everyone in our community I have seen the effects of mental illness on a person’s wellbeing. I got to see firsthand how Thrive’s services made a difference and helped someone close to me. After seeing the impact Thrive had I was wanting to get involved even if I was a small part of everything they were able to do.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

Seeking and finding a staff and board of awesome community members from different backgrounds coming together and serving their community with a much needed resource. At the same time growing personally by helping an organization whose main mission is for another’s wellbeing both physically and mentally.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

I would begin by researching the organization through their website and by joining their newsletter. If still interested, attend an event or contact their outreach director for more information. After those first two steps, if their mission, goals and successes interest or inspire you then get involved through time, donating or advocacy.

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Judy Hansen

United Way of Henderson County

 

What do you do in your volunteer job?

 I’m on the United Way Board and Chair of the Advocacy Committee. The committee’s major accomplishment has been the development of a position statement on the need for affordable housing in Henderson County, which was recently approved by the Board. I’ve been a member of Women United’s Executive Committee since 2016 and am the immediate past Chair.   Women United is designed to connect women leadership donors and volunteers.  My great joy is being the Coordinator of Women United’s Girls EMpowered (GEM) Program, which is an after-school program for at-risk girls. GEM also features women professionals as guest speakers.  I also created and implemented tours of twelve women-owned downtown businesses for our GEM girls. Lastly, I have served on the Basic Needs/Crisis Services Program Evaluation Panel.

How long have you been volunteering?

With United Way, since 2016.  Prior to that I was a Blue Ridge Literacy Council tutor and board member, as well as past president.  I also have loved volunteering at Interfaith Assistance Ministry for the past seven years or so and working with the League of Women Voters.

Why do you volunteer?

 I have always believed in giving back to one’s community, and United Way’s work is so vitally important.  As a newcomer 13 years ago, I saw volunteering as a wonderful way to get to know and be involved with our new community. And it is very important to use one’s time and talents to help improve others’ lives. As Gloria Steinem said, “There is no greater gift than thinking you had some impact on the world, for the better”.    

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

 Seeing the positive impact you have as well as to experience the joy you get out of your efforts. And working with others helping others is enjoyable and deeply satisfying. 

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

Hendersonville has so many outstanding non-profits in a large variety of areas, so I would say that you need to figure out what your strong interest or passion is and find a non-profit that could be a good fit. Then talk to the executive director, or president of the board or other volunteers to determine how your skills might benefit them.