Shirley and Doreen

I have been blessed with two wonderful volunteers who help me tremendously! When I started my job as Volunteer Coordinator in September, I had a lot of questions. Several different times I asked my boss about a specific volunteer issue, and he replied, “I don’t know the answer to that—Shirley takes care of that.” Needless to say I was excited to meet Shirley!

For the last several years Shirley has been coming in to WSRM every Wednesday—ALL DAY. Part of that time she works in the volunteer department, keeping the volunteer database up to date with all new volunteers, adding the volunteer hours each month, and preparing monthly reports. I rely heavily on Shirley to complete this work—in fact it is left in a tray for her that I don’t even touch! And each week she faithfully comes in and works her way through the pile that was left for her. I am thankful for Shirley—for her knowledge, for showing me the ropes, for her faithfulness, and for her friendship.

As I started to settle into my position as Volunteer Coordinator, I found myself running from task to task, never seeming to have enough time to get everything done—even with Shirley doing all the database upkeep! Finally I came to my senses. After all, as Volunteer Coordinator, one of my jobs is to see new areas where volunteers are needed and fill those positions. And I needed a volunteer!

Doreen started in January, with a willingness to do whatever needed done. I consider myself rather efficient, but I have never worked with someone who works as quickly as Doreen. After the first week I realized that she would be able to accomplish more in 2 hours than most people would in half a day! This was fine with me, because I had work for her to do!

Like I said, Doreen is willing to do whatever needs done. She makes copies. She processes Criminal Records Checks and Child Abuse Clearances. She designs bulletin boards. She makes phone calls. She researches addresses. She is a godsend.

I have been so blessed by both of “my” volunteers. Thank you to Doreen and Shirley and all the other volunteers who willingly give up their own time to serve the staff and clients of Water Street Rescue Mission. You are a blessing!

-Carissa Martin, Volunteer Coordinator