February Volunteer of the Month
February Volunteer of the Month, Pat H.
We are excited to introduce our February Volunteer of the Month, Pat H., who volunteers in the Weinberg Food Pantry and at the Reception Desk. In these roles, Pat helps ensure members of our community have access to nurtirious food and hygiene items and helps greet individuals, answering questions and helping them find the services they need.
Staff member Julie G. nominated Pat sharing, “Pat started volunteering at Jewish Family Service of Colorado during the Pandemic. Her first volunteer job was helping in the food pantry located in our parking lot. She has continued volunteering throughout the years transcribing messages from incoming calls from clients. Pat is best known for volunteering for special jobs such as assisting at the Reception Desk and helping to distribute the Thanksgiving meals to our clients. This Wednesday she will begin a new volunteer role assisting with client surveys."
Read more about Pat's volunteer impact below:
Q: Tell us about yourself and your background.
PH: Originally from Missouri, I grew up visiting Colorado almost every summer. Although I graduated with a Journalism degree, I fell into the hotel business which I loved and was thrilled to be moved to Denver in 1981 with Marriott Hotels. I also worked for Hyatt and Omni Hotels and the Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau here. My proudest accomplishment is my son, Jack who is 27 and currently teaching English in Majorica.
Q: What volunteer role do you have with JFS, and what roles have you had with JFS?
PH: I currently volunteer at the Food Pantry and at the Reception desk. I have not been able to do the Survey or Refugee Assistance programs yet. For a few weeks, I helped transcribe the incoming calls for intake. I also did parking and cart duty outside during the pandemic and still miss accruing all those steps directing the cars.
Q: What motivated you to begin volunteering with JFS?
PH: During the beginning of the pandemic, I felt purposeless and learned about JFS from my church Calvary Baptist down the street. In May of 2020, I started working the parking lot and really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with people, even with a mask. I've been volunteering for about four years.
Q: What's your favorite part about volunteering with JFS, and how has being a JFS volunteer impacted your life?
PH: I really like the clients and staff. Everyone is so committed to helping those in need and sincerely wants to do the right thing. I get huge satisfaction from being part of an organization that is making a difference in our world.
Q: Do you have a memorable story about your JFS volunteer experience to share? If so, please share below.
PH: I really like the clients and staff. Everyone is so committed to helping those in need and sincerely wants to do the right thing. I get huge satisfaction from being part of an organization that is making a difference in our world.
Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with JFS?
PH: Try it-you'll like it! The clients are nice and very appreciative and the other volunteers and staff make it fun. And you'll feel like you contributed to a good cause.
Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more and sign up today.