Kathryn - “Angels at Work” Coordinator
About our HOPE Hero:
Kathryn began her career as a counselor at a battered women's shelter in Camden, NJ. She then went on to work in the field of alcohol and substance abuse. After retiring to Florida, Kathryn found HOPE. In 2003, Kathryn helped to start a service group in her community to assist HOPE, which is now known as “Angels at Work.” They have continued to grow over the years and are now able to serve other local organizations as well.
What have you learned while volunteering?
I’ve learned that we can all do amazing things if we come together. Our group, “Angels at Work”, all live in a 55 & older community in Ellenton and strive to make a difference in our corner of the world. We may not be able to change everything but we can change some things. Our group is dedicated to bringing light, hope and smiles to the faces of those who do not have much to smile about when their lives are in crisis. We believe that HOPE Family Services saves lives and we want to support that effort however we can.
I love the feeling of doing something that makes a difference for others. Another motivation is the wonderful community that backs me up and the many residents, who believe in what we are doing. We are shedding a light on the issues of domestic violence and homelessness.
What advice would you give to a future volunteer?
Find what you love to do, find a group that has the same values and goals. Then get involved, you will be the better for it. You will grow in ways you can only imagine!