October HOPE Heroes
Michelle & Katie - HOPE Board of Directors
Our HOPE Heroes for October are two outstanding members of HOPE’s Board of Directors and were the 2021 co-chairs for our annual Black & White Event. Michelle and Katie continuously go above and beyond in their positions at HOPE and we could not be more proud to have them on our team. Michelle serves on HOPE’s board as the Treasurer and Katie as HOPE’s Director of Membership.
About Michelle:
Michelle grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from the University of Delaware, which is where she met her husband, Tom. Michelle had talked about wanting to move to Florida for 10 years and finally did in 2015. She says it was the best decision ever!
About Katie:
Katie grew up in Manatee County and attended a local high school. She currently works at the National Association of Fire Investigators. Katie has been a supporter of HOPE Family Services for 20+ years and has served on the board of directors for the last 6+ years. Katie’s father also sat on HOPE’s Board of Directors for a few years!
What have you learned while working at HOPE?
Michelle: That contrary to common belief, domestic abuse is present across all socioeconomic classes. You never know what goes on behind closed doors. The seemingly perfect couple who “has everything” may be hiding a big and dangerous secret.
Katie: Volunteering is a learning experience and you constantly continue to learn about others and about yourself.
What motivates you to volunteer with this organization?
Michelle: Someone very close to me once shared a story about having to spend a night in a shelter after fleeing an abusive situation. I want to make sure that parents and children have a safe place to go for support and empower them to seek help.
Katie: HOPE changes people’s lives, plain and simple.
Describe the most incredible view you’ve ever seen.
Michelle: The stars on a clear night in the Colorado mountains. It looked like you could reach out and touch them!
Katie: The Grand Canyon! It was breathtaking.
What’s your pizza order?
Michelle: NY style Margherita with extra cheese and fresh basil and a drizzle of truffle oil, yum!
Katie: Onions, mushrooms, & green olives!
We truly appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to our mission!