Volunteer Spotlight: Thank you for 21 Years with the Heart!
Carol, Education Volunteer
“I wanted to give back some time to the community in my retirement. This was what drew me to Sacred Heart Community Service back in 2000. Having teaching experience myself, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program was a good fit for me. Every child needs some classroom exposure before going to kindergarten. This program was well run, busy and fun.
Some ten years later, I switched to teaching English to the parents of these preschoolers. I don’t speak Spanish, but the mothers have different levels of English skills so we get along well. Having English language skills is especially important for parents when their children go to school. The resources that this program provides can be a lifeline for many. Their gratitude for our help is evident every time we are in class. After 21 years of working with many different children and parents at Sacred Heart, I am grateful for the wonderful relationships with the staff as well as the time spent with all those who have come to the program.”
When asked to speak about Carol, ECE Program Manager Maria had these words to share: “Carol has been a very dedicated volunteer and donor for SH since 2000. I met Carol when I joined the Parents of Preschoolers (POPs) class in 2000, while she was helping in the preschool program where my kids attended. One of the things that I love about Sacred Heart is that our volunteers are not just volunteers. They become friends and even part of our own family. My kids have come to know and love Carol since they were 3 years old. Now, the oldest is 25 and they see her as an aunt with so much respect and love. I see that happening with many of the families that go through our program.
Her commitment and dedication to the program are admirable. She is part of our POPs committee, helps make the ESL class curriculum, and plans her vacation time according to our program breaks. In past years, Carol used to help in the program twice a week even though she had to commute for more than an hour!”
Carol, we are thankful for you and your 21 years of service here at the Heart!