Spotlight on Service:

Julie
Relief & Hope Volunteer
Parish Social Ministry

VS: How did you become interested in volunteering with Catholic Charities Maine?
I used to work as an RN, and I originally went into nursing to help people. After I retired, I wanted to do something to help serve the community again. I looked in the phone book for a place to volunteer, and I had heard of Catholic Charities as an organization. I met with Parish Social Ministry staff members about this opportunity and it seemed like a good fit for my values.

VS: How long have you been volunteering with us?
I began volunteering in November of 2011, and I usually come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for about 8 hours per week.

VS: What are your current projects?
Since last spring, I’ve been working on putting together spreadsheets for our Relief & Hope emergency assistance program. I’ve made calls to churches and asked about the services they provide and recorded the information in spreadsheets based on location. I’ve also been researching 2-1-1.

Organizing this information has helped make it easier to connect people to resources when they call us in need of help that we don’t directly provide.

I used to also take calls from people in need of financial assistance for rent or fuel. Some of the stories that people call with are so sad, and I wish I could do more to help them.

VS: What do you enjoy about your volunteering experience?
I’ve enjoyed being able to feel helpful, and I’d like to think that some of my phone conversations may have benefitted people, even if all I did was listen to them. Additionally, I’ve learned so much through volunteering here about the resources that are available to help people in need across the state.

Also, it has been exciting to work in a real office with my own desk and space! As a volunteer, Catholic Charities has made me feel very welcome and includes me in things around the office, including lunches and special activities.