Posted 8:47 am Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PATH Volunteers Shown Appreciation At Luncheon
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By REBECCA HOEFFNER
Staff Writer
More than 130 volunteers from every department of a Tyler nonprofit, People Attempting to Help (PATH), gathered at Marvin United Methodist Church Monday to celebrate another year of work.
Staff Writer
More than 130 volunteers from every department of a Tyler nonprofit, People Attempting to Help (PATH), gathered at Marvin United Methodist Church Monday to celebrate another year of work.
“We have only 17 employees, but more than 400 volunteers,” said executive director Christina Fulsom in her speech to the group. “You all really are the backbone to what we do.”
This year's luncheon was titled, “Sowing Seeds of Hope for a Better Tomorrow,” which Ms. Fulsom said is what PATH volunteers do with clients every day.
This year's luncheon was titled, “Sowing Seeds of Hope for a Better Tomorrow,” which Ms. Fulsom said is what PATH volunteers do with clients every day.
“Every time you show someone you care, you're sowing seeds of hope,” she said. “… Hope is the antidote of fear. You bring hope to the table. You believe in (a client) more than they believe in themselves.”
By using volunteers, Ms. Fulsom said, the organization saved $261,000 last year. That's 26 percent of its budget for direct client services.
By using volunteers, Ms. Fulsom said, the organization saved $261,000 last year. That's 26 percent of its budget for direct client services.
“You don't have to give your time, but you do,” Ms. Fulsom said. “We're grateful.”
Magen Anderson, who has been the new volunteer coordinator at PATH since February, said giving hope is what the volunteers like best.
“When I first started at PATH, I asked the volunteers why they liked being at PATH,” she said. “The majority of them said they felt that they offered people hope.”
Magen Anderson, who has been the new volunteer coordinator at PATH since February, said giving hope is what the volunteers like best.
“When I first started at PATH, I asked the volunteers why they liked being at PATH,” she said. “The majority of them said they felt that they offered people hope.”
Bettie Clancy has been a caseworker at PATH for two years, and she volunteered in the pantry a year before that.
“I love it,” she said with a smile. “It's my favorite job. It's what I look forward to during the week.”
Several volunteers were recognized for their service at the Monday luncheon. In the long-term prescription assistance department, Ken Wilson was recognized.
“I love it,” she said with a smile. “It's my favorite job. It's what I look forward to during the week.”
Several volunteers were recognized for their service at the Monday luncheon. In the long-term prescription assistance department, Ken Wilson was recognized.
Chad King was recognized from the education department for his work teaching clients computer skills. John Childress, Craig Daniels, John Mattson and Carl Jeter were recognized for their work on community homes. Suzanne Myers was recognized for her work as the secretary of the board of directors. Jesse James was recognized for his work with the Kid Reach mentoring program. Jan Carpenter, Suzanne Daniels, Doug Cabron and Shakedra Howland were recognized for their work related to emergency services.
