Dear Friends,

For the first time since the Spring of 2020, Gathering for Women’s staff and Board recently gathered to celebrate our volunteers. During the festivities, we were honored to hear Ramona, a previously homeless guest, tell her story in her own words. After struggling for nearly a year living in her car with her dog Hurricane, the two are finally housed and loving their new life. Ramona moved me to tears when she said “I would park outside the gate and see you walking to work. When you opened the gate, I knew I was safe.“
 
Our volunteers have been at the heart of all we do since we opened. Some of our volunteers, new and seasoned, were with us throughout the entire pandemic – one working more than 600 hours! Some of our volunteers picked up donated meals, and others shopped for needed items from the safety of their home. We are thankful for every one of them, and it was amazing to hear their joy as we celebrated their dedication to our work. One new volunteer said: “It seems like every person I meet is the kind of person I want to spend time with: generous-spirited, concerned about others and trying to make a positive difference in our community. It makes for a great community!”
 
It takes a community to make a difference. We are grateful that you are a part of our community. We could not do this work without you.
 
In partnership,

Staci M. Alziebler-Perkins
Executive Director