Volunteer Spotlight
Shining a little love on the people who generously give their time and talents to allow the YWCA to make the biggest impact...
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Darci Scherbak
Darci began volunteering for the YWCA in November of 2008 and for over 4 years has served in various capacities, but most recognizably as the ‘Donation Angel’ who loads up her SUV almost weekly and hauls the generous donations of the Nashville community from our administrative location to the shelter where they are put to good use. Through busy weeks at work, life changes and a nasty cold or two, Darci dependably sacrifices her time (and gas) to make sure the women & children at the Weaver Center have what they need. Above and beyond her job as ‘Donation Angel,’ Darci collected urgent needs items for the shelter at her annual Christmas soiree and recently helped coordinate and manage logistics for our wildly successful live & silent auction at Wine Women & Shoes. She is a wonderful example of a true friend to the YWCA, committed to helping us thrive in so many ways. Darci – thank you for ALL you do. The YWCA appreciates you!
Check out our wishlist to view our current needs.
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Judy Wheatley
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The kind folks at Fifty Forward – who match senior volunteers with opportunities based on interests and skills -introduced Judy to the YWCA in February of 2012, and she has committedly served two days a week ever since.
Judy grew up in a home where it was instilled in her and her siblings that giving back to your country and community are just a way of life. Her 92 year old mother, and role model, has always been involved in public service and particularly women focused organizations. “Women’s issues really resonate with me. Supporting women to let them be independent and free of abuse and discrimination is the area I want to impact,” says Judy.
At the YWCA, Judy has absolutely done that. She has been an integral part of creating the entire volunteer database in our Raiser’s Edge program – finding creative ways to better utilize the software, maintain records, fill staff and client volunteer needs efficiently and ultimately establishing a system that allows the YWCA to provide a more impactful volunteer experience that equipping us to reach and touch more individuals.
Her heart is SO big, she graces several other organizations with her time and talents, including being a tutor for the Nashville Literacy Council, serving on the Board of 10,000 Villages (as the chair of the Grant Writing Committee) and being active in service with her church. We are incredibly lucky to have Judy’s brilliance as a part of our team at the YWCA.
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Diane Harsha has been a volunteer at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter, a safe haven for thousands of battered women and their children, for thirteen years. Diane gained compassion for victims of domestic violence when she served as a police officer in Alabama. Today, Diane is an FBI agency and terrorism expert. Her career in assessing and defusing dangerously hostile life and death situations makes her a compassionate, observant, unobtrusive and stellar volunteer.
Diane has volunteered more than 2,500 hours for the YWCA over the last thirteen years. "I love the YWCA, because they are always grateful for my time and support. Every volunteer assignemnt has been worthwhile".
The inaugural Viva la Diva Run last year was no exception- Diane helped with race promotion by distributing Viva la Diva fliers to runners at another local race, and plans to help again this year: "I think everybody in the community should volunteer in some way. Viva la Diva is a great way to become involved to support some very great causes".
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| Diane volunteering at the YWCA's 29th annual Celebrity Auction this past June. |
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| Suzanne Bodell |
Re-New at the YWCA started in September 2010, recruiting generous volunteers such as Suanne Bodell. Re-New reuses furniture to renew hope for some graduates of the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Center. Women and children in the YWCA Transitional Housing Program needed help furnishing their apartments when they came out of shelter. “I was told that there was a need for kitchen supplies, anything you would want to have in a kitchen to make it functional,” recalled Suzanne. She went on a mission with a couple of friends to collect can openers, dishtowels, dishes, knives, etc. and joined other Re-New “angels” for the second Re-New home installation. When the kitchen was finished, she toured the rest of the home and was amazed to see the transformation completed by the other volunteers. “I saw beautifully decorated bedrooms, bathrooms and a cozy, comfortable living room, all furnished with donations! I was hooked.
It is fulfilling to know that we are helping to impact the lives of women who are fleeing abusive relationships by turning an empty apartment into a functioning home for them and their children.”
Suzanne, a dedicated volunteer, not only coordinates the kitchen installation for Re-New homes, she is an integral part of organizing and maintaining the warehouse inventory. Julie Davis, founder of Re-New, recently described Suzanne, "her timeless hours donated and unparalleled organizational skills have transformed Re-New. Without Suzanne, Re-New would not be what it is today. She is a key ingredient for all Re-New does!"
Wafa
Born in Lebanon, Wafa Khallouf immigrated to the United States 21 years ago in order to provide a more stable environment for her children. “I love Nashville (most days) and feel very grateful to live here,” Wafa says.
A truly committed volunteer, Wafa has given her time to serve at the Woodmont front desk weekly for over five years. When asked what inspired her to start volunteering for the YWCA, Wafa giggled, “How much time do you have for that story?” Her mother served as President of the YWCA in her home city of Tripoli, Lebanon for many years, and Wafa joked she was dragged to all sorts of events. Their programs vary slightly from the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, focusing on providing a safe atmosphere for women to socialize, conduct fundraising activities, provide childcare and offer elementary literacy programs. A large component of the YWCA Wafa experienced was running a hostel that provided a safe haven for girls coming from surrounding villages to work in the city.
Once her children went to school, Wafa worked for the Lebanon National YWCA in Beirut and was employed for several years before her move to America. After retirement, she wanted to find a way to give back to the YWCA for all of the wonderful memories and experiences the organization had contributed to her life.
“I grew up in the YWCA, it was a passion of my mother’s and a part of me… a part of my being. I enjoy whatever little impact I can have, and honestly feel privileged to be a part of it. The small piece that I give, the YWCA gives me even more in return.” And, Wafa, that amazing and selfless attitude is what makes ALL of us at the YWCA appreciate you so much.
If you are near the Woodmont office on a Wednesday, stop by and say hello to Wafa – if you have the time, she’ll tell you another bit of her wonderful story.