Volunteer Stories
My name is Deb McGee. I have lived in New Mexico most of my life, and I moved to Albuquerque in July, 2011. I researched a volunteer opportunity before I moved here for two very important reasons: 1) I wanted to become a part of Albuquerque, not just reside here, and 2) I wanted to network with people and organizations as I navigate a career change into social work. Crossroads for Women looked like it was just the right place for me to volunteer some time, energy, my talents, and my skills.
-Volunteering has been an undeniably great experience for me. I have been learning about programs that assist those who need a little help as well as getting to know the staff and the clients in a way that makes me feel like I belong somewhere in this city and that I have something to contribute in turn. In addition to this nice, warm feeling I got for donating several hours a week this past summer, I had opportunities to network with staff and other volunteers that provided me with several leads to organizations and experiences to help me become a part of Albuquerque. I have also made several of my friends aware of Crossroads who have freely donated clothing, backpacks, purses, bedding, etc. to the organization. I feel I’m doing some good in helping to make people aware of the services Crossroads provides to women and children in need. (Networking works for both parties. )
-I love volunteering at Crossroads for Women. In addition to reception, I have also served on a committee to develop the upcoming digital storytelling project, “Moving Forward at the Crossroads of My Life,” which will provide an opportunity for the women to explore their hopes and dreams and make plans for their individual and unique futures through storytelling.
-I will continue to volunteer here in the future in whatever ways I am able to do so. This is a great organization filled with great people: clients, staff, and volunteers. I am happy that I discovered this place, and I am honored to have become a part of this community.
Hello, My name is Melinda. The way I came to know Crossroads was through my school. At my school from freshman year to junior year we have to do service learning where each Thursday they send us out to a place in the community to do community service. In our sophomore year it’s required for us to work at non-profit organizations. This is how I got sent to Crossroads to do my community service.-
When they told me about my site I have to admit I was a little scared because it was a whole new place that I had never heard of or been to before. My first day at Crossroads however was the opposite of what I had anticipated. Once I arrived Deb McGee, another volunteer, was the one to show me around and explain to me what I would be doing. She showed me just about everything I would be doing on the computer and also how to answer the phone. She is one of the many great people I had the chance to meet here at Crossroads. My experience here at Crossroads has been marvelous. Working at Crossroads has helped me to remember that everything, even the small things, make a difference.
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Working here at Crossroads has helped me with finding scholarships for college. One day when I was working here I was at the front desk editing my essay for the Simon Scholarship. KC, the Executive Director, noticed and asked me what I was doing and then asked Kerry, the Vocational Coordinator, to help me. I really appreciated their help and made it into the semi-finals and went to an interview. KC has also helped me by introducing me to more scholarships that I can try to apply to and this is something that I will be forever grateful for since I am really determined to go to college. Lately I have considered becoming a lawyer and having worked here at Crossroads has definitely spiked my interests more in that area.
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Crossroads has been a marvelous experience for me and the people who work here have been very nice as well. The staff here made me feel right at home. Crossroads for Women has now become a place that I will never forget or stop mentioning to other people who I know could use the help and services that they offer.
Volunteer Camille Pompeo on working with the children at Crossroads for Women
