April was Global Volunteer Month, during which nonprofit organizations around the world celebrate the contributions of the people behind the scenes; the volunteers who quietly donate their time and talents to ensure that so many worthy causes succeed.
They do this only for the reward that comes from making a difference for somebody, somewhere. As the Points of Light organization puts it, volunteers make a real difference in their own backyards, causing a ripple effect around the world.
At Pathway Homes, we couldn’t agree more about the crucial role that volunteers play in the success of reaching our strategic goals, which is why we highlight one of our very own volunteers, Antoinette Allen, who has generously supported us over the last 4 years.
Antoinette came to Pathway Homes through Ignatian Volunteer Corps, a faith-based organization that matches retired professionals with nonprofits. After interviewing with a few organizations, Antoinette Allen decided to use her 40 years of experience in event planning to assist Pathway Homes in the development department. Her decision to choose us ultimately came down to our specific mission of making non-time-limited housing and mental health services available to individuals living with mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders, so they can recover and live their best lives. Antoinette explains, “I selected Pathways because I really enjoy the people, and of course, they have a very important mission — as all nonprofits do — but you know, mental illness and homelessness is just a huge issue here in the United States.”
According to Antoinette, the most meaningful experience during her time with Pathways, has been the Summer of the Arts Exhibition, which she names as her favorite project explaining, “You know, I typically do data entry, so I don’t always have direct contact with our consumers, but with Summer of the Arts, consumers can submit artwork, and we hang it for a month at the Fairfax County Government Center.
They have a reception and the artists are there, and I go pick up art from them. So, you’re involved with them, and it’s just a good thing.”
Thank you, Antoinette, and the rest of our devoted volunteers, for your time and effort! Your commitment goes a long way to making our work possible.
