This week we are continuing our series of interviews as a way of celebrating National Volunteer Week. We asked local agencies for names of volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help in their agencies and the clients they serve. Our hope is that the individuals we write about will receive some well-deserved recognition and that others who read their stories will be inspired to create their own story of giving back to their community.
Shelly Starr is a truly amazing example of volunteerism. She was nominated for this series by Three Rivers Area Mentoring but she also volunteers with the Animal Rescue Fund and with 4H. She has volunteered as a TRAM mentor for the past seven years and she’s mentored a total of five kids. She currently is mentoring two girls, ages 11 and 13, and she has maintained contact with her previous mentees through Facebook. Shelly has also volunteered as a 4H leader for 20 years. She has taught care and showmanship of cats for many years and, while her boys were younger and involved with 4H, she also taught shotgun skills.
Shelly Starr
Shelly says that she likes teaching the things that she knows and that both TRAM and 4H give her opportunities to do that. She says that she likes watching kids try and learn new things. Jennifer VanOosterhout, Executive Director of TRAM, praises Shelly’s work and says that she “always does more than is expected of her. Besides taking on, not one, but two mentees she also helps out at the after-school program and other programs sponsored by the agency.” She has helped to connect several TRAM kids with other activities at 4H, something which further enriches the kids’ lives.
Beyond her work with TRAM and 4H, Shelly is also an active member of the Animal Rescue Fund. She currently serves as their public relations officer. She also coordinated last year’s annual Walk-A-Thon at Meyer Broadway Park and she organized a fundraiser for the organization with a group of pool players at Paisano’s. She is also a regular visitor at Bowman House and area nursing homes where she brings her own pets share some loving with the residents.
Shelly has some difficulties with getting around but she says that never stops her from doing the things she enjoys. She says that if you are interested in helping you will find a way to make it work for you regardless of the challenges. If Shelly’s story has sparked an interest for you, any of the agencies with which she works would be happy to talk with you. You can reach the Three Rivers Area Mentoring office at 269-278-8726. The 4H office phone number is 269-467-5521. The contact for Animal Rescue Fund is Leeann Farmer at 269-718-3826.
We also have a reminder for those who are interested in learning what’s involved in being a foster parent for children who have been removed from their parents’ homes because of abuse or neglect. There will be an open house from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 13, at the Holiday Inn Express in Three Rivers. Representatives from the Department of Human Services as well as other private agencies will be available to answer questions.
Other programs in St. Joseph County that are looking for volunteers and would like to be included in this weekly column are encouraged to register with United Way. Contact Margaret Shultz, Volunteer Services Specialist, at 269-467-9099 or at volunteer.sjcuw@gmail.com.