Persistence Pays Off

It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week at Family House! There is no way we can adequately express in words how thankful we are to the many volunteers who helped us through a challenging year in house history. Our volunteers give of themselves freely and make a valuable contribution to Family House. 

We would be lost without them. Whether our volunteers helped at home or in the house, our volunteers are the ones who keep us going strong.  

 One of our newest volunteers came to us right when the pandemic hit a year ago. Betsy Ross, our new front desk volunteer, heard about Family House through long-time volunteer Betty Cates. Betsy immediately emailed me with interest in serving but was told to come back once we could take volunteers. While most volunteers might have given up inquiring, Betsy did not. Her drive to serve was strong, and knowing so many good things about Family House, she refused to give up. A year later, and multiple emails later, we have finally welcomed Betsy and her husband Brent to Family House as volunteers. Her persistence paid off, and she is now part of our great family of volunteers.

 Betsy is a native of Eastern NC and a UNC graduate. She has two adult children and three grandchildren whom she adores! She has lived all over the United States but has recently returned to her home state of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She retired a year ago after working as a 3-D Cad designer. She spends her free time volunteering at Family House, playing with her grandchildren, painting, studying the bible, riding bikes, and exercising. You can regularly find her exercising at the Meadowmont Wellness Center doing yoga, TRX, Core, and swimming. She’s a self-described energetic person who likes to have fun all the time. (see pic) That is evident when you meet Betsy, and she draws you into her charisma and joy.

 When asked what she likes most about volunteering at Family House she states, “It’s great to be able to give a smile to those living in a different world…not a fun world…but to help them escape from the hospital for a bit.”  

 We are so glad Betsy was persistent in joining us at Family House. We are thankful that she’s finally here. The year-long wait was worth it!

 Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week everyone!

 If you are interested in volunteering in some capacity for SECU Family House, please contact Volunteer Services Manager, Georgie Clemens at 919-932-8009 or georgie@secufamilyhouse.org