Families for Families Spotlight

CHRISTIE RUTHERFORD - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

by CM

Christie volunteers every week in our warehouse, organizing donations, helping to write grants and helping out at special events. Her exceptional talent lies in providing excellent support to clients, guiding them through the process of selecting and "shopping" for free items from the warehouse to furnish their new homes. We asked her a few questions about the time she dedicates to helping others and we thought we would share her responses with you:

How were you first introduced to Families for Families?

After my mother in law passed in 2021 I was talking to my neighbor Erin, who is on the board of Families for Families, and she told me about the furnishing great starts program. We had a house to clean out and were able to donate almost everything in the kitchen, beds, dressers, linens, towels, chairs, a kitchen table and so much more. Seeing so many of her belongings being used by other families made the clean out so much easier.

How has volunteering for Families for Families had a positive impact in your life?

Spending time volunteering at Families for Families has reinforced to me how lucky so many of us are in our community and also how much need there is so close to Wyckoff. I have learned more about the issues and barriers in place for people with housing and food insecurity and how difficult it is for our clients to navigate the system.

I have made some wonderful new friends, and have stepped out of my own comfort zone to become a client coach.

Families for Families programs and activities for the clients and families remind me that we should do what we can to leave the world, and the people in it in a better place than it was the day before.

Please share a memorable moment you have had at one of our events or while working with Families for Families:

The times I enjoy the most when I am at Families for Families are shopping with he clients. Helping women choose not only what they need for their new home, but also what they want and accessories that they like is rewarding and also a lot of fun for me and hopefully for the client as well.

I also love the summer picnic and having fun with all the kids!