Congratulations to Anne and Elsie Paulsen, our July Volunteers of the Month!
This mother-daughter team was nominated specifically for their work in our courtyard gardens this summer. Our regular gardening volunteers took a summer break and the Paulsen’s were quick to jump in to help. Anne and Elise were nominated by Leticia Ortiz (Domestic Violence Program Manager and Legal Advocate), Esther Gomez (Therapeutic Children’s Center Manager) and Kym Sheerman (Holiday Baskets Project Manager).
Anne and Elsie have been volunteering at the Therapeutic Children’s Center continuously since 2016. Additionally, they have volunteered with National Charity League and our Holiday Baskets toy department for more than seven years. We are so grateful for their support and dedication and the many ways that Anne and Elsie contribute to CRC.
From Esther Gomez, Therapeutic Children’s Center Manager:
Anne and Elsie started volunteering at the Therapeutic Children’s Center (TCC) in June of 2016 as a mother daughter team. They volunteer during our Counseling department’s “Monday Kid’s Group.” Anne and Elsie assist staff with group setup, help prep for the daily group activities, assist staff in the care of our younger participants (infant/ toddlers), assist staff with group activities and after-group clean up. Elsie is a positive role model for our TCC participants, showing kindness, compassion and respect towards others. Anne’s gentle guidance and reassuring approach helps ease the children’s anxiety. Anne and Elsie are an important component in the success of our Monday Kid’s Group. They were made aware of the temporary TCC closure due to the COVID-19, and both expressed that they would like to continue volunteering during kid’s group when the TCC reopens. In the meantime, they continue to volunteer onsite maintaining our courtyard garden. We could not do the job that we do without volunteers like Anne and Elsie, who unselfishly volunteer their time and efforts in support of our CRC mission.
From Kym Sheerman, Holiday Baskets Project Manager:
I believe it was seven or eight years ago that Anne and Elsie Paulsen started volunteering for the Holiday Basket Program. I knew the minute I met them they would be perfect for the job. I was Captain of the toy department when they became the Co-Captain’s. They later took over the toy department as the captains for four years. They changed the game on how things were structured and organized. Anne with her analytical brain and Elsie with her creative mind, both never missed a beat. They were 100% committed to this program putting in the longest hours and making sure everything was perfect for our participants. I would often see they were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Anne and Elsie are examples of what our generous community is made up of. I am so proud to have worked with them both and feel fortunate to have Anne’s continued support as we also wish Elsie a celebrated send-off leaving for college knowing she is a force to be reckoned with!
Thanks Paulsen girls! We love you!
