There are endless benefits that come from a lifetime of volunteering. Volunteering gives individuals a sense of purpose, improves physical and mental health, helps people engage in their community and simply makes people happier. However, one long-time volunteer for Hephzibah gives her time for other reasons. Kim Stoltz, a dedicated and loyal Hephzibah volunteer since 2011, simply does it for the children and families we serve.
Kim’s commitment and devotion to Hephzibah is evident in all the ways she serves as a volunteer. Kim first learned about Hephzibah from a former co-worker who happened to be a board member. Curious, Kim researched Hephzibah and upon learning more about our mission, she became sold on finding a way to help. Kim’s volunteer journey began with our Day Care program assisting children after school. Her involvement grew deeper when she learned about the Pet Mate program which at the time, allowed children at Hephzibah Home to interact with animals for therapeutic reasons and as a way to prepare them for foster homes with pets. Kim began bringing her golden retriever, Faith, after she was properly trained, to safely interact with the children.
Kim and her dog Faith were eventually paired with a young girl named Jewel, who lived at the home. Together, the three of them would spend time getting to know each other during weekly visits, with Faith helping to strengthen the unbreakable bond between them. Kim kept in touch with Jewel throughout her entire foster care journey through texts, phone calls and over coffee. Kim’s commitment and dedication to Jewel is exactly what foster children need – stability and someone who stays by their side no matter what.
While nurturing her relationship with Jewel, Kim was also serving as a valuable Western Auxiliary member, filling many different roles, and is currently the auxiliary treasurer. Kim has also given her time helping with the Heart of Gold Ball as both a committee member and event volunteer. After being recruited by Kim, her daughter Ashley began volunteering for Hephzibah, carrying on the spirit of giving. In fact, Kim’s entire family have all at one point been Hephzibah volunteers. Not surprisingly, this year Kim was recognized by her peers with the Western Auxiliary’s Heart of Gold award for outstanding service.
Kim, and her entire family, have ignited a sense of purpose and giving amongst their friends, who have also joined the family at times to help. What began for Kim as a calling, has inspired a spirit of volunteerism in others — which helps people connect to their friends, neighbors and the organizations that help make their communities a better place. We are lucky to have volunteers like Kim who give selflessly to support the vital services we provide and are dedicated to helping children thrive and families flourish.