Just what is an auxiliary board, you ask? Great question! At Hephzibah, auxiliary boards are groups of volunteers who collectively raise funds and increase awareness in the wider community – all in support of Hephzibah’s mission. Our three auxiliary boards – Oak Park, Western, and Chicago – actively engage in their local communities, host events in their area, and plan fun activities for the children we serve. Dorota Szerszenowicz, President of the Oak Park Auxiliary, recently discussed her involvement:
How and when did you come to be a part of Hephzibah’s Oak Park Auxiliary? We moved from the East Coast in the summer of 2020. I immediately started looking for a new organization to volunteer for, and Hephzibah was my number one choice for many different reasons. I contacted the organization, joined my first board meeting in September of 2020, and here I am three years later.
Why did you choose Hephzibah as the organization you wanted to help? I have been exposed to different environments and jobs from academia to Fortune 500 companies to international non-profit organizations. Even though I worked in the market research field for nearly 20 years, I have always volunteered and tried to position myself to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, I have more free time to really use my corporate experience and personal enthusiasm for something I truly love.
The moment I studied Hephzibah’s website, I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization, and I knew I had skills that would further their mission. I am a natural community influencer, fundraiser, and community organizer. I am truly privileged to be able to serve such an amazing organization as Hephzibah. I am also extremely grateful that my work is appreciated and tangible.
How has volunteering for Hephzibah changed your life? Simply put, it became a part of my life. I assumed the role of Board President, and I take it very seriously. I am intentional in what we do, and I always think how each decision made by the Board would benefit Hephzibah today, tomorrow, and in years to come. Volunteering for Hephzibah is part of my DNA now. I am also very proud that my two little daughters, Mila and Helenka, are part of this process and help me. For them, Hephzibah is what their mommy does all the time.
What would you tell others to convince them to join a Hephzibah Auxiliary Board? As a Hephzibah board member, you will become an advocate for children who need us most. You will become the voice of children who have been failed by other adults too many times. That’s very powerful, and it will truly elevate your life! We always need help and creative ideas on how to engage our community and bring awareness to our organization.
What is an unexpected benefit to your volunteerism with Hephzibah? This question was the most difficult for me to answer. I don’t think anything really surprised me. After learning about Hephzibah’s 100+ year history, I knew I was joining an organization full of committed people who share the same belief in the mission of the organization. I am, however, very proud of the community work we do as a board. Particularly, the Halloween Fun Run. We initiated the event without any experience nearly a year ago. We thought that it would be an amazing opportunity for Hephzibah to reconnect with the RF and OP communities post-Covid. And we were right!