Executive Director Kimberly Boudrie at Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation Center is our Greystone Volunteer of the Month! She loves the clear perspective volunteering gives her, and is especially interested in aiding and supporting underprivileged people. Read the following interview with her to learn more:

Q:  What was the first place you ever volunteered at, what was your first impression? 
A:  I honestly don’t recall when I started, as I come from a family that has always stressed volunteering. I taught Sunday School and volunteered at a nursing home when I was 12.

Q: What is your favorite memory of volunteering so far?
A:  Wow, that is tough! I think my latest involvement with the SafeHouse of Seminole, working with women who are getting back into the job market, assisting them with how to interview, and teaching them how to see and sell their skills. It has been so rewarding for me.

Q:  Who has had the biggest impact on you in the volunteering community, and why?
A: My parents — I don’t recall any part in my life that they haven’t volunteered. My dad, who had no boys, coached baseball, soccer and basketball. My mom was a volunteer librarian at most of my schools. She is also one of the founding mothers of an abuse shelter in Brevard County, and serves on the Board of the Melbourne Sharing Center and the United Way Board. My father grew a small adult learning center at his church from 25 people to over 300 people, and over 25 classes each semester. And both of them are in their late 70’s!  I can recall them taking me to the drug rehab center they volunteered at when I was still in elementary school to sort papers and clean up.

Q:  What has been your favorite place to volunteer and why?
A:  Right now it is the Safehouse of Seminole. It is a domestic shelter that has a tremendous array of support programs for women and children. This involves everything from counseling, to developing economic independence skills, to shopping and cooking on a budget. They also provide tutoring and counseling for children and a constant focus on developing the skills, potential and esteem of each of their clients.

Q:  What advice would you give to someone that wants to start volunteering?
A:  Find something that feeds your hidden passion. If you love to cook, do that. If you are organized and aren’t that comfortable being with people, so many organizations need office help. Don’t underestimate the need for your help. Try it a few times and you will find it is addicting.

Q:  What is your motivation to continue to volunteer?    
A:  It is easy sometimes to get caught up in the craziness of everyday work/home life. Taking time away from that to do for someone else actually energizes me to take a fresh perspective on my own blessings and challenges.

Q:  If you could start your own nonprofit organization what would it be, and why? 
A:  I would start a program for disabled adults and animals.  I know the difference they make in each other’s lives and the ability for animals to open up people who are otherwise closed.

Q:  Why do you think it’s important to volunteer?   
A:  It feeds your soul and keeps life in perspective.

Thanks, Kimberly! We are so grateful for your service to both Greystone and your community.