Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Cook

The H.E.L.P Center waiting room at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a busy little space, often filled with community members seeking Social Service assistance for various basic needs. This process for many individuals can be overwhelming and emotional.

For some, just entering into the building is a step where fear of the unknown or being turned down for help can lead to anxiety. It is a hard concept for most community members to grasp, as the majorities are blessed with a home, a fair wage and the ability to generate the social capital that leads to long-term stability. However, for the others that walk through the doors of St. Vincent de Paul, an angel has been sent to comfort and guide them on their journey to self-sufficiency, and her name is Volunteer Julie Cook.

Julie Cook has been volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul in Coeur d'Alene for five years. Twice a week she shares her relieving spirit with the weary and the worried. "God calls us to help each other," Cook proclaims without hesitation. "At St. Vincent de Paul, we help so many in need. I love being a small part of that."

Cook's main responsibilities are assisting at the receptionist desk, giving information to the community members and directing clients to service provider areas. She has also done data entry for record keeping. But her most important work is done in the waiting and hospitality area.

"Julie is very good with the clients, always smiling," states Wanda Golding, Receptionist for St. Vincent de Paul. When asked what she gives to the client, Golding shares, "Julie recognizes each of them by name and treats them with dignity. She finds out what they need in a kind way, and gets them to the right person. Most people come to us 'stressed out' and she is comforting in these situations."

Cook has furthered her personal mission by keeping the hospitality area well filled with donuts and coffee, cups of soup, fruit and oatmeal. "These people are homeless and come to us with children that they are struggling to feed," states Cook. "I never know when they ate last, so I get what is needed." Many St. Vincent de Paul employees commented on how Cook takes care of them too. Golding states, "She comes in on Mondays just to bring the lunch."

When asked about a meaningful experience she had while volunteering, Cook shared, "I recall a lady coming in and she was in tears. She had very small children with her and nowhere to go, and with no means to get there anyway. After spending time with her, and letting her know that there was help available, she broke down and cried even harder.

"She had been so worried about her little ones. I could tell she was grateful. Later, as she was leaving, she found me and grasped my hand. With a beautiful smile where her tears had been, she thanked me. It was my honor to tell her that it wasn't me, but God and St. Vincent de Paul that deserve the thanks and glory."

Julie Cook is a native Idahoan, born and raised in Bonners Ferry and has lived in Coeur d'Alene for 10 years. She is married to her best friend, Gary, of 41 years. They have three daughters and eight fantastic grandchildren.

Volunteer Opportunity: Coeur d'Alene Opera company

The Coeur d'Alene Opera company is a 501(C)(3) organization that stages opera productions in the summer and early autumn, utilizing nationally recognized performers as well as emerging young artists. The company also operates a substantial educational outreach program for K through college students and holds mini-performances at public venues for the Inland Northwest Community.

The Coeur d'Alene Opera is making a concentrated effort to expand its audience base through a summer festival of opera beginning 2014. In support of this effort, we will need many more volunteers with good writing, communications, and other specialized skills. Some tasking will not require a physical presence in Idaho. In addition to our volunteer program, we have available a limited number of currently unpaid Internship positions.

If you would like to be a part of this growing opportunity, please contact Marsha Gilbert, Chair of Grant Writing Committee at [email protected] or (800) 418-1485 Ext. 110.

Please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112 Ext. 101.

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The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

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Call 208.667.8112 or visit the

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www.kootenaiunitedway.org

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