Volunteer Spotlight: April Fortier

April Fortier has spent 10 years serving with United Way of Kootenai County. During this time, she has watched the focus of United Way's work transform from community impact to collective impact: a process for engaging the community to drive collaborative community change through a shared vision and common agenda. United Way's have moved away from being just a pass-through funding source and impact councils are taking a more active role in giving, advocating and volunteering their time for the cause. April Fortier is leading the way for the Income and Basic Needs Council and has spent a decade dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community.

Fortier, assistant vice president and e-banking support manager for Mountain West Bank, proudly co-chairs the Income and Basic Needs Council with fellow employee, Joy Rogers. Together, they work to help new volunteers understand their role on this committee. Fortier keeps the team focused and progressing toward the common goals which are ensuring individuals and families have access to the basic needs of food and shelter, and promoting financial stability and independence.

The Income/Basic Needs Council meets regularly and Fortier volunteers about six hours a month. "I care about our community and the people that live here," Fortier said. "United Way gives me the opportunity to help others and make a difference. The best part is I get to see the improved lives and help nonprofit agencies meet there goals to serve the most vulnerable in our community.

"I also know United Way does a great job with their annual fundraising," Fortier said. "Mountain West Bank is proud to be a United Way community partner in this through both employee giving campaigns and corporate giving. Our entire organization participates in the Day of Caring, a county-wide Day of Action that kicks off the United Way's Annual Employee Giving Campaign. We work half-staff that day, allowing all bank employees the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in their communities. This is a bank culture for Mountain West Bank."

Fortier is humbled by the experiences during the past 10 years. "I have been truly touched by my work with United Way," said Fortier. "Any of us could have a need to utilize a service provided by one of United Way's partner agencies, from a local food bank to a service for the elderly. What stands out to me the most is our local food banks and soup kitchens. They work hard to make sure the hungry are fed no matter what the current demand is."

April Fortier has worked in banking for the last 13 years. A resident of Coeur d'Alene, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 5-year-old son, and gardening in the summertime.

Volunteer Opportunity: Food Bank Volunteers Needed

Dedicated volunteers are needed Monday through Friday to assist with the many daily operations at Community Action Partnership Food Bank. Opportunities include distributing food to food bank guests, data entry and office assistant duties, team leaders, qualified drivers to pick up food from donating organizations, stocking shelves and coolers, sorting food and making up food boxes, cleaning, gardening, extra assistance the week before Thanksgiving when we distribute holiday meals to over 2,500 families! Volunteers should have a desire to serve others with respect, dignity, and a friendly smile. A good heart with a sense of humor is a bonus! You must be 18 years old, in good health (able to lift 35 pounds), with a clean appearance.

Training is provided to all new volunteers. A six-month commitment of four hours per week is the norm.

For further details about this opportunity and other volunteer opportunities in the community, please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to GET CONNECTED to our Volunteer Center, 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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* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

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(208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

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