Ann Marie Goodman - Volunteers OEYC
Volunteers bring an abundance of skills and abilities to assist in the delivery of programs and services at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre. Matching up transferable skills with programs is an important component in meeting the needs of the Centre’s clients.
Every Thursday afternoon, Anne Marie volunteers in the OEYC Baby and Me Drop-in program. As a retired registered nurse, physical educator and health teacher, Anne Marie knew that she would love volunteering in the program helping out young families, and saw it as a perfect fit. And as she noted, “On a personal level, I am also the mother of three grown children and eight grandchildren.” The combination of professional and personal experience and her enthusiasm for the program are a great asset to the OEYC staff. As Anne Marie pointed out, “This outstanding program offers new mothers and their babies support, valuable information, guidance, and interaction with other parents and their children.” Enthusiastic about her role within the OEYC, she finds it a very rewarding experience and enjoys seeing how both the mothers and babies benefit from the activities within the group. Also impressive to her is the staff adding, “They are outstanding, patient, kind, helpful and provide a lot of information to their clients.” Always looking for other ways to help out at the WOCRC, Anne Marie is keen on broadening her volunteer horizons. Later, when time permits, she plans on venturing forth to volunteer with WOCRC’s Community Support Services by helping out with activities, such as personal care assistance, light meal preparation, exercise and companionship.
A strong supporter of the WOCRC, Anne Marie expressed her feelings stating, “Whatever your needs, the WOCRC can and will assist you or they will direct you to those who can. The WOCRC offers support, valuable information and friendship. The staff are totally amazing, and I love seeing how the mothers and babies interact. It’s the highlight of my week.” A great asset to the WOCRC, Anne Marie is appreciated for her wealth of knowledge that she brings to the Centre and clients who attend the OEYC program.