Our volunteers are so important to us at WVCS! For our March blog post we are highlighting Ying Schmitt, whose fluency in Mandarin and caring nature make her a client favorite as she helps out at the Front Desk. Ying started volunteering with WVCS in September 2020 working in our Food Market, and true to her helpful attitude, moved to the Front Desk where she could greet and assist the many clients who do not speak English. Read on for our conversation with her…
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Before moving to Cupertino 5 years ago, I was a Chinese and Japanese instructor at Phillips Academy, in Andover, Massachusetts. In 2000, I began volunteering at Merrimack Valley Blog Immigrants and Education Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and in 2009, I joined their Board of Directors.
How did you find us? When did you start volunteering? And why did you choose to volunteer here at WVCS?
In 2020, I was not working and wanted to use my free time wisely. Specifically, I hoped to volunteer to help out the community and found WVCS online. I began volunteering in the Food Market and then moved to the Front Desk.
What have you learned about yourself volunteering here at WVCS?
This is the first time that I have volunteered with an organization that provides food and shelter assistance for those in need. I admire all the case workers at WVCS whose unselfishness and compassion to help people in need is always present. I am so impressed by all the volunteers and staff who continuously do their best to serve clients during the COVID 19 pandemic. They consistently put clients' needs and safety as the first priority. During my volunteering, I have been surprised by how many people are giving their time to community service and also surprised by how many people, even in this area, are in need of food and housing.
Any special moments you would like to share about your volunteering experience here at WVCS?
I see how effectively the WVCS staff works together as a team to fulfill the requirements of each individual's needs. Their great patience and compassion is beyond what I could imagine.
Any other thoughts or comments about your volunteer experience here at WVCS?
I feel so lucky to have become a member of the WVCS family.
And we and the WVCS clients are so lucky to have you! On behalf of the entire WVCS community, thank YOU, Ying! We could not do what we do without volunteers like you!
With love,
The WVCS Community