“I believe we are all here to help each other.” – Nancy Sipe
The words of volunteer Nancy Sipe sum up the motivation behind the thousands of volunteers who give time and energy to help our community here at
As a parent of children with special needs, Nancy is a veteran at juggling multiple demands on her time. As her children reached an age where they needed less daily care, she turned toward a new role: volunteering in customer service at the Furniture Bank.
“Our neighbors are facing struggles, and I believe they need the love and support of a caring community,” she says. “That’s the essence of Crisis Assistance Ministry—helping people, always with hope and dignity.”
Recently, she and fellow volunteer Chris Watson received the agency’s highest volunteer honor: the Shirley Henry Award.
Chris greets customers and does data entry at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s satellite office at the Ada Jenkins Center in North Mecklenburg. A mother of two and grandmother of two more, Chris retired as a computer manager at a university library and jumped at the chance to use her skills to help others.
“I have met many people facing very difficult situations completely out of their control,” she says. “Without a place like Crisis Assistance Ministry to help, they might never get back on their feet and become financially stable.”
“I am proud to be a part of a great team of dedicated staff and volunteers who fill a great need in our community.” – Chris Watson
On behalf of all our neighbors who find help, hope, and understanding here, we are so grateful for the generosity of volunteers like Chris and Nancy.