Kathleen Phillips – March 2020 Volunteer

My name is Kathleen Phillips, I was born and raised in Chicago and moved to  Bloomington/Normal in 1985. I am married to Rick Phillips and share a blended family of 7 adult children and 12 grandchildren. I work part time outside the home and have been a  volunteer for Faith In Action since 2007.

I was searching for an opportunity to give back to the community when a friend of mine suggested that I contact Bobbie Hynes at Faith In Action, located on Prairie St. in Bloomington. I was quickly welcomed into the fold and it has been a good fit ever since.

I volunteered at the transportation desk weekly and I saw first-hand the need for Faith In Action  and the impact it had on our care receivers who were, and are today, in much need of our services in  order to stay independent in their homes. 

With 2 office moves later, I am still found at the transportation desk every other Monday afternoon.  When I’m not in the office I try to accept transportation requests on the alternate weeks. The ride requests gives me such an insight to the challenges and trials that face our seniors. All their  stories leave you with an empathetic heart, but one lady in particular was sharing her story which she  ended with “Growing old isn’t for sissies” she made me giggle and then as I reflected, I thought how right she was. Many seniors have to advocate for themselves and accept the challenges due to age and  family isolation.

As a volunteer for Faith In Action I have met so many genuine and caring women and men who by their example have encouraged me to grow in awareness and compassion.  My parents have passed and I only wish an organization like Faith In Action could have assisted them. Going forward in their memory, I do what I can to support the Faith In Action mission and assist the folks  without family in town or who find themselves in need.  

Over the years I have been on different planning committees such as the Gala, participated in the Ice Cream & Penny Socials, The Draw-downs, and traveled on 2 bus trips as a chaperone.

It has been my good fortune to meet such a diverse group of wonderful & dedicated volunteers and  Staff  who unselfishly give over and above with their time & talents.

I am a proud volunteer of Faith In Action

Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.

~  Mother Teresa