Elaine Judd, of St. Peters, tried volunteering a few different places before she found the right fit with Our Lady's Inn in Defiance, MO.
Our Lady's Inn is a maternity shelter for pregnant women ages 18 and older. Judd does whatever is needed as a volunteer, which ranges from helping as a cook, or holding a baby or organizing a fundraiser.
Although Judd doesn't spend a lot of time with the women at the shelter, she said those are among the most rewarding moments she can remember.
She enjoys talking to the women about their plans and hopes and finds satisfaction in seeing the women succeed.
"It's not so much when you are there, it's afterward, when you see one of the girls who took advantage of the help that Our Lady's Inn gave them," she said. "They've used the resources, they're back on their feet raising their children, they've got their own place to live. That's really what you want for all the ladies that come in there."
Judd said volunteers are necessary to nonprofits. She encourages friends to find a place that's right for them.
"There's lots of places that need help," she said. "You're going to find the one that's the perfect fit for you. It's going to make you feel so good to know you've helped in some small way."
My Volunteer Story is a partnership between the Community Council and Patch.com to collect and share stories from local volunteers about the impact that volunteering has had on their lives. If you'd like to share your story, stop by the at Spencer Library Branch Sept. 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Email Kalen Ponche at kalen.ponche@patch.com to set up a time to stop by and record your thoughts on volunteering.
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