Volunteer Profile: Bob Wells and Jo Soudrette
Posted on September 30, 2011 by staci
Bob Wells and Jo Soudrette both began volunteering as field service volunteers at PWC around the same time in 2008.
Before retiring, Bob was a product development scientist at P&G. He heard of PWC through his church and wanted to volunteer. Before working as a field service volunteer, Bob volunteered at Repair and Prepare Affairs with his church for 12 years. Bob says he is motivated to volunteer because now that he is retired he has the time to give back and is able to help people in need.
In Jo Soudrette’s case, she did not wait until retirement to get involved. Jo currently works as a critical care nurse. She knew she wanted to volunteer but wasn’t sure how or where. Jo found PWC through VolunteerMatch.com. Jo works various shifts at a hospital and has one day off a week, which she spends volunteering for PWC.
When Jo started volunteering with PWC, she didn’t have any experience with repairs but had a strong desire to learn and help others. Her can-do attitude proves it is never too late to learn something new.
On a weekly basis, Jo and Bob go out to the homes of low-income, elderly and disabled PWC clients and make repairs to keep them remaining safe and independent in their homes. Both Jo and Bob say their proudest volunteer moments come when they successfully complete a project knowing it is going to help make someone’s life a little bit better.
“Because of their repair skills and dedication, many senior homeowners are served far beyond PWC's normal scope,” says Sara Bourgeois, volunteer manager.
Bob and Jo will be awarded with PWC’s Volunteer of the Year honor at our Annual Recognition Celebration on Thursday, October 13 at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. This evening celebration is a forum for PWC to reflect on its achievements since last year and share its plans for the future with stakeholders. The reception begins at 4:30 p.m. and the program will start at 5:30 p.m. Appetizers and cocktails are included. Tickets are available for $40. Learn more about the Annual Recognition Celebration by clicking here. Reservations can be made by calling Lara at (513) 351-7921.
Congratulations Bob and Jo!