We are excited to feature Gary Nichols for our Volunteer Spotlight! He is a great volunteer and has become a good
friend. His experience and
wisdom is valued at shelter. I know I can count on Gary as my go-to guy if I’m
ever stuck on how to approach a repair or want to take on a home improvement
project at shelter! Gary has saved shelter a lot of money by sharing his
experience and contacts. Here are just a
few of the countless repairs he’s helped with: Diagnosed and repaired the oven, repaired the
fence that blew over in the wind storm, built new storage area shelves,
replaced lights, painted rooms, assisted in building an outdoor shelter, fixed
the dryer, unclogged the washer, and of course helped refinish our now
beautiful stairs at shelter. Gary has donated tools from home that make
maintenance around shelter so much easier. In addition to his hard work, we
love having him around! His personality and jokes keep staff smiling and he has
worked his way into the hearts all those who have had the pleasure of working
with him. The photos show before and after pictures of our stair project
that we have finally finished! -Joseph Sigala, Shelter Facilities Coordinator
New Beginnings: What do you do as a volunteer at New
Beginnings? What does a typical shift look like?
Gary: In short, fix things that are broken or are in need of
maintenance. There really is no typical shift. Nearly every one is different
unless we are working on an extended maintenance project.
New Beginnings: What’s your favorite
part about volunteering at shelter?
Gary: I would have to say that my favorite part of volunteering
at the shelter is being able to know and interact with the staff. People who
have to deal with the realities of domestic violence day after day, are among
the most understanding, kind and caring one could meet. They are a pleasure to
know and work with.
New Beginnings: Why is Domestic Violence
an important issue to you?
Gary: Domestic Violence is not something that I have had to live
with personally, but I have known some who did. If for the victims
(especially the children), I can help make their temporary living conditions
just a little better, then I want to help do what I can.
New Beginnings: What do you do when
you’re not volunteering?
Gary: Outside of volunteering at New Beginnings, I am a volunteer
tutor for Catholic Community
Services' Youth Tutoring
Program. I mainly tutor high school students in math subjects along with some
science subjects.
I enjoy studying math and
science and enjoy passing along whatever I can to the kids. It is gratifying to
see students
that I have tutored, sometimes starting in middle school, graduate from high
school and go on to college.
New Beginnings: Anything else you would like to share or tell new volunteers?
Gary: For new volunteers I would say that for just about any
skills you might have, New Beginnings will be able to utilize them. And you can
pick whatever hours and days that fit your schedule to volunteer.
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