Kim had devoted her life to the law, first as a defense attorney then later serving 22 years as a Criminal Justice Judge. When she decided it was time to retire, her life was crazy busy, and retirement took her from 60 miles an hour to zero! Talk about a shock. Retiring is a huge event in anyone’s life, and part of Kim’s process was to buy a house in Sun Lakes and split her time between her home in Iowa and Arizona. At first, she took time to settle into her new home, doing the usual, decorating, and doing typical things that make a house a home. She also took advantage of all the amazing opportunities the communities of Sun Lakes have to offer, like tennis, pickleball, and other social activities. Allowing her and her partner to meet new people and build friendships. After some time, Kim still felt something was missing in her retirement… purpose!
Kim had learned about Neighbors Who Care and wanted to learn more. She attended one of our volunteer orientation classes where she learned about the clients we serve and their needs, and knew she had to help.
Growing up, Kim learned the value of serving others from her mother. Her mother also taught her that no one is better than anyone else, no matter your status in life, we are all equals. When Kim started looking into joining our team, she thought of her aging mother and how she would want others to help and support her. Kim knew this was her opportunity to serve others and make her mother proud. From her first assignment, she felt she had found the perfect fit. She found her chance to make a positive connection with others.
Kim has truly embraced her volunteer responsibilities. Kim feels she gets more than she gives. That feeling of connection, service, and joy is why Kim finds time to provide 6 or 7 services per month while in Arizona. Services like transportation (our biggest need) or shopping & errands. This time with our clients provides Kim with the purpose we all need in our lives to feel productive and fulfilled. That service to others is truly a gift worth giving.
The flexibility of our volunteer program allows Kim to volunteer as little or as much time each month, depending on her schedule. This is one of the reasons volunteering with Neighbors Who Care is the perfect fit for Kim and many of our volunteers who divide their time between Arizona and their second home out of the area.
