Organization: Rockford Rescue Mission, First Evangelical Free Church, Rockford Cosmopolitan Club, Rockford Area Association of Realtors and more
Volunteer Service: 37+ years
What is the mission of your nonprofit organizations?
The Rockford Rescue Mission (RRM) is a community resource that assists the homeless with services like shelter, substance abuse counseling, financial education and career readiness education. The Rockford Cosmopolitan Club raises funds for diabetes research. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation brings music to the community and the Rockford Area Association of Realtors meets with community leaders and politicians to discuss laws that affect the real estate industry.
How did you get involved with these organizations?
I have been involved with the Rockford Rescue Mission most of my life. Growing up, my parents owned a restaurant and catering business. Each day, I would assist my father in donating leftover food to the RRM. I now volunteer to facilitate a church service for RRM clients on Sundays.
In 2008, a friend invited me to a Rockford Cosmopolitan Club meeting in support of my brother who had diabetes. I appreciated the support, especially when my brother passed away from the disease. Today, I serve as treasurer on their board of directors.
I got involved in several other organizations through my community service. For instance, I sing and serve as president of the choir and orchestra for the First Evangelical Free Church. I also serve on the governmental affairs committee for the Rockford Realtors.
What do you enjoy about serving on a board or committee?
Serving on a board makes me feel like I have a voice and my opinion is valuable. This is especially true when I leverage my financial expertise to help these organizations.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?
As a board member for multiple organizations, I take pride in the positive outcomes of our decisions. In this role, we have to make tough decisions for the organization, being united to help ideas come to fruition. It’s rewarding to watch your plans come together and know that what you do makes a difference.
Can you share a memorable experience from your community involvement?
A few years ago, I was helping with an expansion project at the RRM and their staff asked if I would give a Sunday Service to their clients. Seeing the look of hope on the children’s and parent’s faces was so rewarding, I’ve taken on monthly services for the last five years.
How do you feel volunteering influenced you?
When I volunteer, it gives me a sense of gratitude for the things I have in my life. I just have to make time to give back. We all have the same number of minutes in a day and we have to decide what to do with those minutes. Choosing to spend some of that time to help others has made a difference in my life.
What have you learned about your community?
I’ve learned that there are a lot of people willing to step up and help. I am always amazed at how many people care about the community and lend their time and knowledge to different organizations. If more people did that, any community would be better off.
What advice would you give other colleagues looking to start volunteering?
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. If you aren’t sure of your interest, find someone to do it with you, like another colleague. You might find that you enjoy it and want to do it again. An extra hour or two periodically can make a big difference. I would encourage every colleague to use their volunteer time and get involved.
Johnson (left) volunteers with Cosmopolitan Club members at the Rock Valley Food Pantry