Change is inevitable, and we have certainly had to adjust to many changes in 2020. Among the unexpected yet understandable adjustments we faced this year was the retirement in August of one of our major and longstanding volunteers. In fact, two volunteers! Debbie and Perry Ragsdale have retired from volunteering at our Center — Debbie as Client Advocate and Perry as Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors.
Debbie served faithfully for twenty-one years and had a tremendous impact on our clients, her fellow volunteers and our staff. She felt a strong determination to be here every week, always finding a replacement when she traveled. For many years, she gave a full day each week, which goes above and beyond the typical volunteer commitment. A desire to defend the unborn brought Debbie to the Center, but her passion for helping the moms grew as she heard their stories and observed their needs. Over the years, she was a powerful witness for the gospel and for truth. As a Lead Peer Counselor Debbie trained many volunteers who apprenticed under her; and she was instrumental in designing and facilitating our two-day training class for new volunteers. Debbie has the gift of hospitality and enjoyed making the training class attendees as well as our staff feel special and
appreciated.
Perry was a great asset to our Board of Directors. We particularly benefited from his expertise in building design and construction as we searched for land and built our building during 2010-2011. We appreciate his guidance and dedication.
We wish Debbie and Perry God’s blessings as they focus more on time with their family, serving with their church, and enjoying more travel. This is not goodbye, but we will miss them as volunteers.
Obviously, there are “big shoes” to fill on our Client Advocate team! We are grateful for the new volunteers who have been called by God to serve in this ministry, and we always need more. Volunteering involves a strong commitment to show up consistently, to learn continually, and to minister lovingly. Will you join us?