Impact Stories
Spotlight on Kathy Haruf: 15 years as a Cherished Volunteer and Legacy Supporter
agosto 13, 2024
Kathy Haruf shares her volunteer journey with Judi’s House, detailing her near 15-year involvement supporting our organization.
Kathy Haruf is a cherished volunteer and a Judi’s House legacy supporter. Her commitment to Judi’s House extends far beyond financial contributions. She has been an advocate, volunteer, and ambassador for our programs, continuously finding ways to support our efforts. Her dedication and generosity have had a lasting impact on Judi’s House and the families we serve, and we are honored to share her story and involvement with our organization.
Kathy Haruf’s journey with Judi’s House began nearly 15 years ago, driven by a deeply personal connection to our mission.
“On Dec. 31, 2010, I retired from my full-time job, and three days later, on Jan. 3, 2011, I signed up to volunteer at Judi’s House,” Kathy recalls.
Having experienced the death of her mother at a young age, Kathy understood the profound effects of grief and the importance of providing a supportive environment for children and families navigating the difficult journey of loss.
“Volunteering at Judi’s House has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. As someone who lost my mother at the age of twelve, the mission of Judi’s House resonated deeply with me,” Kathy said.
For four years, Kathy volunteered weekly, assisting with administrative tasks like answering phones and updating our database. However, she soon wanted to work more closely with children to truly see the heart of the program. She applied to become a Companion Volunteer, allowing her to offer support to kids we serve.
“I took a two-day training program to understand the complexities of grief and how to support those navigating this difficult journey. The staff were incredibly supportive, always available to provide guidance and encouragement,” Kathy shares. “Being a Companion Volunteer allowed me to witness the kids’ resilience and strength firsthand. It was at these moments that I saw the true impact of Judi’s House as these young individuals found skills to cope with their loss and rebuild their lives.”
In addition to her role as a Companion Volunteer, Kathy has dedicated her time to supporting Judi’s House by helping with handwritten thank-you notes and calls to donors. These phone calls were a humbling experience for Kathy, as she connected with individuals from all over the country who were moved by our cause.
“People wanted to just talk and were eager to help. It was a powerful reminder of the widespread impact of Judi’s House and the shared compassion within our community,” Kathy reflects.
Another aspect of Kathy’s volunteerism is her work serving dinner to our families.
“These meals were more than just food; they were moments of connection and normalcy amidst the turmoil of grief,” Kathy explains.
“As a volunteer, being part of this support system has been deeply rewarding. I learned so much about resilience, empathy, and the human spirit’s capacity to heal,” Kathy reflects. “What makes Judi’s House exceptional is not only the comprehensive support it provides for families but also the nurturing environment it creates for volunteers.”
Kathy continues to support Judi’s House in numerous ways.
“I have just recently signed up to be part of the Ambassador Program and have joined the Legacy Giving Program,” Kathy shares. “Through the Legacy Giving Program, I want to honor my mother and continue to make a positive difference in the world for those in need of critical services and comfort. I want to ensure that such support continues for future generations. I encourage anyone looking for a meaningful way to give back to consider joining this incredible organization.”
Her story underscores the profound impact that one individual can have on an organization and the lives it touches. We are incredibly grateful for Kathy’s enduring support and look forward to continuing our journey together, honoring her legacy of kindness and generosity.