Volunteer Spotlight
Each month, a volunteer at SFBFS is featured for their dedication of time and talent. This month’s volunteer spotlight is:
Bill Byrne - June 2013
While working for UC Davis Health Systems as a pharmacy technician and studying for his Doctor of Pharmacy, Bill Byrne, 30, hoped to enrich his learning experience through contributing to his community.
While browsing the listings on www.handsonsacto.org, an online directory of local volunteer opportunities, Bill came across a profile for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Surprised by the broad range of services offered at SFBFS, Bill initially had trouble deciding which program he wanted to be involved with.
 Hoping to address community health issues which aligned with his educational pursuits, Bill found a posting to volunteer in SFBFS' Demonstration Garden, which provides how-to gardening classes to the community at no cost. This appeared to be an excellent skill building opportunity.
"The energy at SFBFS is contagious," Bill shared. "To see how many people in the community take advantage of the Demonstration Garden and see the benefits they receive has really made me realize what a great thing I'm a part of. The Demonstration Garden not only encourages people to eat healthier, but shows them where to start in order to create a thriving garden."
Coming on board as a volunteer in January of 2013, Bill has taken on a number of tasks in SFBFS' Demonstration Garden including transplanting trees, harvesting produce and most notably, designing and installing an irrigation system for the garden's greenhouse.
"Volunteers in the Demonstration Garden are crucial," said Greg Norrish, Garden Coordinator at SFBFS. "Without their support, there would be no way we could teach classes, harvest produce and maintain a quarter acre garden at the same time. Bill is willing to take on any project and he always keeps a positive attitude," Greg continued.
Though his schedule becomes a bit hectic between attending classes, working as a pharmacy technician, hobby-gardening at home with his wife and volunteering at SFBFS, Bill hopes to watch the community's involvement in the Demonstration Garden grow into the future.
"Building one-on-one relationships and being able to network with the community are what I feel the programs at SFBFS are all about," Bill offered. "Working with the staff at SFBFS, you see their enthusiasm for what they do, the effort they put into their work and the value they place on it. It makes you want to keep coming back."
If you are interested in volunteering your time to help someone in need in our community, click here for more information.
Click on a link below to read archived Volunteer Spotlights:
Volunteer Spotlight – October 2011
Yolanda Moore
 Yolanda Moore originally came to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) about five years ago when she was taking art classes at a local community college. She heard, by word of mouth, about a free art program for women in Sacramento, offered at a local non-profit organization. She became intrigued with the idea decided to check it out. What she found was the Women’s Wisdom Art program at SFBFS, a free art group for women from diverse backgrounds, who come together to support one another, learn new skills, and gain self-confidence and creativity. Yolanda felt very at home and started to gain confidence in her artistic abilities.
 After attending classes, she decided to pursue her degree in Art at Sacramento State University. Her classes began to take up the majority of her time. Eventually she approached Helen Plenert, Women’s Wisdom Art Program Manager, to inform her that she no longer had time to participate in the program and needed to commit full time to her Sac State classes. Although Helen and the other students were sad to see Yolanda leave, it made them happy that she was pursuing a lifelong goal. By setting such a goal and steadfastly working toward it, Yolanda was unknowingly inspiring others in the program. “Even as a student, she was always a huge help in the classroom,” says Helen. “I asked her to consider coming back as a volunteer someday. It was just over a year ago when she walked back in to begin volunteer work for us. “
In 2010, Yolanda returned to SFBFS after receiving her degree as a volunteer for the Women’s Wisdom Art program. As a volunteer, Yolanda offers support to the students in the program. “Every day is different,” says Yolanda. She typically arrives before any classes start, working with the instructors and pulling out all the necessary materials. The women often ask for help finding a certain item or ask for Yolanda’s opinion on a project. “Every woman has her own style when it comes to art,” she comments. “I try to give my opinion to them while at the same time making sure it doesn’t interfere with their own ideas.” Yolanda’s favorite part of volunteering is seeing students progress. Oftentimes students arrive unsure and afraid that they can’t create something worthwhile. The nature of the program allows them to freely express themselves and develop creatively. Once a student sees their work displayed on a gallery wall, they feel accomplished and self-confident. “The quality of the artwork created by these women is truly impressive,” says Yolanda.
Helen and the other instructors in the program value each and every day that Yolanda volunteers in the classroom. According to Helen, Yolanda is one of those rare jewels who see what needs to be done and just jumps headfirst in to do it. A new student may need some comforting and Yolanda just sits down next to her as if that was the last seat in the room and strikes up a conversation. Another minute she is up to her elbows in dirty dishes and paint brushes. “It's really a rare moment when I have to ask her to help with something specific because she usually thinks of it before I do. In fact, she may have already done it before I finish asking!” says Helen.
In addition to volunteering, Yolanda can be found painting or drawing on her own time, spending time with her friends, or visiting her family, including her grown children and five grandchildren.
If you are interested in volunteering your time to help someone in need in our community, click here for more information.
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