Engaging the Hearts, Hands and Minds of Retirees
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Engaging the Hearts, Hands and Minds of Retirees

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Bev featured on a United Way postcard to recruit volunteers.

March 9, 2016

Written by Meghan Marsden Parsche, United Way Volunteer

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is fortunate to have volunteers who care deeply about their community, giving effortlessly and tirelessly of their time to make a positive impact.

Bev Jurkowski has been an advocate of United Way for several years. She volunteered on the Marketing & Communications Committee and upon her retirement from We Energies agreed to co-chair the development of United Way’s Retiree Program. 

Could you briefly describe the Retiree Program that you co-lead?

Essentially, we want to capture and channel the enthusiasm and support for United Way that retirees bring to the community in the years following their active employment. We want to engage their hearts, hands and minds for the benefit of all. 

In your eyes, what is the value of volunteering?

You get back so much more than you give. You develop new insight into the needs of others and you meet some amazing people. Through my participation in several Season of Caring projects, I’ve witnessed first-hand the joy of the volunteers as well as the appreciation by the staff of the agency we are helping. In addition to United Way, I am an active volunteer with my church and also work with two other nonprofit organizations.

Have you ever been helped by a volunteer?

I’ve been touched by the kindness of others many times in my life from adult leaders in the Milwaukee County 4-H program who taught me many basic skills, to serving on committees with other volunteers who step up and take responsibility for an action item without having to be asked.

If you could sum up your volunteer experience in one word, what would it be and why?

Hopeful. Our purpose in life is to be part of the greater good. When I see the successful outcomes United Way helps to achieve, and when I share that same enthusiasm and commitment with other volunteers, I am hopeful together we can create a bright future.

Get Involved

Learn more about the Retiree Program.

Find a volunteer opportunity.

About the Blogger

Meghan Marsden Parsche is a proud United Way supporter, stay at home mom to her three young children, and volunteer writer for UWGMWC. Meghan enjoys telling the stories of the programs and people making a positive impact on our community.

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