I was born in Richmond, VA and moved to Washington State in 2001 looking for work with my four children in tow. I worked my whole life until I became disabled. I can’t sit at home though. There’s just too much to do to help my kids and others get a better life.  I’m a volunteer child advocate.  One of the groups that I work with is Stand for Children Washington.

Since my four children are nearly grown, I’ve been working in school districts up and down the I-5 corridor; from Olympia to Seattle. I serve in whatever way I can.

In my community’s school district, for example, there are over 1,400 students who are homeless. I work with the schools to identify children and families in need. I raise funds through local vendors and put together Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Whatever it is, I try to help connect people with services, work with families to find tutors or special education programming; and I provide food and other basics.

I learned about Stand for Children when I ran for state representative. While Stand didn’t support my campaign, I really liked what they stood for; because the work of Stand aligns with my goals of helping kids and their parents.

Since then, I have taken Stand University and have taught a number of classes. I help to recruit parents from my schools to attend the Stand UP classes; which I think can be enormously helpful to these families.

Whenever the Stand Tacoma team calls, I try to help. 

Why? Because these children and their families need us. That’s why I Stand. 

On our 20th anniversary, Stand for Children is sharing the stories of just a few of our long-time volunteer leaders.  Thanks so much to Dakoda and all the other volunteers that make our work possible.