When Kaycie Noble, a senior in public health, isn’t in class, studying for her next test, working with her sorority, or even managing a full week, you’ll probably find her volunteering time to those who are struggling.
When she found herself out of work for three months due to the pandemic, she decided it was time to find a new opportunity that would help prepare for her future working in public health. She pushed open a new door of opportunity in July 2020 as the project coordinator for Delivering With Dignity — a nonprofit organization that provides meals and groceries to those who are at-risk and unable to leave their homes during the pandemic.
Can you tell me more about Delivering With Dignity?
Delivering with Dignity is a COVID-19 response initiative that began in March of 2020 at the request of County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick. The goal of this program is to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe at home and in turn, keep the entire community safe as a result. We have served over 300,000 meals to our triple threat most vulnerable clients in 67 zip codes across the valley. We have four restaurant partners that prepare nutritious, delicious food for our clients that provide them with a sense of renewed hope.
Is Delivering With Dignity partnered with ÐÔÊӽ紫ý in any way?
What does your role entail?
As one of our project coordinators, I manage and recruit all of our volunteers (right now we have over 600 in our database and have on average 140 volunteers per week), community outreach, social media strategist, case management for our Evergreen clients, and restaurant partner coordination. This role has allowed me to work firsthand with the most vulnerable members of our community who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic and food insecurity. I have established incredible relationships with my volunteers who truly brighten my days.
What caught your attention about this field of work?
I have always said that I felt as though my purpose in life was to make a difference in the lives of others. I always knew I wanted to get into the industry of helping people, but did not know how to make a career out of it. Thanks to the many mentors I have found in the last few years, they have helped develop my personal and professional skills to excel in the field of service. With this experience, I hope to work in International nonprofits post-graduation in developing communities around the world.
What time management skills/methods do you use to balance volunteering and school?
My planner is my best friend. I schedule time in my day that I dedicate strictly to school and studying. Every day I list out things I need to do by prioritization! My organization is very understanding of the importance of my studies and is always cheering me on to do my best.
What is the biggest challenge you've had to overcome to get where you're at now?
I would say in reflection of the last question, the biggest challenge has been time management and spreading myself too thin. Last semester I was working 40-plus hours a week, serving as president of my sorority, and enrolled in 15 credits. I found myself experiencing burnout and I was not enjoying any of the things that used to bring me so much joy. By reconfiguring my time and ensuring I had time for myself, I was able to enjoy work, school, and extracurriculars that much more.
Is there anything you'd like to share about what you do or delivering with dignity?
Delivering with Dignity has provided me with the platform to help the most vulnerable members of our community in such an unprecedented time while helping members of our community give back in the safest way possible. I am so proud of all that my organization has accomplished and I am so lucky for the opportunity to be part of it! Be part of the change you want to see in the world, I am lucky to be doing that here with DwD!
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