Doreen Jackman: Seamstress, Tailor, Volunteer, Friend

It’s National Volunteer Recognition Week, and every day this week we’ll be highlighting a Sanctuary volunteer being honored at our Pillars of Change Volunteer Recognition event on May 5th. Learn more and register for Pillars of Change.

Doreen Jackman knows the value of a good outfit. A skilled seamstress, she has volunteered with Sanctuary for over six years, lending her tailoring talents to clients in need of new suits for job interviews, and assisting our In-Kind Donation Program staff in managing donations. Prior to become a volunteer, Doreen worked at Sanctuary for five years.

Doreen spends countless hours every week volunteering in The Butterfly Boutique, Sanctuary’s on-site space where clients can “shop” for donated clothing, toiletries, accessories and other basic necessities to meet their immediate needs – 100% free of charge.

Each week, Doreen sorts through hundreds of donations of clothing and other items. She restocks and organizes the boutique, ensuring it remains a warm, welcoming place that meets all of our clients’ needs.

Doreen is also an invaluable source of help during the holiday season, when Sanctuary distributes thousands of gifts to our clients. Year after year, her time, dedication and organizational skills are an amazing gift to staff and clients alike.

“One of my favorite memories from volunteering was working with a client who was looking for a suit in The Butterfly Boutique,” says Doreen. “She had an important interview later that day and I was able to help her pick out an outfit that made her feel comfortable and confident. I also tailored the suit to fit her perfectly.”

The client was one of many to benefit from Doreen’s seamstress skills. Over the years, she has tailored suits for dozens of participants in Sanctuary’s Economic Empowerment Program.

Leah Chapman, Coordinator of Donated Goods for Clients, works closely with Doreen.

“Doreen is kind, loyal, enthusiastic and dedicated. She brings spirit and laughter with her wherever she goes and she never says no. She is always willing to come in and lend a helping hand,” Leah says.

“She has become a great friend to me, and I value her advice and opinion in all she does at Sanctuary.”

We are so grateful to Doreen for her incredible service, and look forward to honoring her at Pillars of Change on May 5, 2016.

You can join us at Pillars of Change by registering now. We hope to see you there!