Today I celebrate 9 years at The Shepherd’s Center. What an amazing time it has been! I can’t tell you how much I love this organization and working with ALL of you.  Below is my Philosophy Statement that I wrote as a part of my Certification in Volunteer Administration in December of 2012.  It is what I believe both personally and professionally and it still holds true today.  I wanted to share it with you.  Thank you for your continued support.  It is because of YOU that TSCOR is the best community for older folks in Richmond.  Big hugs to everyone – Julie

I truly found my calling when I embarked on a career in volunteer administration. I come from a mission minded family and my faith is the guiding force in my life. I believe that we are here to serve others whenever possible.

Volunteerism is at the heart of everything that is good in our world. Volunteers are driven by their moral values and compassion to make the world a better place. Volunteers transform the dynamics of the workplace. They are not there to make money. They are there to make a difference and I want to be there to facilitate their efforts. It is my philosophy that they must be actively engaged. Volunteers need to feel that they are truly a part of an organization and its mission. Being a volunteer myself, I honestly believe that I know what is needed to support and sustain a volunteer program.

I find that when the daily grind of the office gets me down, it is interacting with my volunteers that give me inspiration and a renewal of purpose that keeps me going. I am a people person and am energized by working with these individuals I call angels on earth. At the end of the day it is rewarding to know that I have been a part of bringing a change for good to my community and to humankind. (Julie Adams-Buchanan, December 2012)