Vicki started training as a Volunteer Client Advocate in late 1998, before being hired on staff as Abstinence Outreach Coordinator and Administrative Assistant at the turn of the century. Twenty-three years later, she is our longest-serving employee.
Vicki has seen volunteers become Board Members, then return to serve hands-on at the Center again – including current Executive Director Bonnie Martinelli, who describes Vicki as her “right-hand woman.”
As Office Manager, Vicki pays the bills – literally! She manages our finances, makes orders, talks with Champions during the donation process and helps to organize logistics for our fundraisers like the Baby Bottle Campaign and Walk for Life.
She has moved for Care Net, too. After the 2004 hurricanes flooded her house, Vicki moved to Kentucky. When two positions came open a month later, the then-Executive Director called and asked her to come back. So, she did!
How Did You Hear About Care Net of Indian River County?
Vicki says:
“Care Net was in a church bulletin, offering training. And I thought, ‘Oh, everybody from my church is going to sign up, and everybody is going to want to do this.’ And I was the only one from my church that signed up.”
“At that time, client advocates came five days a week, four hours in the morning, for our training. We watched videos and I think we had a little test at the end – they don’t do that now. And then you had your hands-on training in the counseling room. Now it’s more hands-on, as you come, but then it was a big group training.”
What is Your Favorite Part About Working at Care Net?
Vicki says:
“My favorite part is that it’s a Christian ministry. You get to pray and see God work. I think my favorite part must be the miracle of seeing God’s hand on the clients’ lives and knowing that it’s His intervention and our prayers. Answered prayers for salvation and for saved babies, and our country’s laws on abortion and abortionists, and for each other – and we see all of those prayers play out. It’s very rewarding, even from back here in the office.”
How Would More Volunteers and Funds Make a Difference?
Vicki says:
“Things could get turned around faster, more efficiently. Donations being entered – so data input – taking baby bottle coins to the bank. On our fundraising committees, there’s always room for our volunteers to help with that. There’s also always needs at the Walk for Life registration.”
About the Blogs:
Care Net is on the frontlines of providing critical services to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. But this would not be possible without staff and volunteers who give their time to our mission of creating a culture of abundant life.
In this blog series, we introduce you to these amazing faces and the role that they play in saving lives. Click here for more.