Recently commissioned as a minister in 2022, Sophie answers the call of God by beginning each day with prayer, meditation, and scripture. She admires Mercy Kanda’s passion to be kingdom-minded and not let her experiences prevent her from being a servant of people, following that inspiration with compassion and empathy in her role in Housing Services, reaching out her hand to those in need day after day. When Sophie is not reading the Bible or keeping up with her kids and home, she dreams of eventually being able to see the beauty of Alaska or islands of Hawaii.

The mediation program is what brought Donnell to VOAWW, and she holds many certifications to support her work, including Non-Profit Management and Project Management as well as being a certified Mediator Practitioner and Small Claims Court Mediator. This work is inspired by her wish to be part of helping people move forward out of conflict, much how she views a relationship with Jesus “transforms lives into something beautiful.” Donnell is driven, committed, and can view situations from many perspectives, giving her the ability to be an exceptional mediator and see things through to completion. Until she is able to take a mission trip to Africa or retire someplace warm and sunny, she spends every morning walking her pups five miles and finds inspiration from T.D. Jakes ministries and Joyce Meyer. She has served VOAWW since 2015.

Dixie earned her commission as a minister in June 2021. Brought to VOAWW from a background working with law enforcement and in chemical dependency programs, she has worn many hats through the years, and is now the Director of Property & Facilities. Being a part of life-changing work is a calling for Dixie, and she believes deeply in our mission because it targets struggles with addiction, homelessness, poverty, and mental health crisis. She has a lifelong relationship with Christ and says that she feels her best opportunity to make a difference in the community is through the Word of God. If she could meet one person, it would be legendary poet Maya Angelou who has inspired generations with her literary work, service to others and who remains one of the most influential women of her time.  Her quote “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” is close to her heart.   Dixie is caring and compassionate, always looking for ways to make people feel seen and supported, so they can succeed at establishing a healthy, bright future.

Jessica started with Volunteers of America Western Washington in 2016 and was commissioned as a minister in 2018. Working at VOAWW gives her the ability to be part of an organization that positively impacts the community and creates a ripple effect where hope and gratitude are felt everywhere. The best part of her role at VOAWW is to build relationships with our donors and shower them with gratitude. She regularly reads local news like The Herald to stay connected with the community and the Bible to stay connected to Christ. She loves to create, whether it’s putting together delicious meals, building Legos with her son, or working on crafts. Jessica believes in devoting time to self-care and finds painting by numbers and listening to a podcast supports her emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Jessica’s favorite quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. As Lead Minister, she finds it aligns with a bible verse that resonates deeply:

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 NIV)

Brenda’s favorite quote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” led to her to push her to finally listen to a calling to become a minister, providing pastoral care to both clients and employees alike. Her path to VOA began in 2006 when a close friend described the amazing work and mission of the organization. She is able to bring some of the same qualities to her position that she admires in Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi: simplicity, truthfulness, self-confidence and an empathetic nature. Brenda feels that her patience and ability to listen are her strengths, and she loves talking with those she serves – and serves with. When she is not caring for others, she holds fast to her own goals of one day perhaps traveling to Norway, skydiving, or completing a 100-miler.

Eric’s drive for serving his community and colleagues with prayer and compassion called him to the ministry, where he seeks a path of personal growth in addition to advancing VOAWW as an organization. He has devoted 10 years to VOAWW, and his empathy and patience make a lasting impact in the Disability Services department where he currently serves as a Program Manager. During the times outside of this official capacity, he enjoys video chatting with his family and indulging his green thumb by tending to his many houseplants.

Commissioned as a minister in 2019, Lori is currently the Benefits and Compliance Administrator and has worked with VOAWW for 11 years. Her ministry service is inspired by her path back to the Lord after being lost for a time. She uses this experience to help others who are lost find their way back to God’s grace and love. Meditation and daily Bible reading are habits she has developed to strengthen her ministry service and personal wellbeing. Drawing a page from her Aunt Peggy’s book, she always looks to find the positive in any situation, even if when it’s not apparent. “There is always one there,” she says. The road ahead for Lori hopefully includes earning her college degree, swimming with sharks, and owning a tiny home where she can always find time to snuggle up to her cat, Juice.