Heart House: Volunteer Spotlight

Nancy Hong

This month, Heart House Dallas beams its Volunteer Spotlight on Nancy Hong, an energetic volunteer who keeps our computers updated, networked and in peak condition. She also helps us with our grant seeking and organizes and facilitates the Summer Session Computer Club which allows twelve Heart House kids the opportunity to learn web design. Nancy taps into her broad network of industry contacts to find low cost resources that non-profits like ours can benefit from. Over the last five months, Nancy has logged in over 80 hours of volunteering with us, a generous donation of her time, energy, and expertise.

Nancy has a B.B.A. in Business Administration from SMU and owns and operates her own technical support company, The Diva Geek, which brings corporate technical support to small businesses, home users, and non-profit organizations. Nancy ’s goal is to “let the kids know that there are people out there who care about their well-being and are willing to help in any way they can.” Through her volunteering, Nancy hopes the children will “learn all they can so they can become everything they want to become.” She takes the time to encourage them to think about going to college and becoming productive citizens when they grow up.

Site Director Shana Fife says, “Nancy Hong is a godsend. She exhibits tremendous dedication to Heart House on a regular basis. She’s always there when you need her, going beyond the call of duty to make sure we have what we need to meet our goals, whether it’s staying late to get our computers networked, or recruiting and training volunteers to lead web-design classes. Nancy is indispensable.”

In addition to her volunteering time at Heart House, Nancy is very active in the community, helping KERA during their pledge drive, teaching at the Center for Nonprofit Management, recruiting volunteers for the Asian Chamber of Commerce’s fundraising events, and serving on the Women’s Business Forum. Nancy says “Heart House offers awesome programs for kids to keep them safe and engaged until their parents come home. I think every neighborhood should have a Heart House.”

Thank you, Nancy, for helping us further our mission.

John Floyd

John Floyd, Heart House Austin

John Floyd is always greeted with a hug when he walks into Heart House. He has been volunteering for over 10 months and the children adore him. While at Heart House John has tutored children, supervised them outside, aided in the computer lab, helped with activity time, attended the children’s talent shows and award ceremonies, read books to kids, helped the staff in the office, and the list goes on. John is always willing and eager to help in any way that he can. He is respectful, patient, and a good friend to many of the Heart House children.

Originally from Austin , John has held a number of different jobs but currently works for a software sales company called Kavado. His job allows him to work from home and have the flexibility to volunteer during the day. John also enjoys riding motorcycles, spending time in nature, and exploring his spirituality. Heart House has had a big impact on John. He says, “Coming to Heart House is the absolute high point of my week.” Since volunteering with the Heart House children, John has decided to apply to adopt a child of his own. The staff agrees that he would make an excellent father. Diane Cannon, Heart House Executive Director says, “John is a kind and gentle soul who is always looking for opportunities to help others.” Diane speaks for all the staff when she says, “We are blessed to have John as a volunteer.”

Whether working directly with the children or providing technical or administrative expertise in the background, your help is needed! Check out our website and volunteer opportunities or fill out an on-line application today!

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