We are excited to share our very first “Help Somebody Hall of Fame” Honoree – Sandy Sisisky!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, The Help Somebody Hall of Fame is a platform to express gratitude for a person in the community who acts selflessly to improve the lives of others.  We want to share these stories in hope of inspiring more people in Greater Richmond to act with generosity.  There will be random drawing each quarter from those who are honored, and two honorees will select a nonprofit of their choice to receive $1000.  Read more about how to nominate someone here.

Sandy Sisisky was nominated by a staff member (who asked to be anonymous) at Jewish Family Services (JFS) and shared more about the amazing work Sandy does in the community, and how she is positively impacting the nonprofit, staff members and clients as a Board Member, volunteer, philanthropist and advocate.  Here’s more about Sandy:

How does Sandy demonstrate the spirit of the “Help Somebody Hall of Fame” – acting selflessly to improve the lives of others?

JFS is so lucky to have a board member like Sandy Sisisky. She always keeps our clients at the top of her mind but also genuinely cares for each staff member at the agency and takes the time to get to know each and every one of us. Last year during the holiday season we received fewer funds for a project than expected. Sandy immediately went to action and was out shopping the next day to ensure our clients had coats, gloves and scarves for the upcoming cold holiday season.

Sandy along with another board member heads up the JFS Outreach Committee. The committee focuses on helping to meet clients’ needs, beyond the services JFS already provides. If the Outreach Committee is able to take on small tasks inside the agency, the JFS staff can devote more time serving clients.

Stacy Struminger, Shelley Gouldin and Sandy Sisisky (far right) enjoying The 2016 BIG Schtick. They spent many volunteer hours prepping for event as committee members.

Sandy is also a board member at the Weinstein JCC. She is deeply involved in the JFS and the Weinstein JCC joint program EnRich for Life which serves older adults in the RVA community. She has taken on a leadership role and joined the EnRich for Life committee. She helps select programming, coordinate volunteers and assists at monthly meetings. Sandy is always willing to help and you can find her in the kitchen on the program day!

She also helps plan and run events like JFS staff appreciation and volunteer appreciation that make people feel good about the impact they have in the Richmond community, without asking for any appreciation for herself.

Sandy volunteering in the kitchen at EnRich (a joint program of JFS and Weinstein JCC). She is cooking lunch for the participants of the free monthly program.

What’s the impact Sandy’s generosity?

Just one example of her generosity happened early last year. Sometimes the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference. That is certainly the case with one of JFS’ Public Guardianship clients, Mr. D, who always wore a cowboy hat. His cowboy hat was stolen. A simple need like a cowboy hat isn’t something that might make one want to rush out to get one but Sandy did just that understanding the importance of such a small personal item in a client’s life. Sandy shared the story on Facebook and within hours got a donated cowboy hat.

Not only does she help out people in the community, but staff members too. Two years ago we were going through an audit, and she was there reviewing files as a volunteer. She is known for showing up and making herself available to staff, especially when it comes to client needs like the cowboy hat or the toiletries that she collects so that clients are able to stay clean.

Outside of JFS, Sandy is a vital member of the Richmond community as a leader and supporter. She’s also a co-chair for the BIG Schtick, a joint event with the Weinstein JCC, which supports the missions of both agencies to provide assistance to individuals and families in the community to access their vital programs and services.

Way to go, Sandy!  Our community thanks you for your incredible work, generosity and service-oriented spirit!

Want to nominate an outstanding community member, board member, staff or volunteer for the “Help Somebody Hall of Fame”?  It’s easy!

Just answer 2-3 questions about the individual and the impact that they make in the community!  Not only will you be sharing this person’s story, but there will also be an opportunity for a nonprofit (of the nominees choice) to win an award of $1000 – made possible by an anonymous donor through The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/HelpSomebodyRVA