Mentor Profile: Donna Littrell and Francis Crowe

December 20th, 2012: Donna Littrell isn’t your average volunteer.

In the case of WOW In-Sync, she’s the president’s mother.

Ms. Littrell is as active a volunteer as we’ve ever had at WOW.  During these past three years, she’s headed up classes in our cooking club to teach increased independence in the kitchen, lent a hand during our special events, and has introduced us to several new friends in the community.   Donna has continued to contribute selflessly while observing with pride as her daughter, Karen Lynn, leads the organization with vision and energy.

Most recently, Donna chipped in during WOW’s year-end celebrations.  These included four days of parties put on by staff and participants, with different teams celebrating and performing for family and friends each day.  Donna took care of the cooking for the first two days, with assistance from Simply Biz team members.  However, on the third day, she turned things over to the team members completely.  Donna enjoyed working with the men and women from Simply Biz.  “I was so impressed by their abilities.  And I was also impressed that they were always eager to be a part of the team.”  Guidance from Donna and her friend Frances as well as WOW staff proved vital as the participants were able to take on the responsibility of preparing and serving the menu items themselves beginning on the third day.

Many Simply Biz team members lent a hand to the proceedings.  Donna mentioned both Charium and Jamar as being particularly helpful.  “Jamar was always ready to help and he has such great skills!”  Charium, who’s employment goals involve cooking, food prep, and other kitchen responsibilities, was on hand as well.  Donna said, “He’s always so pleasant and ready to talk and share stories.”

Donna’s great friend Frances Crowe has pitched in as a community mentor through the years, starting with the formation of our cooking club three years back.  She’s often been on hand with Donna to help with preparations, teaching, special events, and much more.  Frances is gracious enough to commute from Cobb county and did so once again for our end of the year celebrations.  We’re grateful to her and Donna for the years of support.

With all of Donna’s experiences at WOW, whether leading classes or lending a hand during special events, the elephant in the room remains:

What is it like to serve as a volunteer for one’s own daughter?

According to Donna, it’s pretty cool:

“I’m in awe of what she’s been able to accomplish, especially seeing where she started.”

During the Holiday Season, we at WOW In-Sync would like to say thanks to all those who have lent a hand through the years in so many ways.  We’ll continue to recognize our volunteers and supporters in the coming days, weeks, and months.