40-Year Volunteer to be Honored at Teaming Up for Girls Luncheon
On Sunday afternoons, there’s nowhere Darlene Shephard would rather be than sitting around a table spending time with the young women at Florence Crittenton. Sometimes they play cards; sometimes they just talk. And she brings treats. Why Sunday afternoon? That’s when many of the young women have family who visit. Some don’t have a family.
“I want them to know somebody cares,” says Shephard. “I love it. As long as I leave them laughing, that’s a blessing.
Darlene Shephard with two young women at Florence Crittenton
Shephard, a retired flight attendant, has been volunteering with Florence Crittenton for more than 40 years. She’s served in many roles, from volunteering at the thrift shop (now Flo’s on 7th) to fundraising. She’s worked at bake sales and served on the board of directors, one year as president. She attends evening parties and programs for the young women.
“Darlene is such an inspiration and example of selflessness, not only to the girls, but to me and anyone she comes into contact with her,” says Dr. Kellie Warren, Florence Crittenton CEO. “Her acts of unconditional love, care and support have often been a first for our girls and a reason for them to be encouraged and to keep living. If there is ever a time when Darlene questions her worth or value, the girls of Florence Crittenton should remind her that her life has purpose and so much meaning. Darlene Shephard is my hero!”
To celebrate her efforts, Florence Crittenton will honor Shephard with the Visionary Award at the 15th Annual Teaming Up for Girls Luncheon on March 16 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. This year marks the organization’s 120th year of service to at-risk girls. Not given every year, the Visionary Award recognizes a dynamic leader who is inspirational to others and is a trailblazer in community involvement.
Dr. Kellie Warren and Darlene Shephard
When Shephard began volunteering with Florence Crittenton in 1976, she was indeed a trailblazer. She had learned of the organization from a friend who was a member of the Florence Crittenton Auxiliary, and she began volunteering in the thrift shop. “I fell in love with what they were doing immediately,” she says.
Soon, she inquired about joining the auxiliary, but she was informed she couldn’t because she worked, the rationale being that members needed their schedules free to volunteer. Shephard still gave her time to the thrift shop, and after a couple years, the auxiliary realized that as a flight attendant she could manage her schedule to allow time for volunteering. They conceded she could join. Interesting note: In those years, auxiliary members were listed with their husbands’ names. In the directory, Shephard was listed as Mrs. Ronald Shephard (Darlene). Today, she notes, most of the members come from the professional world.
Over the years, Shephard has seen many changes. From the first house on Garfield to the converted motel that now houses administrative offices to the beautiful campus complete with cottages to accommodate 40 young women, Shephard says Florence Crittenton has just continued to get better.
“The girls love it here. We have women come in and talk about their careers. I try to help the girls understand there are so many ways to be involved in the airline industry, for instance, other than as a flight attendant. Sometimes the girls question me, ‘You’re not paid to be here?’
” ‘No,’ I tell them, ‘I come here because I like you.’ ”
The auxiliary hosts pool parties at their homes in the summer. One member serves Thanksgiving dinner in her home, setting the table with silver and china. At Christmas, they hold a party at the Black Canyon Conference Center, complete with a buffet, a surprise visit from Santa and a gift for each girl. Each month, they host a birthday bash to celebrate those born in that month. The auxiliary also has a scholarship fund, awarding three $1,000 scholarships annually, a number they would like to increase.
The most pressing needs for Florence Crittenton today are time and money, says Shephard. “We are blessed with generous people in our community,” she says. Without the individuals and organizations – including the Valley’s professional sports team – so many of Florence Crittenton’s extensive programs wouldn’t be able to flourish, she adds.
Time is important as well. Not everyone can become the prolific volunteer Shephard is, but any time people have to give would help make the young women’s lives easier. “No experience needed,” says Shephard. “If you can listen and you have room in your heart to open it up to these girls, that’s all you need. If you are more comfortable working at Flo’s on 7th, we could use your help there as well.”
Shephard also volunteers at the Elk’s Lodge 335, serving on the veteran’s committee and visiting veterans in their homes. In 2016 she was honored with the Hon Kachina Volunteer Award, and was recognized as The Wigwam Hometown Hero at an Arizona Coyotes game in December 2016.
15th ANNUAL TEAMING UP FOR GIRLS LUNCHEON
When: Thursday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.
Where: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Co-chairs: Tahnia McKeever and Cathy Stein
Featured speaker: 10-time World Champion and 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist in gymnastics and foster care advocate Simone Biles
HOPE Award recipient: Jennifer Bricker, author, acrobat and aerialist
Tickets
PHOTOS COURTESY FLORENCE CRITTENTON
