“I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.”
A Destiny to Help
After retirement, I looked online for opportunities to volunteer. Something kept leading me back to Gryphon Place. I like to think it was divine intervention. Apparently, it’s my destiny to help people. It feels so good to be able to do that.
Establishing Trust
The first thing we do is try to establish a rapport with the caller. When they trust you, they’re able to share more, and you can better determine their needs. Sometimes we’re able to steer them in a direction they didn’t expect. They’ll call thinking they need one thing, but we’re able to point them in the right direction. For instance, if they’re having trouble paying an energy bill, we ask if they’re aware of the food pantries. Taking the load from one need means they can put their resources toward another.
A Team with Heart
It makes you realize how blessed your own life is when you discover that there are people around who are hurting and need so much help. The team here at Gryphon Place is wonderful beyond words. Heart is predominant – it’s what we’re all about. Working here has been one of the highlights of my life. And my life has been pretty long!
Getting Help
Whether a person needs help locating a specific service or is having trouble securing basic needs, Gryphon Place can help. Dial 2-1-1 for answers and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are confidential and answered with respect, empathy and compassion.
Education
To give children the greatest chance to thrive, we invest in early childhood programs that help each child start school ready to learn. We also support programs that provide quality child care and after-school activities, get families involved in their children’s education, and help children become leaders.
Health
We are making sure people have access to physical and mental health care, and that babies are born healthy. We work with health care providers to keep costs low and make sure services are available for those with little or no health insurance.