GIVING BACK
By Shanna Hogan
Photo by Ross Martin
Hanging on the wall of Jackie Gill-Solares’ cramped
office in the hallway of St. Vincent de Paul’s Phoenix
ministry, is a painting that reads, “Refuse to do Nothing… Volunteer.”
It’s the motto by which Gill-Solares lives. For 20 years
she worked as a barber, volunteering in her spare time for
various charitable organizations. It was during one charitable
endeavor, three years ago, while providing haircuts for the
homeless at St. Vincent de Paul, that she decided to change
her life and make giving back her full-time job.
“When I came here, I loved this ministry and what they
do. I decided I’d be happier working here,” she says with a
smile. “I haven’t regretted it since. It’s been wonderful.”
Each weekday hundreds of the Valley’s homeless and
poverty-stricken arrive at the St. Vincent de Paul facility for
a sack lunch, shower or a change of clothes. It’s Gill-Solares’ job to help them get back on their feet. As one of just three
full-time employees, she wears a lot of hats, assisting in every
department.
It’s a very busy and demanding job. And in this current
economic downturn, an increasing number of people are
finding themselves in need.
“I’m seeing more families and singles who have never been
in this situation before, and they just look shell-shocked,” she says. “It’s very scary.”
|
