I am VOA.
I usually like dogs more than people. They’re not judgy. I’ve got Jake, who’s a mutt. And Oliver is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
I was born in Amarillo, Texas. We didn’t have a lot of money, and after I was born my Dad sold his ’57 Corvette to pay the hospital so they could take me home. Shortly afterwards, we moved to Washington.
I spent 22 years in an aviation composites company. The first year I was on the production floor, but then I applied for an Accounts Receivable position. These three older women took me under their wing and taught me what I needed to know. That company was bought out a couple of years ago, and the new owners decided to centralize all accounting in California, so I lost my job.
I got connected with VOA through a temp agency. Didn’t know anything about VOA, but this organization is like no other organization I’ve ever been in. The food bank, the rental assistance….it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
I like seeing the donations come in. Since I started out at Christmas, it was amazing to see how much people care and give. I remember a gentleman walked off the street and handed us a $10,000 check for the Food Bank.
I love the people here. Especially in this group. I feel very connected to them. Kathy Drew is one of the best trainers I’ve ever had. And Kris Stannert is just so patient. Everyone here is super nice.
I do love my dogs, but I also love the people here. They are amazing.
---
Chris Silverwood has served as the Accounts Receivable Specialist at VOA since December 2020. Her story appears here as a part of our #IAmVOA campaign.