Ann Marie Nordgren views volunteering not only as a way to help others, but as an opportunity to learn from those who are vulnerable, and expand one’s own perspective.
Ann Marie’s journey in serving others began with her family in Ohio. She grew up in a large, catholic family, received a catholic education, where serving the community was an integral part of their way of living. She then went to nursing school, met her husband while in school, and they moved to Florida. A few years later, they ended up in Lebanon Tennessee, outside of Nashville, with their two children. When their youngest started kindergarten, Ann Marie looked to volunteering once again.
In her search, Ann Marie found CASA, an organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system, with the goal of helping them find a safe home. She fell in love with the organization, and eventually, was made the Program Direction of Wilson County CASA. Ann Marie notes that, at first, she was reluctant to take the position. As a mom of two herself, with a husband who also worked full time, it was a difficult decision. But in this position, Ann Marie has learned the importance of balancing motherhood and her career. Additionally she has educated her children about CASA, the juvenile court system, and the life those children have to live. Ann Marie says the experience has been humbling for her and her children.
Ann Marie’s first visit with a CASA family, she met them at a hotel. She found herself amazed by the mother’s resilience and determination for her children’s well being. It was the holiday season, and Ann Marie was determined to help this woman and her children. She wanted to pull together resources for Christmas. She went to CASA, and found out they received a visa gift card as a donation. Ann Marie returned to the hotel and gave this mother the gift card. The mother looked at the receipt and said, “Huh, this is from the dollar general I work at. I sold this gift card.” Ann Marie was amazed by how things came full circle. The mother was able to buy a small Christmas tree and decorations for her hotel room.
After becoming Program Director at CASA, Ann Marie still wanted to give back to the community. This was when she found an organization called Senior Ride, specifically Wilson Ride, in her county. Wilson Ride provides safe transportation for senior citizens to doctor’s appointments, hair salons, or whatever engagements they may have. Ann Marie worked with her grandmother as a nurse, so she wanted to work with senior citizens once again. While volunteering with Wilson county, she worked with seniors with disabilities and limited freedoms. From these experiences she saw how many challenges many of these seniors had to face, whether it was using a walker, or trying to communicate as a deaf person. Ann Marie found that she herself is grateful for the freedom she has, especially with her ability to drive. She can come and go as she pleases, whereas many seniors have stopped driving for their safety. With Wilson Ride, volunteers like Ann Marie can make life for these seniors easier.
All in all, Ann Marie has found purpose in serving those who are in vulnerable situations. Whether that is children, or seniors, it is important to give a voice, or lend a hand to those who need it. Not only do we help others by volunteering, but we grow ourselves, our perspective, and we feel more connected to our community.
To hear more of Ann Marie’s story, listen to her episode on the Doing Good Podcast. Follow and stream on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, or Red Circle.
