Meet Our Volunteer of the Month, Kirby Bradford!

Kirby Bradford is a long-time supporter of GENaustin whose time and dedication keep GENaustin’s computers up and running. It takes many volunteers, with many different skill sets, to allow GENaustin to serve as many girls as we do. Remember, no matter who you are or how much time you have to give, there are always ways you can contribute to the organizations you care about.

1) Why do you volunteer with GENaustin? How long have you been involved?

I have volunteered for GENaustin for about 3  years. I volunteer because I believe in their mission. I see the committment to the program from Julia right down to the Vista volunteers GENaustin hosts each year and of course, the campus volunteers. I may only see the office staff but I know there are a lot of committed people out there making it all happen.

2) What about our work is important to you?

GENaustin’s work is important to me because having a step daughter who has struggled with some of the issues GENaustin helps maturing girls with brings their work closer to home. Not all girls have parents that are involved and in many cases I know that GENaustin provides that structure and voice of support, reason and direction for some girls through their programs. Girls today are dealing with a whole host of peer issues, social issues and self image issues and GENaustin helps to address some of those.

3) Why are you involved in community service generally? How has it enriched your life?

My wife and I both have a strong sense of volunteerism whether it be with a group like GENaustin or one of the other organizations we volunteer with like Austin Pets Alive. We don’t stop there as we are always available to friends and others when a need is there.We generally do it to hopefully help to enrich the lives of others somehow. Likewise, it is also out of a sense of committment to community. I enjoy the feeling when I hear thanks from those I have helped. It feels great to have helped someone somehow and to be appreciated. That is something I always get from the people at GENaustin.

4) What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with GENaustin?

We all have life skills and I would say to someone that all of their life skills are welcome. We all bring something to the table and you don’t have to dig deep to find a valuable skill to lend. In my case, I have spent over 20 years in managing large IT departments at the corporate level for both public and private companies. I fix desktops and printers at GENaustin. Even though I haven’t done desktop support for years, it’s like riding a bike. I haven’t forgotten how and I am glad to be able to share that skill with GENaustin.

There is also another reason to volunteer with GENaustin … the people that work there. They are committed, dedicated and genuinely good people doing a lot of good for others.

Interested in being a volunteer for GENaustin? Contact celeste@genaustin.org for more info!