Friday Feature: Darrel Butcher

A listening ear
Darrel's story

Your name: Darrel Butcher

Your role at Volunteers of America Michigan: Employment Specialist for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

What brought you to this position? The chance to help others.

What is your biggest takeaway from working with Volunteers of America Michigan? No two people are the same. Everyone has different issues, and everyone could use some help at one point or another. Employee or client, everyone can use a little more understanding.

What is your biggest challenge in this position? Work challenge: Staying in contact with veterans who have already received the services they needed and moved on from our program. Personal life challenge: knowing where to draw the line before it becomes too much sushi.

Where is your dream vacation spot? I have always wanted to go to Ireland.

What is your favorite book? Hard question. One I recently read, and really enjoyed was “Geek Love” by Katherine Dunn. But one of my favorite authors is Chuck Palahniuk and a couple of his books are up there. My favorite book is always changing. But for now, I guess I will say “Geek Love.”

How do you spend your time outside of the office? The bulk of my time outside of work is spent with my beautiful daughter, Lennon (16 months). We spend as much time outside as possible, going to the park, hiking local trails, and going to the lake. The days I don’t have Lennon, I enjoy golfing, cooking, riding my dirt bike, and wood working.