Friday Feature: Meghan Hetherton

Heart of service
Meghan's story

Your name: Meghan Hetherton

Your role at Volunteers of America Michigan: Service Coordinator for Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

What brought you to this position? I was looking for a career that would allow me to help other Veterans, like myself, through a trying time in their lives. I understand the struggle of finding and keeping stability after military service, and I wanted to support them during this time.

What is your biggest takeaway from working with Volunteers of America Michigan? The biggest takeaway from this job is that you don’t truly know what a person has been through, and what someone is struggling with, until you sit them down and make yourself open and receptive to what they have to say. Just being a non-judgmental and friendly ear for someone can be a huge support to assist them through a difficult time in their life.

What is your biggest challenge in this position? My biggest challenge is making sure that I am getting out in the 3 counties I serve, so that the Veterans know I am there and a community resource available to them. Some of the areas I serve are cut off from public transportation or other resources, so making sure I am coming to their communities is essential for their success.

Where is your dream vacation spot? My ideal vacation spot is Europe. I love that I can just hop a train and be in Germany one day, France the next, and so on. I love the culture and atmosphere that each individual country in Europe offers. It’s an opportunity to see different eras of history.

What is your favorite book? “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck.

How do you spend your time outside of the office? My husband and 5 children fill my life outside of work. We love spending time together, whether it be a movie night in, lounging on the couch, or a trip to the zoo or aquarium. I also advocate for inclusion for children and adults with disabilities, as well as their families. I am in graduate school through the University of Maryland, pursuing my Master’s in Management. I also find any opportunity I can to be outside, in nature.