Friday Feature: Shirley Vincent

Making connections
Shirley's story

Your name: Shirley Vincent

Your role at Volunteers of America Michigan: Service Coordinator at Oak Village Square Apartments.

What brought you to this position? Four years ago, I was looking for a position that would allow me to work with older adults and connect them to social programs that would help them maintain their independence.

What is your biggest takeaway from working with Volunteers of America Michigan? My biggest takeaway has been knowing the importance of empathizing with our residents’ situations, listening to their needs, and encouraging them to try new things.

What is your biggest challenge in this position? My biggest challenge is when our residents don’t take full advantage of, or aren’t aware of all of the services that are available to them.

Where is your dream vacation spot? Hawaii.

What is your favorite book? “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.

How do you spend your time outside of the office? I am involved with my church’s missions group, which entails transporting food to a homeless shelter the first of each month, shopping and packing food boxes for low income families, and volunteering for different church events.