Volunteer Spotlight: Women in Networking Connections (WINC)

April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re celebrating our volunteers this month by putting a few of our amazing volunteers in the spotlight! These volunteers truly shine, and we’re honored to have community leaders like these who choose to serve with us. Today’s spotlight shines on the Women in Networking Connections (WINC) group from Council Bluffs! This group started less than a year ago with the dream of seeing women in our community working together to make an impact, and they are already doing just that! From volunteering to collecting donations, this group is not only impacting New Visions but several other local nonprofits as well, proving that there truly is power in working together towards a good cause.

Tiffany Eggett, who coordinates the group, says, “When we started talking about how we can make a difference with our WINC ladies, New Visions was the FIRST place that came up. It only took 1 visit and I was hooked!” The women began serving meals at New Visions several months ago, and now many women make it a priority to sign up to serve a meal with the group each month. Brittany Seely, a member of the group, says that serving a meal was a deeply meaningful experience for her. “So many of the people coming through the line for food are full of delight and so thankful. It’s just a reminder that we are all human and our stories are just different, we are all just doing the best we can.”

When asked what inspires them to serve, the WINC women agree that everyone has their own reasons. WINC member Melinda Jensen says, “Cornell makes the experience fun and meaningful! How he can put up with all of us and give direction at the same time is amazing. My real estate partner had never volunteered before and joined us last month, now he is hooked too!”

For Tiffany Eggett, her motivation to serve the homeless community is deeply personal. “Before my son passed away 7 years ago, he was homeless,” she says, “bouncing between friends’ couches and living in a few parks in CB. I don't think he ever used the services at New Visions, but when I stand in that kitchen, I see his face in those men. And for a brief second, I feel like I am getting another chance to see a boy gone too soon.” Tiffany’s story reminds us that every person is someone’s son or daughter. We’re grateful for volunteers like Tiffany and the WINC group who each bring their own histories to joyfully serve their community together.