Imogene Bennington is far more than just a volunteer at the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter. For five years, she has volunteered full time in YWCA Sojourner's front office. Imogene, a retiree, dutifully works 8+ hour days Monday through Friday - more than 160 hours each month. Her name appears on every staff schedule, and her daily contributions include assisting the shelter's residents (which average 65 daily), answering phones, clerical work, and helping monitoring residents' medication. Although she refuses to reveal her age, we do know that she worked at the WV American Water Company for 52 years! Even after suffering the loss of her husband and battling breast cancer, Imogene still decided to dedicate her time to helping the homeless and those in greatest need in our community. Her invaluable contributions have saved YWCA Sojourner's more than $21,000 each year - a saving grace for any nonprofit organization during these tough economic times.
Imogene's true value, however, lies in her sweet and sincere spirit. Each day, she listens to residents' questions and concerns, offers advice sincerely and without judgment, and sets an example to other staff with her diligence and hard work. Thanks to the dedication of Imogene Bennington and the rest of the YWCA Sojourner's staff and volunteers, last year alone we were able to provide 19,202 nights of shelter to 1,080 homeless individuals - 338 of which were children.