National Volunteer Week- Erica Dumpel

For Erica Dumpel, the past year has offered a chance to explore an “effort to engage imagination”. Over the past 35 years supporting InCommunity, Erica has gotten creative with many of her volunteer projects. She has had a hand in decorating the silent auction baskets for the gala, painting items for donation with her kids, and arranging countless flower centerpieces. Most recently, Erica has read and recorded stories, original poems, and gardening lessons for Arts In Community’s Access Grows initiative. Erica is opening herself to working on the creative part of the brain, which is usually discouraged, saying that all of us need to step back and clear our palette, get out of our heads, and shake off self-imposed limitations. And when it comes to arts programming with the individuals, we hold not only ourselves, but the individuals back when we think they can’t do it. For Erica, it’s important that instead of putting up barriers, we be a warrior for those whom we serve.  

But most importantly of all, Erica says volunteering with InCommunity is JUST PLAIN FUN. 

Thanks Erica, we think so too 😉 and we have deep gratitude for your years of service in support of the individuals, the well-being of our staff, and the realization of our mission.