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LSS
VOLUNTEERS
2485 Como Avenue
St. Paul MN 55108
651.642.5990
1.800.582.5260
volunteers@lssmn.org
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©
2007 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota serves all people regardless of
race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
disability or age.
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"Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
expresses the love of Christ for all people through acts of service."
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Volunteer Profile: Dean Howard
Helps others boost their bottom lines at the Personal Finance Center Charitable Giving Guide,
Star Tribune October 24, 2007
What do you do for the Personal Finance Center?
I volunteer as a financial mentor. I have a knack for finances and I want to share those skills to help others become economically self-sufficient. I found the Personal Finance Center’s volunteer opportunities on the Hands On Twin Cities website. The Personal Finance Center (PFC) is a program of Lutheran Social Service and Faith in The City.
What do you do for this organization?
Through PFC’s mentoring program, I was matched with a young woman who is a musician. She is using PFC’s savings grant and financial education program to start her own business. I’m not creative, but I am a business coach and facilitator, and we’ve had some great conversations! The most valuable thing I offer as a mentor is stable support. We meet regularly to review her financial goals and talk about the progress or problems she’s encountered since our last meeting. During tax season, I also volunteer at Personal Finance Center’s free tax-preparation clinic. Last year I alone prepared more than 25 tax filings for low-income working adults. I also sit on PFC’s Advisory Council. I haven’t gotten to know everyone as well as I’d like, but we all have the same goal: “To help people attain economic self-sufficiency through wealth creation”.
Has volunteering changed your life?
I have volunteered for most of my adult life. I can’t say that volunteering has changed my life as much as I can say it has continually given me the feeling of being appreciated and an opportunity for self-discovery. I never realized that I had a talent for finances until it became so valuable to others.
Can your efforts strengthen your community?
Undoubtedly! Anytime people come together and support one another, the individual and community becomes stronger. The circle of community becomes bigger, too. We become more informed in personal relationships and community resources. It has a ripple effect. One person can make and see the differences they help make happen.
Should everyone volunteer?
Yes, but take your time to find what it is that you’d be good at. There is something for everyone.
Copyright 2007 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Office of Communications
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