Carole Boldt

Carole Boldt's face breaks into a big smile as she reflects on all the positives in Neighborhood Service Council's after-school and family programs. "My contributions are minuscule compared to those of other volunteers," she humbly explains. But no matter how Carole may protest, it "takes a village" and Carole's participation in the Events Planning Committee enhances the experience of all involved in NSC: children, parents, staff, other volunteers and visitors.

Carole's special talent lies in decorating. She plans appropriate decorations for all areas of the NSC Center, with special attention to seasonal decorations in the entry. In addition, her decorations adorn the tables and the rooms for all NSC events such as Family Nights and Volunteer Appreciation Night.

Carole's touch of beauty is her way of endorsing a quality program and the folks who make it happen. She enjoys working with all who make a difference in the success of NSC: staff members Shawn Ainsworth and Susan Condatore, and of course the numerous other volunteers besides herself. Carole is particularly grateful to Joan Barnette for her continuing leadership and mentoring.  Claire Erwin has been very helpful as well.

Carole and Roger have three grown children and five grandchildren. The are "active" grandparents for the local grandkids. Children and Carole are a good match because she is a retired teacher, having spent a lot of years teaching earth science at Liberty Junior High School in the Richardson Independent School District. Her backyard minerals, rocks and fossils seem to come to life as she eagerly explains why each is unique. Out of doors, Carole enjoys gardening in her lovely yard. Indoors, Roger and Carole enjoy reading.

Carole is responsible for many decorations at NSC, but when she is volunteering, the best decorations are her smile and graciousness!

Elizabeth Kilgore

“Because of the importance of reaching young children.”  Isn’t that a great reason to volunteer?  And because it’s Neighborhood Service Council, volunteer Elizabeth Kilgore adds, “it’s one way to reach kids who are at a higher crime risk.”  And for good measure this Grandmother smiles and offers, “ they are SO bright!”  

Elizabeth has been volunteering two hours each week since 2007. The children arrive after the regular school day from one of the 6 nearby elementary schools, have a snack, exercise, homework, and perhaps play a game.  But it is reading together with the volunteer, one-on-one in a “study buddy” relationship that appeals to Elizabeth: “They want to succeed in school, but often lack basic skills like vocabulary.  But make NO mistake, these sweet children are motivated.”  Again, the smile and pride surface as if she’s about to break out family photos.

 Family is husband, Doug, also a volunteer.  Together they have 4 children, and 7 grandchildren.  Elizabeth is a member of Spring Valley United Methodist Church where she is active in many of the mission and ministry programs, including being a Stephen Minister.  For fun she and Doug travel in their motor home. She sews and quilts, and enjoys reading.  She also makes beautiful photo albums from the many photos they take.

Elizabeth likes the recently implemented record keeping, so volunteers know exactly each child’s activities. She invites folks to volunteer as tutors, and then quickly adds that van drivers are also needed. Elizabeth is very optimistic about the future of NSC because the leadership has realistic goals for what can be accomplished. 

 “Just go by for a visit and see for yourself,” Elizabeth challenges.

Drudy Jarrell

The quiet demeanor just fits a retired counselor with a social work background.  Those skills serve Drudy Jarrell well to bring calm to after-school tutoring at NSC, where she volunteers one afternoon a week.  Ms. Drudy previously worked exclusively one-on-one, but now has several children together and she “floats” about to help them with homework assignments.  

If I just help one kid, I will have accomplished something.”  It bothers Drudy that some of the children have narrow views that don’t include lofty goals for themselves at this point.  “My goal is to give them a broader view of the world than what they now see.” 

Her introduction to Neighborhood Service Council came via the hospitality of meals served to parents of children attending NSC.  Arapaho United Methodist Church has provided such meals periodically for parent gatherings and after Drudy saw NSC “in action” she decided to also work with the children.  Good move, as she’s now been working 2 hours/week for 5 years!  Think of the lives she’s touched in those years.

Drudy and her husband of 48 years are proud parents of two sons; one is a United Methodist minister and the other a high school basketball coach.  She proudly relates that she and her husband have taken each of the 5 grandchildren individually to Washington D.C. to visit all that our nation’s capital has to offer. 

Water aerobics helps keep Drudy's body moving, The Red Hat Society is a good diversion from daily stress, and her church, Arapaho United Methodist, has also been a vital part of her life since joining in 1974. 

A caring grandmother with seasoned listening skills is a double gift, not only to the children, but to the staff and other volunteers at Neighborhood Service Council as well.  Thank you, Drudy Jarrell!

Claire Erwin, Volunteer Coordinator

A gracious, smiling face greets both the children and those who come to assist with NSC programs. Behind that face is a volunteer Volunteer Coordinator with both extensive volunteer experience, and 30 years as an elementary school teacher (with a graduate degree in special education) in RISD. 

Working with the 40+ volunteers who tutor, drive the vans, or provide other support on a regular basis, and countless more who help with special projects is a “job.”  Claire does it with grace and the calm demeanor of a teacher who understands that the children who come tumbling out the vans and lugging big backpacks have already spent a full day in school. They now need a different pace. 

The best part of her “job” is seeing the kids come in with smiles. The worst part of her “job” is not having enough volunteers. 

Clare has an infectious enthusiasm for the ways in which staff and a caring community can make a difference in the lives of children who live nearby. 

In NSC’s new office, she is busy organizing an extensive collection of books in a child friendly way so that they can be accessed by reading level.  Duplicate copies are put aside for take-home “prizes”. 

“It’s ALL about education in a fun way,” Claire says.  “We are NOT an after-school day care!”  The total focus is on giving something to the children.  That’s why volunteers are so important.  That one-on-one in the computer area or during BUG time is a double gift.  The children receive help with class room lessons and they have a personal cheerleader passing out liberal doses of positive reinforcement. 

Claire’s family includes her husband, two grown children, and one brand new son-in-law.  In those precious few moments of leisure time, Claire enjoys gardening, reading, writing limericks, and spending time at their cabin. 

In a moment away from the usual sunny disposition, she leans in and asks, “Where would these kids be without this place?”

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