When Ann Silloway learned of the many services provided by Interfaith Outreach, her eyes were immediately drawn to child care. After just one volunteer session, Ann knew the Children’s Play Area was a perfect fit. She feels very fortunate to be caring for children while providing parents distraction-free time to visit on-site services. Ann knows all children understand the universal language of nurturing, caring and safe play.
Ann didn’t have an easy life growing up. Her mother died when she turned eight, leaving her father to raise six children (6 months to 15 years). A proud man, her father didn’t want to accept outside help, but he knew he had to in order to keep the family together. Now Ann is grateful to be giving back and has special empathy for families in transition.
Ann remembers a new mother coming in with her little boy for the first time who broke down crying because she felt ashamed to be there. Ann gave her a hug and assured her she was doing the right thing by asking for help, and that it wouldn’t last forever. After finding a job, the women cried together – tears of joy for the mother and bittersweet tears for Ann.
Thank you, Ann, for sharing your wise and tender gifts.