Lynn Jepsen

Name: Lynn Jepsen

Age: 57

Family: Husband, Steven, two children, one grandson.

Residence: Yuba City

Occupation: Dental hygienist

How long have you lived in the Yuba-Sutter area? Moved here in 2006.

Hobbies, interests: I like to walk.

For what groups do you volunteer? The Fremont-Rideout Foundation, including helping with the Fairway to Health golf tournament, the walk for diabetes and the health walk. A friend got me involved with the foundation in 2007 — I like making a difference in the community.

I have been the Hands of Hope clothes closet coordinator for the past three years. I started as a volunteer at the front desk and then became coordinator. Working there is my calling; I have a servant's heart, so I like helping people.

For three years, I have been a part of the Regional Emergency Shelter Team, or REST, and am the morning portal coordinator. REST started as the Family Emergency Shelter Team and now works through local churches which provide shelter and food and a place where guests can check in during the winter. We're all volunteers.

I have taught Sunday school to toddlers at North Valley Calvary Chapel for the past two years.

In the past, I was involved with my kids' school — people thought I was a staff member, but I was a volunteer; was in charge of the church nursery in Fremont and Vista; and did vacation Bible school.

As a dental hygienist, I had some elderly patients who couldn't drive — I would pick them up, clean their teeth and drive them home.

Not everyone can volunteer, but they can donate financially.

How do you fit volunteering into your schedule? It's called schedule. You make time. Now, because I am an empty nester, I have a little bit more time.

Words of advice: You have to look at what interests you and pursue it, such as working with children or with people less fortunate than you. You can find something to do in every area of society. If you take time to do your part you make a difference. You have to be the one to take the first step.

Why be a volunteer? To make a difference in the community. Utilize your gifts to their full potential. There's always someone who needs a helping hand who won't be able to repay you.

Quote: "If you see a need you should try to help. I always hope that (by) helping someone, they can pass on a little kindness."