Kathleen Harding, a Fellowship Square supporter since 1985, has served as an employee, a Board member, and a volunteer, epitomizing the wide range of people who have built and supported Fellowship Square over our 65-year history. We recently sat down with Kathleen to learn a little bit more about her involvement.
Q: How did you originally find out about Fellowship Square, and what inspired you to join our efforts?
A: I had been working part-time at a doctor’s office and felt antsy for something different. A friend mentioned that she’d seen a job posting at the Lake Ridge Fellowship House, and even though I live just down the street, I’d never heard of it. I went in to learn more through an interview with Sharon Farmer, never thinking I’d actually get the job. But we connected immediately, and I started my career as an assistant to Sharon shortly afterwards. I’ve since had the distinct privilege of also knowing and working with Dr. Scherzer, Leo Berger, and David Hartmann.
I often helped out the residents with a variety of their needs and started working exclusively with them in 2002, when I accepted a Service Coordinator position, where I remained until my retirement in 2020. I loved my experience; my grandmother influenced my life enormously – she even orchestrated my meeting my husband! – and working with residents, as well as volunteering with the Fellowship Fresh grocery delivery, has felt like a way to honor her and our relationship.
Q: How has your Board experience shaped your feelings about Fellowship Square?
A: After I retired, I learned that several Board members had rotated off for a variety of reasons, and it seemed like a good way to get involved with Fellowship Square in a new capacity. I love the residents and I support the service coordinators 100 percent. By serving on the Board and eventually serving as President, I feel like I can be there for them and support them – I know how hard their jobs are. I’ve been proud to grow the Board and reach near-equal representation between men and women members. I’m so proud of our ability – as an organization – to provide a safe, secure home for seniors who deserve it. There are incredibly impressive people living at Fellowship House, who have worked so hard and done so much for their communities, but just didn’t make a lot of money over their lifetimes. I’m glad that we have provided them with a secure and safe home.