A lifelong Texan, Jennifer McLaughlin has lived in Fort Worth, Austin, and now Georgetown. But, of the places she’s studied or worked, she says, “I’m pretty sure The Caring Place is my favorite.” Read on to find out why!
Having lived in Georgetown for 21 years with her husband, Jennifer has two sons who have since gone to college. Finding herself with an empty-nest, she’s been volunteering at The Caring Place since the spring of this year. Her history with TCP, however, goes back much farther. Jennifer tells me that, about 10 years ago, her husband started volunteering at TCP’s Food Pantry through his workplace’s volunteer program. Through that experience, Jennifer joined him in becoming a weekly Food Pantry volunteer. After years of raising children and working part-time, she’s returned to The Caring Place, this time as a volunteer cashier!
Between running the register and interacting with customers, Jennifer says her work “exercises her brain.” She gushes as she describes the salon owners, jewelers, and everyday people she’s met in the Boutique. And for the front register, she only has good things to say, “The people I work with… they’re so fun!” In fact, being around people is where she thrives. In a store that serves members from the entire community, Jennifer says she loves meeting the diverse people who shop at TCP. And Jennifer’s glad to see her mother, who’s experienced in retail displays, also start volunteering at The Caring Place.
In her spare time, Jennifer takes joy in caring for her garden. It’s something that she’s always loved, but is happy she now has more time to devote to her plants. On top of that, Jennifer enjoys sewing. In particular, she loves making T-shirt quilts for her family and friends.
Why does Jennifer say TCP is her favorite place to be? “I like the customers. I like the people I work for. I like the organization.” Knowing that she’s fortunate to be able to volunteer in her free time, Jennifer feels fulfilled by being a part of The Caring Place’s mission. She respects how TCP provides services to those in need, and admires The Caring Place’s longevity in the community. “It feels good to be in a position to help people that really need it. I love that.”
