meet volunteer gigi macmullan of webster groves | What made you interested in this particular cause? I met Cathryn Shaw, the executive director, while on a mission trip in Mexico. I learned about the organization and was drawn to the cause. I love that my entire family is able to be involved with the service. It’s not something I do alone; I get to bring my kids and other family members downtown to feed the homeless.
How long have you been a volunteer?
Two years.
What kind of volunteer work are you involved with?
We have a large group of volunteers that do great work. I don’t feel like I stand out at all! We go downtown to serve the continuously homeless. We drive around and try to find people to help. Our goal is to provide basic needs for the day so they can get by. We’ll make 1,100 sack lunches and also bring clothing and other items they might need. In the winter, we distribute things like hats and gloves, long underwear and hand warmers. All Among Us also is opening a women’s care center in the fall. We’ve been given a building in Ferguson, and the goal is to provide transitional housing for up to two years for at-risk women. The building should be able to house around 16 residents. We want to help these women achieve self-sufficiency by providing housing and basic resources. We are trying to raise money for renovations to get the building ready for occupants. Cathryn needed help with fundraising and getting the necessary resources, so that actually led to me taking a more official role with the nonprofit. I was a volunteer before, but I’ve been the director of development for six weeks now. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help create a space to help these women.
If you could do anything for the organization, what would it be?
That’s a hard one. There are so many things I could say. I would like to be part of opening this women’s care center. I would love to see a revitalized and empowered community of women who have benefited from being well cared for. I want to help these women grow in confidence and believe in their innate gifts and strengths. It would be great to see the impact of the relationships they form with each other at the center, in the Ferguson community and with me. I want to be part of transforming their lives. One of the goals we’re working toward is to provide affordable, long-term housing for these women. It would be great to make that possible and help the organization partner with other nonprofits, too.
all among us: to help individuals move beyond generational poverty toward self-sufficiency
in the words of all among us: “Gigi is purposeful and passionate about her work with All Among Us. Her energy and enthusiasm for our mission are contagious, and her commitment to our organization is much appreciated.”
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography