A 2009 Thank You

Christine Vicari
SJN Founder-Executive Director

SJN has been blessed with many volunteers and business supporters to lead, plan and deliver our program to the community.  The stories of their contributions have been shared for the last several months. However, we have not been able to name all of our volunteers. Instead, we send a year-end message of acknowledgment.

Whether you volunteered your service on an Innovation Council, facilitating a meeting or workshop, reviewing resumes, serving on the board of directors, working on the website, LinkedIn or Yahoo Group, purchasing bagels, answering e-mail inquiries or telephone calls, supporting SJN as a sponsor, facilitating a meeting, developing training content, speaking at a meeting, orienting new members, working on expansion efforts—or offering time and talent in any way–your contribution has been significant and has enabled SJN to offer our program to the community in a year of great challenge and demand for our services.

Speaking of volunteers, SJN can’t let the year end without a special THANK YOU to devoted volunteers, Bill Markham and Diane Raml.

Bill Markham started attending SJN North meetings early in the year.  He was always very polite and kind and continued to ask how he could help.  Finally, when we were planning a mock interview workshop, I thought of Bill’s offer to coach people on interviewing.

From there, Bill was hooked on SJN and we found numerous ways to involve him.  Bill became a resume reviewer and trained to deliver SJN Curriculum.  He also worked with SJN Board member, Raoul Encinas, to deliver an all-day Boot Camp.

It was at the Boot Camp that Diane Raml came into the picture.  She sat in the front row of the class. When the workshop was over, Bill and Diane discussed the finer points of answering every interviewers’ favorite question, “So tell me about yourself.”  They proceeded to compare resumes, exchanged elevator speeches, discussed their mutual visions and of course scheduled a “networking cup of coffee.” Diane and Bill have been collaborating ever since.

When SJN expanded its services to the Southeast and West Valley, both Bill and Diane could be found reviewing resumes, offering presentations and generally being upbeat and encouraging to our job seekers and volunteers.

Bill and Diane came through in the fall when I needed to be away for a month helping a family member who was dealing with a health issue.  They planned events, facilitated meetings, offered New Member Orientation and they were often tasked with setting up the A/V equipment at North meetings. Bill and Diane are exceptional and passionate resources for SJN members and we thank them for their contributions in 2009.

SJN looks forward to a new year of passionate support for our organization, community and the individuals who come to us for care and support in their career and life transitions. 

May all your needs come to you in abundant ways in the new year!

Chris