Making the community better for all

They say it brings them joy. Feeds the spirit. Humbles them.

Volunteering a few hours a week to give back to their community has become a passion for three Valencia County residents. They found the Valencia County Resource Center in Belen through different paths, but their willingness to give of their time and serve those in need unites them.

Patsy Johnson, Steven Sanchez and Erika Novich have all been volunteering at the center for about six months but in that time they’ve left an impression on Sara Gonzalez, an adult resource assessment specialist at the center.

Gonzalez nominated all three as Valencia County News-Bulletin Unsung Heroes this year, and they are being honored collectively for their work.

Using words like “wonderful,” “amazing” and “giver,” Gonzalez said the three truly make a difference at the center.

“Erika believes the resource center humanizes people and gives them a safe space. She spreads her love through the community and through her selfless charitable acts in organizations,” Gonzalez said in her nomination of Novich.

She described Sanchez as a “pillar in the community,” who believes the mission of the resource center is critical.

“The impact that Steven has made is far and wide within the community, thanks to his extremely charitable donations as well as surprises for resource (center) management to make things run smoother for everyone,” she said.

Gonzalez said Johnson “admits she tends to get in trouble because she is a giver, but she loves to help and give back. She devotes most of her time, including budgeting monthly to support (the center) to better the lives of our clients, and she is recognized for making the center full of love.”

Another commonality the three share is working in the education field — Sanchez and Novich as teachers and Johnson on the clerical side.

When Sanchez came to the center and introduced himself, he was immediately “hooked on their mission to assist those in the community who need some help. It isn’t just for homeless people. It’s for anyone who is struggling and having a hard times making ends meet. I see families coming in with young children and it’s a good place to come for them. It fills your heart with joy.”

Volunteering and being able to work in places where she could support others was a lifelong desire for Novich.

“In working for others, you’re kind of working for yourself. It humbles you,” she said. “I think it makes you gracious for the things you have.”

Being able to work with people experiencing homelessness was on Johnson’s heart, so when she heard the center needed volunteers, she knew she had to go.

“I’ve been abandoned, so to speak, so I knew what it was. I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to contribute,’” she said.

Most of the trio’s weekly hours at the center are spent sorting donations and stocking the shelves with household goods and hanging clothes on the racks.

In addition to her time at the resource center, Novich volunteers at a local food bank and community garden, as well as Books on Becker, the Belen Art League and the Valencia County chapter of the New Mexico Ramp Project, which builds ramp at people’s homes for accessibility.

“My big dream once was to go to Africa. At this age, I probably won’t get to do that but I’m fulfilling my dream by volunteering here, and every day of the week I have a little volunteer job,” she said. “When you support the community you’re in and you recognize the needs of your community through volunteering, in being humble, it feeds your spirit.”

Sanchez and Johnson’s volunteer efforts are focused on the resource center for now, but they did take time to “tell” on each other’s efforts.

“She won’t say it, so I’ll say it for her. She goes to Walmart and comes back with a trunk load of food for the center for folks,” said Sanchez of Johnson. “She’s giving up her own resources to support what goes on here.”

Turn about is fair play, so Johnson says when Sanchez saw her come to the center with a load of food, he asked if Walmart made a donation.

“I said, ‘No, I have a small budget that I use once a month,’ and he contributed a nice chunk of money to that budget,” Johnson said.

Johnson waves off the compliment, saying she’s been very fortunate in his life.

“The good Lord gave me a good brain and a good job, and I’ve made plenty of money,” he said. “So, retirement is good. I’ve been fortunate that way. If I can share with others who need it, I’m happy to do it.”

Whether it’s an Amazon haul of men’s socks or shorts and t-shirts she finds on clearance, Johnson is more than happy to bring what he can to the center.

All three are quick to point out how kind, engaging and respectful the center staff is, saying the people who work there are a big reason they continue to contribute and volunteer.

“They are so accommodating and helpful to the clients,” Johnson said. “When I leave, I always feel so much better than when I got here. They are very joyful people.”

Novich agrees, saying the staff is a big part of what drew her to the center.

“This is a place where people are recognized. What I’ve learned with kids is, if somebody recognizes you, they become part of your circle and that’s a powerful thing,” she said. “The staff here gives a tremendous amount of respect to everybody who comes in, no matter what the situation is.”

Raised to care for others in his community, Sanchez said he believes “we have a responsibility to care for our brothers and our sisters. My grandmother talked to us kids a lot about that. My mom and dad were insistent that we try to help others.”

Johnson learned the same lessons growing up, she said.

“We were taught to help the neighbor clean their house, pull weeds, cook a meal for someone that might not be feeling well,” she said. “I follow in the steps of Jesus. Our hearts are there for these people. When I was younger, I had needs and people in my community met those needs, gave us food when my kids were little and I was abandoned. I just feel like I gotta’ return what was given to me.”

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