April Volunteer of the Month: Michelle Whitehead

Congratulations to Central Park resident Michelle Whitehead for being selected as April’s Volunteer of the Month! You will often find Michelle assisting with set-up and tear-down at community events, and generally lending a helping hand. She is also a member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Safety Committee, working hard to ensure Issaquah Highlands remains safe and prepared for emergencies. Thanks for all you do, Michelle!

She had the following to say about her time volunteering and living in Issaquah Highlands:

When did you move to Issaquah Highlands?  And from where?

I moved to Issaquah Highlands in May 2013 with my daughters who were 15 years old and eight months at the time. We used to live in Milton and Fife in Pierce County. I am originally from Renton and the south Seattle area. I come from a family with a lot of military background, and many of them live in the southern states.

Why did you choose to live in Issaquah Highlands?

Michelle’s daughter, Mallory, trick-or-treating in Issaquah Highlands.

We came to live in Issaquah Highlands through a transitional homeless program that was facilitated by the YWCA in Issaquah and King County Housing Authority. We loved the beauty of the community and how well it was maintained. There were job opportunities for both me and my daughter, and we had access to some stabilizing resources such as transportation, food and clothes. (Thanks to Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank and KidVantage!)

The trees in the spring, summer and fall are very majestic, and the lights in winter make them all the better! I do love hearing the frogs croak and seeing the black tailed deer at times. The views are stunning. Plus, our community has the best Trick or Treating, which was a huge bonus for my youngest daughter.

Could you tell us about your family?

We live at Lauren Heights apartments right next to Central Park, which is a great location.  I have worked for local companies including Port Blakely, who built Issaquah Highlands. I’m also engaged in all things special education related.

Mallory participating in the Global Grub & Groove activities last summer.

We are a family that strives for our independence, autonomy and self-reliance, but we also seek community with Issaquah Highlands and the greater city. Our community does well and thrives when we have the right support in place with education, employment and childcare. We appreciate the diversity of Issaquah Highlands. Our favorite events are the Global Grub and Groove summer events, and we used to love Highlands Day.

How did you become involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands?

I am always wanting to share what I have and find ways to get involved. My main areas of interest are in the safety of the community with crime, speeding, vandalism, loitering, fireworks, wildfires, littering, wild animals, and safe areas for children.

I do also love to be of service and don’t mind setting up or tearing down any event. I have participated in community safety meetings, cleaned up parking lots on my own accord, and helped coordinate some events. I try to offer my assistance whenever possible.

Tell us about your experience with the Issaquah Highlands Community Safety Committee.

I have enjoyed working with representatives from IHCA, Highlands Council and the general community to prioritize safety and emergency preparedness in Issaquah Highlands. The committee has good representation from the city of Issaquah as well as several community members with first aid and first responder skills.

This is thrilling and exciting for me to participate in the beginning stages of long-term fire evacuation planning. It feels very rewarding to work towards saving and protecting human and animal lives, providing me with a sense of meaning and belonging as well as peace of mind that my youngest daughter will be supported if the need ever arises. I’m passionate about self-preparation and want to continue building my knowledge and practicing in the event of an emergency.

What advice do you have for others interested in volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, even if you have an introverted personality. There are many areas of volunteerism where your specific skills, interests and comfort level can be utilized. Don’t be afraid to approach Highlands Council and offer your time at any upcoming events. You might even be surprised at the different types of opportunities available!

“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” – DeAnn Hollis.

I would like to see more young people get involved and mentor other young people, especially those who don’t have the support of family or friends. I would like to see people volunteer with the intention of reaching those who are isolated or unaware of what this community has to offer.

Bring your language, your skills, your passion, your wisdom, your experience and your authentic self to this community! I want you to be known here, I want you to be encouraged here, I want you to feel safe here, I want you to feel like you matter here, and I want you to be welcomed here. I know that the folks at the IHCA and Highlands Council want the same thing.

Michelle is a Central Park resident and a member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Safety Committee.