Category: Volunteers

Favorite coffee drink?

Iced coffee is my go-to coffee drink in any season! I’m most satisfied with an iced caramel coffee with cold foam!

 What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given was the encouragement to follow Jesus by my grandparents. Their unconditional love has been a true testimony to me all my life, and without their roots and commitment to me I surely wouldn’t be who I am. Another strong piece of advice I’ve been given was from my aunt who told me..”Make sure you marry someone funny, because looks fade and it’s better to be laughing for the rest of your life..”.

If you could instantly become and expert in something, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to understand math and technology at a higher level! It’s never been my best subject, and I always joke that my brother who’s an engineer, got all the quality smart genes and I was stuck with the leftovers. We are of course gifted in different ways, but most times I wish my calculator wasn’t my most-used app on my phone!

  About me: 

I am currently a full-time Nursing student in Northern Colorado. I spend a lot of time reading, studying, and caring for my beloved pets. I have always planned on using my degree in the Mission field and have recently experienced a new interest in pediatrics/OB/NICU! I look forward to using my career to serve others in need and make connections with people. Becoming a part of the team at A Friend For You will give me the opportunity to explore these interests and will allow me to learn more about how to make a difference. 

Why are you passionate about a friend for You?

I am passionate about A Friend For You because of the strong focus this organization has on making purposeful connections with women and aiding them through their experiences with pregnancy. I look forward to giving my heart to serving those who are pregnant with a team that prioritizes love and finding ways to provide resources to those who we can reach. 

Favorite coffee drink?

Half caff with cream and sugar, please!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Being listened to is so close to being loved most people can’t tell the difference.”

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why?

A professional pianist… that would be incredible!

About me:

My husband David and I loved raising our two (now adult) daughters and are thankful to have added a son-in-law and, more recently, a grandson to our family! In the past I have worked with organizations that provide mediation services, as well as restorative processes for those in the criminal justice system.  In my free time I enjoy reading, cheering for our family’s favorite sports teams, and traveling to see family and friends.

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You?

I am all about relationships, so when I was introduced to A Friend for You, it was an easy decision to become involved with the ministry. I believe we are all in the middle of our story and I enjoy working with organizations and churches who come along side others and assist them on their journey.  I am thankful for an opportunity to serve with A Friend for You as they help clients find their way through the chapter of life they are in.  Plus, both my husband and I have family members who have experienced unexpected pregnancies, so this ministry is near to my heart! 

Favorite coffee drink? 

Hot black coffee in colder temperature and Ice tea with lemon when its nice out

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

Quick to listen and slow to speak. When you are trying to get to know someone ask open ended questions.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? 

I would love to become a horticulturist/botanist. Flowers and plants are beautiful and they don’t talk back 🙂

About me: 

We are a blended family of 11 and I think we have navigated it pretty successfully! Being a retired grandparent is an absolute blast and to see our kids become responsible adults is wonderful

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You? 

Looking back, I could have used a friend/mentor that offered unconditional friendship at different points in my life but especially when I was pregnant and had small children. Being a part of A Friend 4 U has increased my compassion for the struggles of our current generation and so thankful there are resources to help our clients with options, connecting the need with the solution is very rewarding.

Favorite coffee drink?  A 160z mug of freshly ground and brewed Pete’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend^® with ¼ cup of caramel macchiato creamer.  Very specific? Yes.  Inexpensive? Also, yes.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? “…Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry….” (Ephesians 4:26) I have tried to live by this verse and a reciprocal one “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I find, if I don’t go to bed angry at someone, I won’t lay awake at night worrying and stressing about how I will deal with things tomorrow.  Addressing problems right away makes for a better night of rest and a better following day.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? A mnemonist, better known as “someone with the ability to remember and recall unusually long lists of data.”  Since I do not have this skill, I have lists for my lists, reminders galore on my phone, and I am terrible at games that require you to spout facts.

A Little Bit about Myself: I am the wife of a wonderful husband and have two teenage girls.  I own my own business working as a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor Bookkeeper.  For fun, I like running, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and snowboarding.  When I am not enjoying the outdoors, I like a good historical fiction novel.   

Why are you passionate about a Friend for You? In the words of famous writer, C.S. Lewis, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

No person is the “only one”, even if you feel like it at the time.  Growing up, my four siblings and I had the best environment my single-mom could provide on her own.  This did not mean we had everything, but she made sure we had what we needed.  Even if she stayed up all night to make it, or worked that extra shift to provide it for us, we were taken care of.  I want to be a friend to other moms who may be going through what my mom did.  I want to let them know they are not the “only one” and come alongside them to provide guidance to resources and a friend to call when the days get tough. 

Favorite coffee drink? 

Pumpkin spice latte (yes please on the whipped cream!)

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

Aside from choosing a relationship with Jesus, I was told that my most important decision would be the person I’d marry. I’m thankful for my husband, whom I’ve been married to for nearly 25 years.

About me: 

I am wife to Rob, and Mom to 4 kids who are teens and young adults. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist at Lighthouse Christian Counseling, and have been a counselor for more than 20 years. I’m part of the prayer team at our church, and love to see God move in the lives of people.

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You? 

A Friend for You is a beautiful way to bless girls and women who are pregnant with a friend and mentor to walk through a time that is sometimes very challenging. In college, I had the privilege of having a mentor-friend, and was truly so thankful to have someone to ask tough questions of, and know she would be honest with me. She shared her own life with me too, and I was blessed through that experience. 

I have also had the chance to walk through my own pregnancies, a miscarriage, and have had the opportunity to work with women who have chosen to parent their babies, place their child for adoption, and with those who have chosen abortion. One of my closest friends is an adoptive Mom of three beautiful children. I see God’s fingerprints on all of these situations. He cares for us, sees our needs, and loves us through every moment of our lives with an unconditional love that is sometimes hard to fully grasp as humans.

Favorite coffee drink? 

Pumpkin spice latte

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

Best advice growing up was from my dad: “You can do anything you put your mind to Leslie!” In my Faith walk: “Don’t rush in to fix things. Listen, Wait and trust Me with the details.”

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? 

I’d be an expert genealogist. God designed us to be in relationship. Discovering my ancestors, learning their stories, has inspired compassion, tenacity, and deeper connection in seeing His hand throughout generations. 

About me: 

My husband Scott and I have been married 34 years. We enjoy time with family and raised our two sons in Ft Collins. I’m a recently retired Family Birthing Center RN, where I had the privilege of helping moms bring new life into the world! I love photography and the outdoors. Currently I enjoy serving in BSF leadership, and small group ministry.

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You? 

I believe in our mission of empowering women through the investment of friendship. A Friend for You provides an incredible service to women in a challenging pregnancy through 1:1 support. Trained volunteers come alongside women. By extending the gift of friendship and a non-judgmental ear to expectant mothers, self-confidence is fostered. Women are given tools, resources, an open door of hope to walk through; opportunity to grow and make a positive difference in generations to come.

Favorite coffee drink? 

Typically, I’m a drip coffee girl, but if I’m in the mood for something special, a London Fog (Earl Grey tea steeped in hot milk).

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

A friend once told me, “You already have ‘no’.”  In other words, if I don’t ask, nothing will change.

I was a timid child.  I have learned if I don’t ask for something because of fear, then there is absolutely no chance of achieving my desire/goal. This applies to something as simple as asking for broccoli instead of peas on the menu included with a meal, to asking for something on behalf of A Friend for You.  And when hearing a “no”, my response is respectful or exhibiting thankfulness when hearing a “yes”.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? 

This is easy…I’d love to speak another language. Spanish or Italian.

About me: 

My husband and I have two adult children. Our son came through the blessing of adoption and our daughter through birth. I’ve seen God’s work in my life in many ways, just ask me!  Before serving within A Friend for You, I’ve worked in different fields from retail management to the legal field; which I believe has helped me to better serve our clients. 

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You? 

Serving our clients within A Friend for You is my calling….it’s what gets me up in the morning. I was blessed to have support when I was pregnant and at times, it was still challenging. I want to help encourage and support women (through pregnancy and post-pregnancy) who may not have had the amount of support I had. 

Within my local community, I’m thankful for a variety of material and professional services. But that isn’t enough for our clients. They benefit by having a Friend…we all need someone who is there to talk to and extend care and support, no matter what.

Favorite coffee drink? 

I’d have to pass and instead have tea. Preferably with cream and lavender.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? 

Empowered women have a responsibility to empower women.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? 

Travel photography/videography. I love experiencing new places and cultures more than anything, and to be able to capture them in their grandest form/share them with others would be incredibly meaningful.

About me: 

I am a single mom of a beautiful daughter. I graduated from the University of Wyoming and have cultivated a career that spans the corporate, governmental and nonprofit sectors. I believe that creating community is the foundation of success and progress, and I am especially passionate about facilitating spaces where women can come together, have fun and be inspired by one another.

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You? 

Having experienced an unplanned pregnancy, I am passionate about providing an authentic friendship experience for others in similar situations and empowering them to feel confident in their motherhood journey. A Friend for You provides holistic support- not just a single service- and fosters relationship that can be life-changing.