Q: Tell me your story: What is your name? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
My name is Jill Robinson and I was born and raised in Columbus. I’m a licensed attorney and spent a number of years in project management. I am currently a Business Operations Consultant for a legal technology company. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and this spring I will be working on expanding my vegetable garden.
Q: How would your friends and family describe you? What are your gifts, interests, and passions?
My friends and family would say I am a passionate and determined leader who cares about others’ needs and stands up for people who need an advocate. I pride myself on my ability to analyze a problem and come up with creative solutions. I’m passionate about helping others achieve their goals.
Q: How did you learn about Alvis? What is your connection to Alvis?
I learned about Alvis through my sister-in-law, Lori Robinson Terry. Lori works at MI and organizes volunteer efforts at MI to benefit Alvis. She introduced me to the organization and I found a place to volunteer at the Community Reentry Center.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer for Alvis?
I wanted to spend some time volunteering with formerly incarcerated men and women who are working hard to get reintegrated into the community. With my background as a people manager, I felt that the HIRE program, which provides job readiness training for Alvis clients, was a great use of my skill set.
Q: How long and how frequently do you volunteer for our mission? Which area of Alvis do you work with?
I have been volunteering a few days a week with the HIRE program in the Community Reentry Center since November 2019. In that role, I help with resume drafting and interviewing skills. Every Thursday, I do mock interviews with the men’s class and provide them with written feedback on what they did well and what to change for their next interview. I also present to the class weekly on goal setting.
Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Alvis? What have you gained from volunteering with our community?
My favorite thing about volunteering with Alvis is connecting with the Alvis clients. Every person I have worked with is engaged and working hard to create a new life for themselves despite the many obstacles they are facing. I’ve been welcomed warmly by the HIRE team - Terrance, Daniel, Amy and Nikki - and encouraged to share my perspective with the class. I’ve learned so much from them and feel privileged to support their work.
Q: How important do you believe volunteer work is in our community?
I consider volunteering in the community to be better described as neighbors helping neighbors. We all have a responsibility to one another. Our successes and our failures are tied to each other. Everyone has something to offer - time, skills and abilities, or resources. By sharing with each other, we become a stronger community.
Q: Any advice for those who are contemplating the idea of volunteering?
Go for it! Each of us has the ability to make a positive impact on our community or on another person’s life. Even the smallest of gestures can have a huge impact.
Q: Do you recommend Alvis to others as a charitable organization to donate? Why?
Yes! Alvis helps so many people in our community. Many of the Alvis clients are starting a new chapter in their lives. Some of them are rebuilding their lives from scratch. The Alvis staff provide as much support as they can, but they cannot do it alone. Our community involvement through donations and volunteering gives Alvis clients the best chance at success. And every person deserves that.
Q: Any favorite quote?
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
—George Eliot
Q: Any message you would like to send to our clients?
You have an opportunity in this moment to create the life you want to live. Whatever goals you have for yourself, you can achieve. You have so much to offer! You have skills. You are talented. And I believe in you.
Thank you so much Jill! We appreciate you and love having you with us!
Alvis is a nonprofit human services agency with over 50 years of experience providing highly effective treatment programs in Ohio. Our vision is that communities value a person’s potential more than their past. For more information on how Alvis can help you or to learn more about how you can get involved, contact us here.