February Volunteer of the Month: Patty Rhodes

We are excited to introduce our February Volunteer of the Month, Patty Rhodes. Patty grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and had childhood ambitions to be an elementary school teacher. Her first job was in civil service at the Naval Supply Center in Norfolk, Virginia (now NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center). Patty is proud to have worked many years before deciding to go to Georgia State University, all while working full time and graduating with honors with a BBA in Marketing. One of her former managers described Patty as a "continuous learner." Although she is retired, Patty says she still loves to learn just for the sake of learning because she enjoys staying informed about the world she lives in. Her challenge during this time is to remain positive and not let the "stuff" overwhelm her; by controlling what she can and acknowledging but letting go of the rest. Keeping in mind that she can only control her reaction to things that she has no control over. 

Patty followed her family to Colorado in 1999 and never plans to leave! Some of Patty's passions are being with her family and friends as well as gardening. She is an avid reader and her perfect day would be one without having to run any errands and going for a walk with her husband, reading, playing with her cat and watching Wheel of Fortune, a Nuggets basketball game or movie. Traveling to Germany or Italy are some of the things on her bucket list of things she'd like to do. She is constantly energized and inspired by her ten and six-year-old great nieces; by their creativity, imagination and knock-knock jokes and loves that they still think she is so fun to hang out with. Patty's mom always told her to not be afraid of trying new things and to step out and go for it. She tries to abide by her mother's advice and hopes the legacy she leaves is that she lived her life fully! 

Patty has been a volunteer with Cultivate's Carry-Out Caravan since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. She was doing her personal shopping at King Soopers and noticed all our volunteers and grocery carts and inquired about what we were doing. When she found out we were shopping for seniors Patty immediately signed up and started helping us the following week. Patty is so dedicated; she helps Cultivate twice a week (for Broomfield and Boulder clients). She helps with shopping, double checking orders and even pitches in to deliver groceries and take grocery orders when needed. She says that volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to our community and loves being a part of something bigger than herself. Patty thinks that Cultivate and Carry-Out Caravan is a perfect fit and finds great joy helping seniors locally. It makes her appreciate how doing something as simple as shopping can make such a huge difference to our clients lives. 

We appreciate Patty and how dependable and willing she is to help Cultivate and our clients. Patty, we are so lucky that your inquiring mind helped lead you to us!