SVdP Indy has named its second-ever director of volunteer services: Heather Snyder. While it’s a new role for Heather, she is not a newcomer to the organization. Those volunteering at the Distribution Center are very familiar with her smiling face! Heather joined SVdP Indy in 2022 as the volunteer coordinator at the Distribution Center. Over the past two years, she’s focused on recruiting and supporting the volunteers who help process in-kind donations.
Heather says the volunteer coordinator role at the Distribution Center was a great fit for her family. It gave her the flexibility she needed as she served as the “household manager” of four kids—one 18-year-old and three 15-year-olds, including one with special needs. Plus, the volunteer coordinator role allowed Heather to connect with the heart of volunteers and learn about SVdP Indy’s mission from the many dedicated parish or Conference members volunteering at the Distribution Center.
“Spending time with the volunteers daily is a blessing,” says Heather. “I have learned a lot from them. The Distribution Center is the ‘back door’ to everything we do at St. Vincent de Paul Indianapolis. It’s where we move everything forward. I learned that a shirt is more than a shirt. It’s a basic essential for a neighbor in need through the Home Visitor program, or a thrifty find for a shopper at one of our Mission 27 stores, which fund nutritious food at our food pantry.”
Heather is excited to expand her engagement with volunteers across all SVdP Indy facilities, enhancing the organization’s mission to support the community. In her first year, she’s focused on four key areas:
- Process-building: “It’s vital that we develop and document processes so there’s consistency and everyone knows what to expect. This will ensure we give volunteers a stress-free and enjoyable experience. A lot happens behind the scenes, so developing these processes takes a lot of forethought and collaboration.”
- Communication: “As our volunteer base grows, we need a communication system to support it. Our new volunteer management system is helping us do that. I think we saw the benefit of it with the snow storms this winter. We could quickly get the word out that we were closed. Volunteers appreciated that.”
- Relationship-building: “We have a great volunteer base, but we always need more volunteers, so part of my job is to build relationships with volunteers—including schools and businesses—so people keep coming back. The needs in our community are growing, and we need a growing volunteer base to support them.”
- Recruitment: “Recruitment and relationship-building go hand-in-hand. I’m trying to connect with different groups and share why SVdP Indy is a good place to volunteer. For example, it’s a great fit for students—especially if they need service hours. Young professionals also like it here for the skills or leadership development opportunities. Of course, it’s also nice for retirees. Many volunteer with their Conference or parish, and others find community here. And, finally, our volunteer jobs are great for businesses looking for team-building activities.”
Regardless of age or life stage, Heather believes SVdP Indy offers something unique for volunteers: “When you volunteer here, you are exposed to various ages, needs, backgrounds and cultures. Many are exposed to situations or needs they may not normally see daily. It’s an opportunity to grow in your knowledge of community needs.”
It’s also an opportunity to be part of something special.
“People who volunteer here regularly become a community, like a family,” Heather shares. “We’re doing serious work, but we enjoy each other and laugh together while we’re doing it. Our volunteers amaze me—they are so passionate and dedicated about doing their part, and I’m humbled to be a small part of it.”
In her free time, Heather is busy keeping up with her kids, volunteering at her church and traveling with her family. We’re glad we get her the rest of the time!
