(Posted 2024 January)
We are sad to say goodbye to our cherished volunteer, Mary Lou Withem. In her capacity serving in the Department of Family Services’ Administrative Assistant Program, Withem has touched the lives of so many county residents, staff and other volunteers walking through the door or calling on the phone for assistance. She has worked anywhere from 10-20 hours a week since she began her commitment in 2015, helping to keep things running through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. She is an invaluable part of our team. Help us wish her a fond farewell.
Early Life
Withem grew up on a farm in Indiana with her older sister and six younger brothers. She met her husband on a blind date, and they hit it off and got married. They moved from Indiana to Northern Virginia once her husband was transferred to the Pentagon in 2001.
Withem’s strong work ethic was instilled in her at a young age by her family as well as her experiences with 4-H, whose mission is “engaging youth to each their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”
Withem was involved through a 4-H work study program for underprivileged youth. She looked up to those in the club, and she was impressed with the time they devoted to the children. As she stated, “I know how much of a positive influence you can be on someone.”
Withem Joins Volunteer and Partner Services
Withem retired from work in 2013 after being a retail manager for 28 years. She began looking for a way to spend her free time that would continuously use her passion and skills as an efficient, calm, and capable problem solver.
Volunteering as an administrative assistant with Fairfax County’s Volunteer and Partner Services Program and predominantly supporting Foster Care and Adoption has been an avenue for Withem to do the professional work she loves. She was the first volunteer to apply through our Volunteer Management System in 2015 and she has invested over 4,000 hours of her time supporting these programs.
Withem is exceptional, far exceeding all expectations and she will be sorely missed now that she is officially retiring from her volunteer position. Over the years Withem has acquired more and more responsibilities such as serving as lead volunteer trainer. She is innovative, committed, resourceful, enthusiastic, and positive. Withem is a soft spoken, hidden hero who makes an impact that she may not even realize.
Withem has become a role model to other members in the community, and we have been awe-struck by her continuous dedication, work ethic, and the time that she has devoted to volunteering. All of VPS is sad to see her go, but we are excited for this next chapter in her life and wish her the best of luck. We shared a bittersweet celebration with her in December to let her know how much she has meant to all of us.
Learn more about the Volunteer & Partner Services Program.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).