Meet The PORTCO Team: Athena “Nena” Gerhart – Volunteer Spotlight

PORTCO’s mission is no small feat.  In order to achieve the mission

to embrace diversity, erase barriers and bridge individuals with differing abilities to their communities through quality employment and training opportunities while providing exceptional services to our stakeholders

it takes a team of dedicated employees, a group of invested corporate and individual financial donors, and of course, an army of passionate volunteers.

Athena “Nena” Gerhart is one such volunteer.  As Nena had the pleasure of meeting many people with disabilities and hearing their stories of overcoming challenging obstacles, she became inspired.  Through these stories of inspiration, a flame was sparked in Nena to join the cause – assisting individuals with disabilities achieve their professional goals.

Like many of our volunteers at PORTCO, Nena divides her time between her career, and family, and volunteering.  She found the process simple and easy to apply to become a PORTCO volunteer – allowing flexibility as she manages her many roles.

Most recently, Nena volunteered with a painting project at PORTCO headquarters.  Nena, in conjunction with Water’s Edge Church, selected PORTCO as one of their projects during their Love Week 2018 event.  Several members of the Water’s Edge Church community linked arms and grabbed brushes to paint a breezeway at PORTCO headquarters.  Their efforts saved PORTCO hundreds of dollars and beautified a space that many will walk through.

Nena sees how PORTCO has taken steps to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities as well as their communities.  Her passion to see that every person be valued and included in society continues to fuel her flame of volunteerism.

If Nena’s story has encouraged you to donate your time, energy, or talents in support of PORTCO’s mission and vision, please apply to become a volunteer today!