A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Darlene Perry

darlenepictureTrue dedication, a genuine heart, and compassion are all some of best qualities one can possess, and our Valpo Life in the Spotlight this week manages to embody all three, all the time. Darlene Perry has impacted numerous lives in the Valparaiso community, most especially those involved with Spring Valley Housing Opportunities, where she serves as a volunteer. She is a model of selflessness and generosity, and certainly a life to be displayed in the spotlight!

Since moving to Valparaiso in 1997, Perry has always been involved in community activities that were initially mostly centered on her children Rob and Sydney.

"I just fell in love with the community," said Perry. "It's a wonderful place to raise a family, the people are all so giving and the culture is awesome."

She was always involved with her children's activities, ranging from being a Flint Lake room mom, to a library mom, to tutoring students, and finally to serving on the board of the Valparaiso Swim Club.

As her youngest child (Sydney, a sophomore at UCONN) began to prepare for graduation from VHS, Perry felt that she had still had so much she desired to give back to the community. At a mayoral ball, she began hearing talk of Housing Opportunities and what they did, and after looking further into it found that it was exactly the type of program she wanted to be involved with.

Two weeks later destiny called as she drove by and saw "volunteers needed" on their marquis, and she began volunteering a couple hours a week in their food pantry. She was immediately amazed with all of the good Spring Valley was able to do for both individuals and families, and quickly decided she wanted to do even more for them. She began doing some computer work, then some work in the developmental office, and now is there two full days a week doing all of those jobs plus covering the phones and helping with fundraising events.

"They're so much more than just a food pantry,” said Perry. “They do so much for the homeless people and people in need in our community, and I immediately knew this was something I wanted to be a part of."

Her immense dedication and hard work over the past three years certainly has not gone unnoticed, as she was named their Volunteer of the Year last year.

Perry couldn't help but smile recounting the event.

"I was just overwhelmed, I didn't expect it at all! I had helped with the event (the annual style show fundraiser) but didn't even know they were doing awards," said Perry.

For as many people that Perry has impacted during her time at Housing Opportunities, she claims to be equally as impacted, if not more, by those she has had the opportunity to help and work with.

"Every time I leave there, they thank me, and all I can say is 'No, thank you,” said Perry. “Then I get in my car and say a prayer thanking God for everything I have. I had no idea how blessed I truly am. It makes me appreciate every day. Not just the material things, but also the amazing people I have in my life who support and love me, including many people I work with there."

Anyone who meets Perry is sure to be greeted with a warm smile, upbeat energy, and an amazing attitude. She has done so much for our community in the last 18 years and continues to do good in the lives of so many each and every day. Valparaiso surely would not be the same without her.