Keeping it All in the Family
Like many volunteers, Kelly Hoffman with Troop 77713 became involved in Girl Scouting to spend time with her two daughters in the mixed-level troop.
Kelly started with the troop when her current Cadette was as a Kindergarten Daisy; her second daughter is a Junior. Kelly was a Girl Scout herself.
As a bonus, though, one of the other five co-troop leaders also happens to be her close cousin, Lisa Hoover.
“Lisa has been a Girl Scout, volunteer and leader for over 30 years” Kelly says. “Her passion rubbed off on me.”
Impactful Projects
Currently, Kelly is steering her Girl Scouts through their Highest Awards.
The Cadettes’ Silver Award involved starting a recycling program at West Bloomfield Middle School. The troop and their project were featured on a local newscast for Girl Scout Day.
Another environmental impact project the troop worked on together was the Monarch Waystation they designed. It also happens to be one of Kelly’s favorite memories.
“This project was so fun for our troop of girls. It was a big project but we were able to work together to plan out the garden, choose plants and finally plant them together, “she says. The Monarch Waystation continues to have a positive impact on both the environment and the West Bloomfield community.
Special Recognition
In recognition for the hundreds of volunteer hours she has given to Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, Kelly has earned the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award by Lumen Technologies.
Two years in a row.
“Lumen Technologies provides grants to employees for volunteer hours,” she says. “I have recorded over 100 volunteer hours every year and brought in thousands of dollars of grant money for my troop.”
This year’s Presidential Volunteer Service Award came with an additional $1,500 grant. Kelly used the money to renew the entire troop for the upcoming scouting year.
“My mission is to teach young girls confidence and leadership skills that are so important to their future,” she says. “Having a career in technology, I’ve seen how few women there are in leadership positions. I want to have an impact on the younger generation of women.
“I am so grateful to Lumen Technologies for this honor and opportunity for my Girl Scouts,” she said.
Girls need to learn how to advocate for themselves and have confidence when in a professional setting. All women deserve a seat at the table.
Kelly Hoffman
Do you know an amazing volunteer who goes above and beyond? If so, please nominate them for one of the five Volunteer National Awards! Honorees are invited to the annual Volunteer National Awards banquet held in the spring. The Volunteer National Awards nomination form is available at www.gssem.org/nominate.
