Vi Schlitz

Jean Schwartz

Vi Schlitz and Jean Schwartz Volunteer a Variety of Talents at PCYC

PCYC is indebted to its many volunteers who contribute their time and talents to help us carry out our mission in a variety of ways.  What is particularly inspiring is not only the incredible amount of talents our volunteers share with PCYC, but their versatility.

Vi Schlitz and Jean Schwartz are examples of the many talented and versatile volunteers PCYC is blessed with. 

A visitor to PCYC might be greeted one afternoon with a friendly smile from Vi who answers the phone in the main lobby and greets visitors.  Vi is a seasoned volunteer at PCYC where she has volunteered since the mid 1990s when she retired from her position as an insurance representative.

Vi was already quite familiar with PCYC when she started volunteering.  PCYC was one of the insurance accounts she handled as a representative for Marsh & McLennan Companies.  “She was always very helpful in interpreting our account,” said Owen Turnlund, retired PCYC Executive Director.  “She would come out for visits and was always interested in our work.  When she retired she asked me if there was anything she could volunteer for at PCYC.  We snapped her up,” he said. 

Over the years Vi has volunteered working with PCYC kids in most all of its programs including After School Enrichment Program, Summer Friends, Rocking Readers, and City Celebration. 

Speaking of versatile volunteers…let’s talk about Jean Schwartz. One evening early in October, Jean and her husband, retired Pastor Roger Schwartz, delivered homemade chili, trays of fresh vegetables and dip which she had prepared for PCYC neighbors and friends.  The meal was served for many who later attended the “Strings and Stories” concert at PCYC’s Capri Theater.

The preparation and coordination of large meals for PCYC is not new for Jean.  For many years she prepared food for several special events at PCYC including its City Celebrations, and has organized volunteers to staff these events. 

Jean’s background as a nurse is also a gift she shares with the students in PCYC’s Alternative High School where she does vision and hearing screenings.  

She has also organized and trained volunteer as babysitters for the children of teenage mothers in the STEEP (Steps Toward Effective and Enjoyable Parenting) program. 

She has coordinated the Children’s Gift Sale.  As if all of these activities weren’t enough to do, Jean is also an active member of PCYC’S Board of Directors.  

“Jean has the rare gift of being effective on the policy governance level as a member of the PCYC Board of Directors and also being able to work directly with our kids and families in a variety of direct service roles,” said Anne Long, PCYC Executive Director.

Vi and the Schwartz’s have been generous donors to PCYC for many years as well as volunteers par excellence.  Thanks to Vi, Jean and all of our PCYC volunteers.  Your work truly makes a difference in the lives of PCYC kids.