She’s Redefining ‘Retirement’ at SFSM
When she retired after a 42-year career in human resources, Debbie Baker-Whittle thought she had hung up her work clothes for good. Instead, she found a dual role at St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM) that is keeping her busy and fulfilled in semi-retirement.
Debbie began volunteering in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room before the pandemic. Eventually, she also started to help staff at the front desk and organize the food pantry. From there, she became a part-time administrative assistant while continuing to volunteer.
“All of this was very fun for me, because even though I had 42 years and had decided enough was enough, I did miss it,” Debbie says. “Having the opportunity to dabble in HR aspects at SFSM really works for me. Working part-time is icing on the cake.”
She is excited about taking on fundraising responsibilities for SFSM, helping to support the mission she has come to believe in so deeply.
Working in the dining room has been both affirming and educational for Debbie. She’s moved by the gratitude of the neighbors who come to dinner, especially those who say they don’t know what they would do without the meal SFSM provides. “That always kind of hits my heart,” she says.
She’s also been struck by learning guests’ individual stories. “It’s interesting and amazing how life takes you down this journey and, the next minute, things happen and turn your life upside down,” Debbie notes. “You don’t always have control over them.”
Debbie finds great pleasure in seeing people enjoy a delicious, hot meal, and she relishes the chance to treat them with the dignity they deserve but don’t always experience elsewhere.
“You’re not just a number,” she says. “We’re here because we want to be here and we want to help.”
Outside of her work and volunteering, Debbie spends time looking after her grandchildren, an active 2½-year-old boy and a 6-month-old baby girl. She also enjoys crocheting, sewing, and making wreaths — when she can find some spare time.
Retirement is probably busier than she once envisioned, but Debbie highly recommends volunteering to her fellow retirees looking for their next adventure.
“Volunteering to help others who are in need really means a lot and warms a person’s heart,” she says. “Particularly for those of us who are retired, volunteering gives us something to do and makes us feel valued. As we age, we feel like we’re not important anymore. If you do something like this, it makes you feel that you’re still useful. And to do it for somebody who has a greater need, I just think that’s very important. Everybody should consider it if they can.”
Want to get involved like Debbie did? Learn more and register at sfsministries.org/volunteer