Retired Teacher - and Former Snowbird - Lynne Ogren came to Boca Helping Hands via a unique referral source: musician Jack Johnson. At a concert Lynne attended, a tabling volunteer representing Johnson’s “All At Once” social action network mentioned BHH’s work and our need for volunteers. Having been a professional development instructor with the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center in her hometown of Albany, New York for 15 years, she soon began volunteering as a BHH job mentor, helping students prepare resumes and write cover letters.
Since becoming a full-time resident of Boca, Lynne has increased her involvement with BHH. She is currently assisting with a revamp of Phase 1 of our Job Training Program, Professional and Personal Development week, during which she also serves as an instructor. Phase 1 helps students recognize their own skills and learn how to utilize their talents in the workplace.
She hopes to create and implement a program that empowers BHH clients to be successful in their new career path as well as in their personal time outside of work, so they can lead productive and happy lives.
“One thing I’ve learned in education is that pockets of need are in every community,” Lynne says. She is passionate about bridging the gap to accessible education, self care and home/work life balance. “You get more than you give,” she says, and it is evident in her devotion to her work.
