Deaconess Volunteers share more than just their time

Deaconess couldn't provide the high quality services that it does to children and families without the support of dedicated volunteers. This week, we'd like to highlight two volunteers who generously give their time and talent to cooking for all of our families taking part in our parenting classes every week: Jeanne and Sandy.

Jeanne's story:

Jeanne is a busy professional woman who spends time with her husband and two teenagers. Her hobbies, in addition to cooking, are reading, Farmville (always looking for neighbors) and playing bridge. She also loves listening to Mariners baseball games on the radio. We asked why she volunteers for Deaconess:

"Why do I volunteer as a cook for Deaconess?"

"I'm sure it's the blood of my Italian grandmother running thick in my veins. I like to cook more than my family likes to eat. I even love grocery shopping. Cooking for a Deaconess class is especially satisfying because I've heard some of the families say that my dinner was the healthiest, most balanced meal they ate all week."

A lot of people have liked the spinach salad:

Spinach Salad

Mix:
1 lb fresh spinach, torn into small pieces
1 c red grapes
1 apple, diced
½ dry roasted peanuts
2 T chopped green onion
1 T toasted sesame seeds

Toss with Dressing:
3 T oil
2 T white or red wine vinegar
1 T chopped chutney
1 t curry powder
salt to taste
dry mustard to taste ( ¼ - ½ teaspoon)

We LOVE the Spinach salad and that Jeanne puts her love of cooking into eery meal. Thanks, Jeanne!

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Sandy's story:

"I started volunteering because I was bored. My kids are all grown and after the last one moved out of the house I found myself playing on the computer every night and getting into a funk. A couple friends told me I needed to get out more and that I should find a volunteer job. It not only gets you out of the house but you’ll feel better about yourself when helping others. I think I have some very smart friends. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do and the first night I searched, I found Deaconess looking for a cook. Match made in heaven."

Chicken Tortilla Soup (feeds 4-6)

1lb Chicken breast (cut up in 1 inch cubes)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1 small carrot (diced)
1 bell pepper (chopped in 1x1 squares)
2 small cans chicken broth (swanson is the best)
1 small can white beans
2 packets taco seasoning
3 tortillas
Vegetable oil

Sauté the chicken in some oil adding 1 packet of seasoning while cooking. Cook till done.

Add the veggies and sauté another 5 minutes, add other packet of seasoning.

Pour in the chicken broth + 1 can of water.

Drain and add the beans.

Let simmer for 20 minutes or so.

Pre-heat oven to 350.

Use a pastry brush to brush oil on the tortillas. I usually sprinkle a little paprika and/or cayenne on them. Cut them into strips and put them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Break some tortilla chips into the bowl. Laddell soup over top. Yummy!

And for the unhealthy – top with

Sour cream
Avocado
Cheese.

We definitely find Sandy and Deaconess to be a "match made in Heaven." Thanks, Sandy! :-)

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Thanks, ladies! You offer so much to the children and families we serve. We are truly grateful for your time and dedication!