19th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023
Our Winner Is
Sharyn Shearer of Project G.R.A.C.E.
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Pictured top right are: Bert Follansbee, Chair of the Board of Project G.R.A.C.E.; Steffie Cox - Executive Director of Project G.R.A.C.E.; Award Recipient Sharon Shearer; and Anita Chandler - Community Service Chair for Altrusa of Portland.
Learn more about Project G.R.A.C.E. at https://projectgracemaine.weebly.com/
Learn more about Project G.R.A.C.E. at https://projectgracemaine.weebly.com/
Here's what you should know about the 2023 Volunteer of the year!
Sharyn Shearer is both a front lines volunteer and a behind the scenes volunteer with Project G.R.A.C.E., a 'neighbors helping neighbors' nonprofit. Its mission is to help Scarborough residents through difficult times, inspire the community to come together for common cause, and do so with dignity, compassion, and grace.
Sharyn gives time to answer the organization's phone, make assessments of need, give a neighbor friendly encouragement, while stewarding the limited resources carefully. A retired nurse and woman of strong faith, Sharyn is compassionate and pragmatic, looks beyond the surface but with respect, and has a wealth of experience to help a neighbor navigate access to resources in a time of need. In addition, Sharyn is one of the first to volunteer to help at Project Grace's annual holiday giving program, back to school campaign, marquis fundraisers, and other key initiatives. Most recently, when Project G.R.A.C.E. was asked by the Town of Scarborough to do the intakes and assessments for the new Keeping Cumberland County Warm heating assistance program, Sharyn spent several hours at community events and ‘pop up’ consultations at the local public library. Throughout her more than twenty years with Project G.R.A.C.E., Sharyn has been a steady source of wisdom, helping the organization keep true to its founders’ vision of a neighbor helping neighbor group that lifts up, rather than enables, that is welcoming and friendly, and gives with generosity.
Sharyn is appreciated for her keen ability to see – really see – the problem or person. This discernment allows the Project Grace team to see beyond the presenting ‘problem’ or ‘need’ and look for opportunities to help the recipient take steps to address the underlying concern. But she also recognizes that fear and embarrassment, stress, and other hindrances can make it difficult for some in the community to access the services and resources they could get from other agencies or resources; nevertheless, Sharyn patiently listens and warmly responds, reassuring applicants that it is okay to ask for help, that they are deserving of compassion and help in a time of need.
In addition to volunteering for Project G.R.A.C.E., Sharyn has helped with activities at her church, has volunteered weekly for the South Portland Food Cupboard (before the pandemic changed things), and over the years has quietly and steadily made our community a much more caring place.
Sharyn Shearer is both a front lines volunteer and a behind the scenes volunteer with Project G.R.A.C.E., a 'neighbors helping neighbors' nonprofit. Its mission is to help Scarborough residents through difficult times, inspire the community to come together for common cause, and do so with dignity, compassion, and grace.
Sharyn gives time to answer the organization's phone, make assessments of need, give a neighbor friendly encouragement, while stewarding the limited resources carefully. A retired nurse and woman of strong faith, Sharyn is compassionate and pragmatic, looks beyond the surface but with respect, and has a wealth of experience to help a neighbor navigate access to resources in a time of need. In addition, Sharyn is one of the first to volunteer to help at Project Grace's annual holiday giving program, back to school campaign, marquis fundraisers, and other key initiatives. Most recently, when Project G.R.A.C.E. was asked by the Town of Scarborough to do the intakes and assessments for the new Keeping Cumberland County Warm heating assistance program, Sharyn spent several hours at community events and ‘pop up’ consultations at the local public library. Throughout her more than twenty years with Project G.R.A.C.E., Sharyn has been a steady source of wisdom, helping the organization keep true to its founders’ vision of a neighbor helping neighbor group that lifts up, rather than enables, that is welcoming and friendly, and gives with generosity.
Sharyn is appreciated for her keen ability to see – really see – the problem or person. This discernment allows the Project Grace team to see beyond the presenting ‘problem’ or ‘need’ and look for opportunities to help the recipient take steps to address the underlying concern. But she also recognizes that fear and embarrassment, stress, and other hindrances can make it difficult for some in the community to access the services and resources they could get from other agencies or resources; nevertheless, Sharyn patiently listens and warmly responds, reassuring applicants that it is okay to ask for help, that they are deserving of compassion and help in a time of need.
In addition to volunteering for Project G.R.A.C.E., Sharyn has helped with activities at her church, has volunteered weekly for the South Portland Food Cupboard (before the pandemic changed things), and over the years has quietly and steadily made our community a much more caring place.