As the end of the year approaches, we have been talking about how people can make a lasting impact on Anchor House and reminiscing about those who have touched so many lives. One of those people is Claire Walton.
Claire served as our Volunteer Coordinator for seven years. During her time on the Anchor House staff, she mentored and supervised interns, organized group volunteer activities, represented Anchor House at community events, and actively recruited and engaged volunteers. She has a gift for always making everyone she meets feel special and appreciated. For the past five years, Claire has been a volunteer at Anchor House, continuing to make a lasting impact. You will see her cheering from the sidelines at events, contributing as a valued member of our Communications Workgroup, and writing insightful blogs for our website.
Why does Claire continue to volunteer at Anchor House years after leaving her role as Volunteer Coordinator? She has seen firsthand the lasting impact Anchor House has made on those we serve. She also loves the Anchor House mission and the team of people who are making a difference in kids’ lives.
Working at Anchor House was a healing experience for Claire, one that allowed her to witness the profound changes made in the lives of youth and young adults. She credits this to the agency’s commitment to creating a Trauma Informed Care environment and the nurturing nature of the staff.
Claire shared that she loved witnessing the kids who embraced the opportunities at Anchor House and realized that wonderful things were possible for them. “The kids would stumble and then get back up again,” Claire explained, all with the support of Anchor House.
She fondly remembers the celebrations hosted by Anchor House for youth including birthdays, graduations and holidays, ones designed to bring them joy and a chance to feel like a kid again. “Every effort was made to make it a cheery, more normal and safe environment,” Claire explained.
What has had the most lasting impact on Claire? The kids she spoke to throughout her time at Anchor House. Claire noted that not every young person who comes to Anchor House for help has a happy ending to their story. Yet Claire reflected, “I don’t know what life would be like without Anchor House.”
She highlighted another meaningful aspect of Anchor House’s work, that youth can return for services. “It is not just ‘goodbye, good luck,’” Claire said. Youth and young adults in Anchor House’s programs can receive aftercare services and, based on eligibility, may also be placed in other Anchor House programs.
Claire also spoke warmly about the Anchor House Foundation Ride for Runaways participants, whose passion and dedication have created a lasting impact for more than four decades through their volunteering and fundraising efforts.
Today, Claire encourages others to volunteer at Anchor House. Whether teaching a hobby like yoga or robotics, hosting a collection drive, or offering a one-time activity—every effort, she says, can make a lasting impact.
“When I think of people who have had a lasting impact on Anchor House, one of the first people that comes to mind is Claire,” said Kim McNear, Anchor House Executive Director. “She is a precious jewel whose heart shines through in her dedication to Anchor House and the young people we serve.”
Thank you, Claire, for all you have done and continue to do for Anchor House.
Be like Claire! Join the Anchor House staff or volunteer. Learn more on our Careers and Volunteer pages.
