Volunteer – Sandy Benson
Organization – Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center
A place for healing and hope
1819 Bay Scott Circle, Suite 109
Naperville
Sandy Benson began her volunteer work with Samaritan Interfaith in 2003 as a member of Samaritan’s Board of Directors, representing St. Raphael Catholic Church, one of Samaritan’s founding congregations.
After serving two 3-year terms, Sandy then moved into a role that has had as much, if not more, impact for Samaritan and for the community. In 2008 Sandy was the impetus behind a new initiative for Samaritan Interfaith – the Silent Samaritan Breakfast. This event raises funds for women in need, making certain that every woman who comes to Samaritan Interfaith seeking help will receive that help, regardless of her ability to pay.
The Silent Samaritan Program is based on a simple, yet very powerful idea – women helping other women in need. Through Sandy’s dedication to the cause of women in need, the Silent Samaritan Breakfast continues to grow each year. Since 2008, with the help of a dedicated committee, Sandy has helped to raise more than $100,000 for the Silent Samaritan Program, which has made a huge difference in the lives of many women and their children.
Sandy’s commitment to Samaritan’s cause of affordable mental health care is a natural extension of her responsibilities as the Director of Community & Government Relations for Edward Hospital. Caring for others is at the core of Sandy’s commitment to the community.
Since 2001, she also has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Naperville where the motto is “Service Above Self.”
The essence of Sandy’s compassionate nature is captured in the simple phrase, “a caring volunteer extraordinare!”
Volunteer of the month is sponsored by Naperville Bank & Trust, serving Naperville with three locations, 555 Fort Hill Dr., 1205 S. Naper Blvd. and 5 S. Washington in the historic downtown post office. For more info, visit www.banknaperville.com.
