Linda Trevarthen is a member of SAM25, which is a nonprofit group working to ensure everyone in the Shawano area has a meal and a safe place to sleep every night, access to medical care they can afford and is aware of the community resources for those affected by poverty.
The group is in the process of opening a shelter, which will be named SAM’s House.
Trevarthen was born in Ironwood, Michigan, and graduated from Ironwood High School. She supported her husband, Larry, while he earned a degree in language arts from Central Michigan University, working at First National Bank in Ironwood.
The couple moved to Shawano, where Larry taught at the middle school and Linda worked for 30 years at what is now BMO Harris Bank in Shawano as a personal banker. In between banking, she worked for 6½ years at Northland Foods.
Trevarthen retired two years ago; her husband retired six years ago. They have been married for 44 years and have two children and three grandchildren. They live in the town of Richmond, where Trevarthen likes to sew, quilt and garden. She does mission quilting at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano for Lutheran World Relief.
Q How long have you been helping with SAM25?
A “About a year and a half. I retired two years ago after a banking career and once I retired I felt I could give back to the community that has been so good to me.”
Q How do you help?
A “I specialize in fundraising. I’ve done a lot of bake sales. We have sold plants and popcorn. Right now, we are trying to raise a lot of money because it will be matched by the Shawano Area Community Foundation for up to 30 days. We have a fine group of people who come from all walks of life and can use their special talents. Our biggest need is money. I can use volunteers for bake sales. You don’t’ have to be a member to help. We want to raise awareness in the community.”
Q How are the homeless shelter plans coming along?
A “We have a conditional use permit for Nov. 1 to May 1. We can accommodate up to 15 people to start. There are smaller rooms for families. Two paid employees will stay overnight. We will do background checks on everyone coming in. There will be no tolerance for alcohol or drugs. There will be a breakfast and then an evening meal. People can stay for 30 days and apply for an extension if necessary. It gives them a warm meal and a place to sleep. We’re trying to help them become self-sufficient.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “It makes me feel so good. We’ve been blessed. Some people have had a harder time. It’s time to give back. If everybody does a small part we can get a whole lot done.”
SAM25 will hold volunteer training from 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at Angie’s Main Café, 132 S. Main St., Shawano. Anyone who is considering volunteering can come and find out if and how you can help. Go online to SAM25 for information.
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