Volunteer Spotlight: Derek and Linda Wendelken
Dec 22, 2025
Serving in New Ways in Retirement: Derek and Linda’s Story
Long time volunteers Derek and Linda Wendelken first found the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky online after moving to the Northern Kentucky region four years ago. They were looking to give back to a cause close to their hearts in retirement.
“Now that we are retired, we are fortunate to have some time to help others who have not had the advantages in life that we have had. We have been concerned about poverty and homelessness in our country and sought out volunteer opportunities after moving to the area in 2021. Derek discovered ESNKY online, arranged a tour with Zak, saw the incredible work ESNKY was doing, and that was it!” says Linda.
The couple volunteers at ESNKY every Friday doing house laundry and prepares snacks for guests before evening meals once a month.
“Like many people, we have read and heard about the problems of poverty and homelessness in our country. However, volunteering at ESNKY and seeing the many people struggling with these difficult issues every week has given us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the problem. It also reinforces the urgent need for social “safety nets” and affordable housing in our communities,” explains Derek and Linda.
Volunteering each week at ESNKY has given the couple new insight into the need for places like the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky in our region, and what the services offered at ESNKY mean to the guests they serve.
“Volunteering at ESNKY has given us the opportunity to see first-hand the many people in our community who are struggling, often through no fault of their own, with a homeless situation. We are also able to witness the wonderful work done by the ESNKY staff, from executive to front-line level, and how much their dedicated efforts mean to so many people in need of help.,” says Derek and Linda.
If you’d like to become a volunteer, like Derek and Linda, contact Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator at maya.mintu@esnky.net or (859) 291 – 4555.