Volunteer Spotlight: Wes Botto

Making a difference one meal at a time: Wes Botto’s Story

For Wes Botto, volunteering at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky is a family affair.

“I love seeing my kids interact with the guests. For one of the dinners that we served, my kids made cards for each of the guests. The guests loved seeing my kids smiling faces and appreciated that they were helping out,” said Wes.

Wes was first introduced to ESNKY and the work they do in the community when he joined the Board of Directors. He then quickly became involved in volunteering at ESNKY with his entire family.

“After learning about the good work that the Shelter is doing, I was excited to not just serve on the Board, but also to be present at the Shelter and meet the guests and staff. A big part of it was wanting my young children to see people that have had a different experience than them. Getting them around the shelter has had a positive impact on them that I hope will stick with them forever,” said Wes.

Wes served on the Board of Directors for 4 years, saying he valued the work that was being done and wanted to make an impact in his community, serving those that are less fortunate than himself.

Through his service on the Board of Directors, coupled with volunteering at the Emergency Shelter, Wes says he sees the direct impact the employees and volunteers make each day.

 “It has helped me to understand the significant need for a safe and welcoming environment for the entire community. My family always thinks of the guests when it is deathly cold outside. It’s changed my perspective because now I understand more clearly that cold weather isn’t just a discomfort – it can be deadly to people in our own community if there isn’t a safe place for them to stay,” Wes explained.

Wes says his family’s time volunteering at ESNKY has had an impact that will last a lifetime.

“The organization and the work that it does has had an impact on myself and my family that will last forever. We will always be more compassionate to our neighbors and community after seeing first-hand the work that’s being done at the Shelter,” said Wes.

If you’d like to volunteer, like the Botto family, contact Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator, at maya.mintu@esnky.net or (859) 291 – 4555.