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Joy Trickett: Voice of one
Joy Trickett has been addressing the growing problem of homelessness and poverty in our community since 1997. She has created tremendous synergy in her efforts to share resources among various emergency support organizations.
Trickett is currently chairwoman on the board of directors for the Good Shepherd Alliance, which has homeless shelters and facilities in Purcellville, Sterling, Ashburn and Leesburg. Trickett also volunteers on the boards for the LINK food pantry, Dranesville Church of the Brethren and DDE_LINK1Great Falls Ecumenical Council DDE_LINK1. She's an energetic, God-loving woman who leads by example. It is absolutely impossible to say no to her.
Trickett perceives volunteering as something she needs to do.
“It is very scriptural,” she says. “We are supposed to help those who struggle to help themselves.”
Her favorite scripture is, “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35)
She asks that each of us grow closer to our Lord’s call, to give freely of our love and compassion to our brothers and sisters in need. She takes great pleasure in witnessing young people volunteer and always asks to know their age and where they go to school or if she knows their parents. Trickett mentors folks about acknowledging God’s time versus our time and how best to express God’s love and faithfulness to others.
As Hurricane Katrina victims began arriving in Loudoun during the fall of 2005, Trickett jumped into the effort to help. She assisted in securing temporary homes in Leesburg and Ashburn for a number of extended families in need. She also spent countless hours manning the phones, making sure 83 Katrina victims received much-needed support from various community agencies.
Trickett was a key player in the planning of Mary’s House of Hope for Homeless Women in Purcellville, dedicated in May of 2007. Her desire was to provide shelter, counseling, education, love and support to women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. It is the only facility of its kind in Loudoun County.
She coordinated with builder captain Toll Brothers and sponsor HomeAid Northern Virginia to build the Center of Hope in Ashburn. The dedication ceremony took place in July 2008. This facility serves the GSA administrative offices, case management and community outreach programs.
Trickett is a lifelong resident of Herndon who opens hearts and changes people’s lives every day.
Mark Gunderman, of Sterling, attends Community Lutheran Church and serves as vice chairman of the Good Shepherd Alliance board of directors. Contact him at gunderman2001@aol.com.
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