Leading with a Passion for Service

Patricia Badolato, (pictured left), with close friend and fellow volunteer Jeanne Wolfson (pictured right).

Interfaith Works saying a fond farewell to longtime volunteer Patricia Badolato, who at age 79 is stepping down as team leader of the group of volunteers from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rockville. For the past 22 years, Patricia has led and organized the volunteer group that provides monthly dinners for IW's women's shelter. As our volunteers well know, the job of creating the menus, coordinating the meal donations of the church volunteers, being the delivery house for all the food, driving all the food to the shelter, unloading the car, setting up in the kitchen and serving while never missing a month -- is no small feat. Patricia has always done this with a smile on her face and love and compassion in her heart.

Samantha Cheakalos, Senior Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator for Interfaith Works Women’s Centers shared, “Patricia Badolato is an amazing person and Interfaith Works Women’s Center is so thankful to have known her. Patricia was one of the first volunteers I interacted with at Interfaith Works. She was always so encouraging and patient. When COVID came around she never stopped caring for the clients at Interfaith Works Women’s Center. She continued to provide for our clients and support them. We are sad to hear of Patricia’s retirement, but she certainly deserves it! We will miss you, Patricia!”

Long-time friend and fellow volunteer Jeanne Wolfson said, “She is one of the kindest, most generous, and thoughtful people you would ever meet. She truly lives her faith and has been such a loyal servant to IW for all these years.” According to Wolfson, Patricia had a knack for going the extra mile to make sure our clients were well fed with a hot and hearty meal and took care to always remember the extra special touches. Wolfson adds, “All that mattered to Patricia was helping those that she could, and serving these women was her passion.”

We are so grateful to Patricia and the countless volunteers she has brought together to work alongside her from St. Francis. Congratulations on your incredible generosity, Patricia. Our clients, our staff and our volunteers are so grateful for your service and dedication to Interfaith Works!