Hello, my name is Brandy Harris. I was born and raised in Rockford and attended Auburn High School until my junior year. I dropped out due to home issues and enrolled at the now-defunct OIC center. The center assisted me in obtaining my high school diploma and CNA certification. I continued my education and eventually obtained licensure as an LPN, then RN, and recently completed my BSN degree. Currently, I work as a Nurse Data Analyst in Trauma Services at OSF Saint Anthony Hospital. I have been married for 19 years and have two children aged 17 and 29. I also have a 7-month-old granddaughter named Laila. I love to read and bake for others. I have attended Faith Center Church for 16 years and currently assist with their elementary Sunday school program.
I began volunteering at RHK almost two years ago, after praying about making a difference in the underserved areas of the community. God led me to RHK through a flyer at my church and a recommendation from a relative who had a positive experience serving at RHK.
A memorable moment occurred this summer as I was supervising RHK children outside. A little girl in Pebbles was upset about something, and one of the boys verbally comforted her. She, in turn, kneeled and tied his shoe without him asking. Just watching children that age knowing how to support and comfort each other was heartwarming. At RHK, I feel at home and the staff feels like family. I will continue to serve because I love serving others and want to make a difference in the children’s lives. For anyone thinking of volunteering, I would encourage them to pray about it and come. Observe and see the potential that God has put in each child.