Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sondra Archibald

Meet Sondra. She was born in Chicago, IL, and attended the Chicago Public Schools. She taught in CPS and was also an administrator.

In 1995, Sondra moved to Rockford. For the next ten years, she was a Rockford Public Schools principal. It was challenging, but she believes she made a difference. Looking back, she feels blessed when she sees her former students and staff from that time in her life.

Sondra enjoys reading, traveling, and people. She enjoys meeting people and hearing about their lives and experiences. "We are more alike than different, is what I have learned," she says. "I love learning about different cultures".

In October 2023, Sondra visited RHK with her church group. The experience left a deep impression on her; she immediately filled out a volunteer application. She said to herself, "This is it. Great things are being done here for kids, and I'm in!"

Sondra now serves in our teen program on Tuesday evenings, mentoring high school girls. "Being involved in a program and organization that cares about kids keeps me coming back. I can't help loving them by giving them respect and positive reinforcement. The world does a good job with the negative stuff."

Sondra joined the RHK Board of Directors in April 2024. "I was surprised and honored when Dee Lacny, the executive director, told me about the position." I thought, "Okay, God, is this another one of your plans for me? I prayed and decided to go for it. I never want to stop learning, and God ensures I continue learning and growing."

Her suggestion to anyone interested in volunteering is as expected from her staff and co-workers: "You have to care about kids. Working with kids is very rewarding, and you must love them. Liking them is not enough."