REACH is pleased to welcome a new face to our office! Debora Hoffman has joined us as a consultant to help coordinate the annual Waltham Neighborhoods Fall Festival (which is taking place on Saturday September 26th so mark your calendars!). We sat down for a little Q&A to get to know Debora.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was an English major who later got a Master’s in Public Health. In the past, I’ve worked for the WIC Program and have done freelance writing and project work for over 10 years.
Some fun facts about me: I’ve lived in Egypt, Taiwan, and New Zealand; I learned to like coffee just a few years ago and to like olives just a few months ago; my husband and I love riding our tandem bike together; I have 2 teenage daughters who take after their Dad and love math and science.
How did you get involved at REACH?
I’ve been doing volunteer domestic violence advocacy work through the Domestic Violence Services Network in Bedford since 2011. I started job hunting at DV agencies this past fall and met REACH staff through a couple of interviews. The Fall Festival Coordinator position is a perfect fit for me – working part-time for an organization that I have grown to love and respect in a community that I hear loves its festivals.
What do you like most about working with REACH?
The people who work here and the focus on the Waltham community.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with REACH but not sure if they should get involved?
Do it! Get involved – you will never regret it. My volunteer DV work has changed the way I see the world – politics, relationships, and most importantly, myself. Learning about DV is like seeing the world through a new lens. And the people at REACH are some of the kindest people you’ll ever know.
If you live or work in Waltham and are interested in learning more about our efforts to build a stronger community, you can email Debora directly at fallfest @ reachma.org. If you’re not connected to Waltham, be thinking of ways you can get to know neighbors in your own community. Small actions can make a big difference.
