HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that lets readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Wendy Satchell.
What is your job title and description?
As Executive Director of Williamsburg Faith in Action (WFIA), I, along with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, serve seniors in our community. Our tagline says it best, “Volunteers Serve. Seniors Thrive.” Our mission is to assist seniors by offering transportation, assistance with small chores and yardwork help, food deliveries and other small services to help them live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as they choose.
How do you interact with the local community?
Our entire framework is built on the foundation of interacting with the community. Our volunteers and the people we serve are members of the community. In essence, we are like neighbors helping neighbors. We serve people in the very places where we live and work, our community. Daily, we make an impact by assisting people, not only with basic needs like transportation and food deliveries, but we make an impact on even higher levels. Our service has an emotional and spiritual connection that combats loneliness and isolation that is so often felt as a senior.
How do you interact with the local community?
We cannot do what we do by standing alone. Much of what we do is supported by other businesses, foundations, churches, community partners, other nonprofits and individuals. Everyone plays a critical role either by lending a space to use for events, offering services and referrals, and by giving donations or sharing their time or talents. We are just the vehicle that combines the resources we collect in the community to assist seniors.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
Most people wouldn’t know that our services are free. After all, what is free these days? On a personal note, most people wouldn’t know that on many weeks, one of my three dogs accompanies me to work. The benefits a dog companion offers to staff, volunteers and even our care receivers that stop by has both physical and mental health benefits. Heck, even our postal worker loves the wagging tail when the mail is dropped off (ok, the feeling is mutual, because often, a dog treat is offered). Recently we rebranded our Canine Therapy Program and now call it “Love On A Leash.” Who knows, maybe one of my dogs will be a future WFIA volunteer!
How do you define success?
I define success by growth. When we grow in the number of volunteers, that means we grow in the number of people we serve. When we can take more people to their medical appointments, deliver more food, or combat more loneliness through volunteer phone calls, visits or canine therapy, that’s a win!
That is what defines SUCCESS! To me, success is making a difference.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
I grew up on the Peninsula and reside there currently. However, I always thought of Williamsburg as an extension of my home. I worked at Water Country in my teens and, of course, was a regular at Busch Gardens. As a mom of three kids who played travel sports in Williamsburg, both Route 60 and Interstate 64 became all too familiar (lol). I have family that lives in Williamsburg and adult kids now residing in Richmond and Charlottesville, so when I was in search of a job opportunity in 2022, Williamsburg just made a lot of sense. I love what Williamsburg has so much to offer and I am proud to call it a second home … or home away from home.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
Restaurants has to be the top of the list for me! So many options to choose from that
can satisfy many different palates. I personally love local favorite spots and enjoy
supporting small businesses. Another favorite part about the area is the historical
element along with the beauty of Duke of Gloucester Street. There is something special
about cobblestone paths, a historic church from the 1600s, gaslit lanterns, horse and
sheep in nearby pastures, not to mention seeing people adorning colonial wigs and
clothing. We have so much to learn from our past, it is nice to have visual reminders of
our rich history.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
I love anything outdoors and anything family-centered. I feel blessed to have lived so close to family my entire lifetime. In my spare time, you will find me tending to my yard, nurturing my flowers, or walking my dogs. I also enjoy boating and wish I could do it 12 months of the year!
What is the next step in your journey?
Although working in nonprofits is relatively new for me, I love it! My past careers have been centered around serving, so I know whatever is in my future, I will always want to serve in some capacity. I have a heart for helping others and I have a passion for dogs. For now, I am finding a way to incorporate those two passions into my current role at WFIA. Who knows what the future will hold? Perhaps it will be as simple as serving my family by helping them launch their families and careers, or maybe it will be more specific. Regardless of the path I take, I have the ambition to have a life of purpose filled with daily joy and making a difference. As Billy Graham said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money … but rather a legacy of character and faith.”
Visit Williamsburg Area Faith in Action to learn more.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people who live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
