Welcoming back Diane Ramunno: A heart for service and a blessing to StreetWise

We’re so glad to have her back! Last year, Diane Ramunno retired after two years of faithful service to StreetWise as our Financial Administrator. She’s been back with us since the beginning of this year, and it’s such a blessing!

Diane began with StreetWise as a volunteer over four years ago, and a little later transitioned to serve on staff.

“As I became familiar with StreetWise and its purpose, I wanted to become more involved,” Diane said. “When the Financial Administrator position came open, it seemed like a perfect fit!

“It’s very rewarding volunteering and working here; you get to experience the gratitude that is projected from the clients.”

It’s easy to become disengaged – with a person or place – after becoming more familiar. That’s not the case with Diane and StreetWise.

She still loves coming several days a week, using her gifts to serve people and glorify God.

“Everyone here has a desire to help others. They express this desire in their daily efforts and smiles given to clients and each other,” she said.

One client story continues to impact her to this day, reminding her of why StreetWise exists.

“At one of the clothing events, there was a young girl going through the clothes with her mom when she came upon a red blouse,” she said. 

“The girl asked her mom if she could have it, and luckily, it was her size. She was so excited, she was twirling around with the blouse and smiling ear to ear!”

It’s encounters like these that confirm to Diane, and countless others, that StreetWise truly is a special place. Not because of its own resources but because of God’s overwhelming blessings. 

“The general public may just see another “food bank” when they drive past StreetWise,” Diane said. “But StreetWise also offers encouragement and hope to families that otherwise might go without. They are given the opportunity for physical and emotional [and mental and spiritual] stability.”

How has Diane seen StreetWise live out its tagline – “Loving people. Meeting needs.”?

“Every week I see the volunteers sorting, packing and talking with the clients – and there’s always smiles and encouragement for all,” she said.

“StreetWise is a great organization to be involved with, and I would encourage anyone to come for a visit to see what all happens in a day. After a visit, I’m sure they will be hooked!”

Learn more about using your gifts to serve with StreetWise at streetwisegeorgia.org/get-involved/volunteer.