Tim Galloway

Tim Galloway, Heart House Dallas

After moving to Dallas, Tim Galloway, a salesman with Philips Electronics, wanted to find a charity where he could dedicate some of his free time. He found Heart House on the internet, went in for a visit and was hooked!

Tim has proven himself to be a dynamic afterschool tutor, noted for his boundless enthusiasm and natural talent for working with kids. His overriding goal is to help children enjoy learning and to know “that there are lots of people out there who care about them no matter who they are or where they come from.” Tim finds it fascinating, working with children from a variety of backgrounds, sometimes hearing them speak in foreign language.

Tim’s passion for volunteering is inspiring to us all. Heart House Dallas Site Director Shana Fife feels that Tim is a particularly special tutor. She says, “There is a light inside of him that positively affects the children he tutors. We always gain from his visits to Heart House!”

Tim takes his status as a positive role model seriously. He tells one story about a little boy who wasn’t coming in to Heart House regularly when he met him. Tim promised him that he would come back to volunteer the next day if the boy returned also. Both kept their promises and were happy to see each other again. Tim says, “Knowing you can make an impact that quickly on a kid makes me realize that what we’re doing is as important as it is fun!”

Tim’s final thought is: “Heart House makes a huge difference for a lot of kids, and does it on a budget that some charities spend on a single golf tournament. It’s great seeing everything go directly to the kids who, incidentally, are often too happy to realize everything they’re actually learning! As long as I’ve got the time, they’ve got a volunteer!”

Heart House would like to thank Tim for his continued support.

Vicki Sicola

Vicki Sicola, Heart House Austin

Vicki Sicola is a native Austinite who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Heart House Austin children.  She is currently studying Psychology at U.T. and plans on going to graduate school when she finishes her undergraduate work.  In her spare time, Vicki enjoys dancing, swimming, reading and hanging out with her friends. 

This is Vicki’s first time volunteering at a non-profit agency.  Although you wouldn’t know that if you saw her with the Heart House kids.  Vicki’s calm and patient demeanor help the children to trust and respect her.  You can often find her reading with a child on the couch or serving snack during reading time. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Vicki replied, “working with the children and seeing that I am making a difference in their lives.”  Vicki heard about Heart House through her church and initially began volunteering because of a Service Learning class requirement, but she soon surpassed the number of hours required by the professor. She has volunteered over 61 hours since her Volunteer Orientation in September 2002! 

During the holidays and college break, Heart House has been short-handed on volunteers.  When Vicki found out that we would be short-handed, she signed up to come in multiple days per week.  Vicki also helps recruit new volunteers! One of her good friends just signed up to volunteer with Heart House.  “Not only is Vicki great with the kids, she is dependable and willing to help us in any way that she can,” said Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Thompson.  Vicki comes in early to volunteer and always stays until she is sure that we have enough people for the next shift. 

We truly appreciate Ms. Vicki’s dedication to Heart House!

Whether working directly with the children or providing technical or administrative expertise in the background, your help is needed!  Check out our website and volunteer opportunities or fill out an on-line application today

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