As a dental assistant at Kaiser Permanente, a wife, a mother of three, and an active member of her church, Wanessa Lawrence is a woman who wears many hats. Although her responsibilities at work and home keep her busy, she is dedicated to serving others through volunteer work and ministry.
For eight years, Wanessa has mentored incarcerated women, working with the women while they’re in prison and following up with them once they’re released to ensure they have clothes, toiletries, a place to stay, and resources to help them re-integrate into their communities.
Spirituality is a conduit for much of Wanessa’s service to her community: she’s involved with a health ministry through her church, hosting programs and events to educate people about healthy living and eating habits. She also serves homeless families through another church group that she co-leads with her husband.
Wanessa’s mentorship extends to young women through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and she also volunteers weekly at a medical center doing spiritual care, seeing as many patients as she can to pray with and encourage patients and meet whatever needs she can.
“I love being busy, and I love helping people,” says Wanessa. “This is what I’m meant to do.”
You can help. Contact Ruth Brinkley, the president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest region, and tell her you strongly support Kaiser SEIU members who deserve a fair contract, and urge her to protect good union jobs in Oregon and Washington. You can call her at 503-813-3805 or email her at ruth.williams-brinkley@kp.org