Congratulations, Lisa Stiffler!!!

Home   Congratulations, Lisa Stiffler!!!

My Place Teen Center’s Volunteer June/July Spotlight – Lisa Stiffler has been a volunteer at MPTC for seven years!

About Lisa:
I’m a sister, daughter, aunt, mom, grams, nurse , friend and woman of faith.  I have lived in Maine my entire life and have 2 beautiful girls, 2 grandsons, 2 grand dogs, a loving fiancée and wonderful family and friends.

I’ve dedicated my life to helping others and know that I get more out of it,  than I probably give.

Simply making someone smile daily brings me great joy, whether it is at MPTC, the streets of greater Portland, at work, a grocery store or where ever.

I love positive, spirited, fun people. I try to surround myself with others like this but  tend to enjoy working with those, who are more of the underdog, and a  bit less fortunate,  because I feel they need it the most.

I like sharing my words of wisdom, because we all have a story. My story was not always pretty, and at times, painful, but by sharing that story, I’ve met so many kind, lovely people.

I’ve always said life is an interesting journey.  If you can imagine it, you can dream it, if you can dream it, you can become it!  Have goals and don’t give up believing…

Thank you, Donna, and the entire staff of MPTC for this wonderful honor.

Why do you volunteer?

Simply, “it fills my heart!”

Why do you volunteer at MPTC?
Westbrook was my work community for years and spending time at My Place Teen Center gave me the opportunity to give back to this great city and be part of a center that “clearly” changes lives.

Although, I work in a neighboring city and took a small break, I missed it and felt driven to return because of what Donna and her team do for these teens every day. They work miracles!   They make a difference! They love their jobs. It feels like an extended family and the kids are amazing.

Whether it be helping teens with home work, teaching life skills,  mentoring, playing a game of pool,  taking a dance/music class, helping with social, personal or school issues and/or providing healthy snacks, meals…I love being part of this safe haven and making them feel important.  Their smiles say it all.   MPTC CARES!

What have you learned through your experiences at MPTC?

I’ve learned that things I take for granted, such as feeling loved, safe, having a home, food on the table, a place to sleep, shower etc, are not  always available to teens in the greater Portland community.   The problem is much bigger than I thought, so having this free, nonprofit agency central to many is imperative to helping our teens succeed.

Describe a MPTC interaction or event that was particularly meaningful and that you will never forget:
There are too many to mention, but I have seen the growth in kids, who come regularly.

One of the teens is now a FT employee. Who better to work with our teens, then a teen, who once was making bad choices, and understands?!

Two of the siblings, whom I’ve known for at least 4 years have a fun, comfortable and friendly gathering place to call home, after school, while their parents work. I’ve even skied with them.  I love seeing them weekly and if they aren’t there, wonder if they are ok.