Sharon Scudder is committed to helping individuals build their lives

by Shiloh Francis

One day a young woman walked into Sharon Scudder’s office. She had come from the shelter, no longer safe in her home after being beaten. It was difficult for her to communicate as she had a disability. Because of that, many people had ignored or overlooked her.

But not Sharon. She listened, saw her needs, and ultimately was able to help her find a home.

Twenty years later, that woman still remembers the kindness she was shown and thanks Sharon for not just giving her a home, but a new lease on life. It’s those moments of connections that keep Sharon involved. “If I can make a difference, even with just a smile, it’s worth it to give my time,” she explained, with a smile of course.

Involved is an understatement as she has a resume of more than three pages summarizing the boards and organizations she is involved with. A common theme in Sharon’s work and volunteer efforts has been in housing. She started as a tenant service officer in 1976 for Pennington County Housing and spent more than 20 years in the field. Today, she continues to share her insight and make connections on the South Dakota Housing Board.

Photo by Andy Greenman

“I saw the good housing does for people,” she reflected. “When you give someone a home you give them a platform to build their lives.”

As a dedicated problem-solver, Sharon didn’t just work in housing, she made it a mission to understand as much as she could. Realizing an obstacle many homeless people face when trying to apply for jobs is a lack of address, Sharon learned more about the Hope Center and the critical role they play in serving as a mailing address for people.

She laughed, “Honestly I volunteer because I’m selfish. It makes me feel worthy.” Her love of volunteer work is also why Sharon has been actively involved with Kiwanis. She spends evenings crafting homemade cards which she mails across the globe through the organization. She is even developing a new Kiwanis club in town, the 321. This club will be geared toward young professionals. “We know people don’t have a lot of time to give, but they still want to. This is a simple model of three hours each month. Two in service, one in a meeting.”

Whether it’s something as simple as giving someone a smile, or the more than thirty hours a week she does volunteering, Sharon has touched the lives of countless people in the region.

She said it best when asked why people should volunteer: “Volunteering makes you whole. You never know who you’re going to meet and the impact they could have on your life. It returns to you ten-fold.”