Carrie Freeman, 35, of Dowagiac, is the secretary of the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac, a trustee with the Dowagiac Board of Education and a member of the Ascension Borgess Lee Foundation.

 

How did you get involved with so many organizations in Dowagiac?

I moved back to Dowagiac in 2015 after living in Georgia for 10 years or so. When I came back, I was asked to join the young professionals, and I just really liked doing good things for the community and being involved. When opportunities present themselves, I like to take them, which is what I did with the school board and foundation board. I like to do whatever I can to better Dowagiac. It’s nice to be back and be involved.

Why are you dedicated to improving Dowagiac?

We are a young family, so we want to make our lives better and our community better for our family, not that it isn’t already great. We are young, and we want to see Dowagiac grow to its potential.

What is your favorite part of volunteering?

Meeting people. I like to talk to people and communicate with people. It helps me to gain confidence in my day to day life and presence in my job.

Why do you think volunteering is important for a community?

Communities grow and thrive because of the people that are in it. Everyone has good qualities that can better the community. I’m just glad that I can add value.

How would you encourage residents to volunteer with one of your organizations?

I really love the Young Professionals. I love what they are doing. I love the outreach they do and the community projects they do. It’s just an easy way to get involved. It was a good stepping stone for me to volunteer and figure out where I could add value in the community.