Stephanie Lehmen
Stephanie Lehmen knows being consistent in the little things can make a huge difference as a volunteer. As community relations coordinator for C&S Employment Solutions, she sees firsthand how being involved in one’s community can make a positive impact both professionally and personally.
“C&S is a locally-owned company and very involved in the community because those business relations are important for us,” Stephanie says. “Where I work makes it easy for me to volunteer because my employer also believes in that.”
It’s not fl ashy, but those one-on-one relationships are so important. Kids that need extra attention and extra focus on them can really benefit from having a mentor, a friend they can just hang out with and talk to. It does a world of good, for both of us, actually.
Stephanie currently serves on the advisory committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Jefferson City, including being the marketing committee chair. She helps with social media work and promoting upcoming fundraising events and also fills an important volunteer role as a big sister in the BBBS community-based mentoring program. She’s been matched for four years with her current little sister in the program, and she’s found that mentoring, including being a consistent presence in their lives, can make a big difference.
“I really believe it does a lot of good. It’s not fl ashy, but those one-on-one relationships are so important. Kids that need extra attention and extra focus on them can really benefit from having a mentor, a friend they can just hang out with and talk to. It does a world of good, for both of us, actually.”
In addition to BBBS, she also volunteers on several committees for the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce — including gala co-chair, an ambassador at ribbon cuttings, Partners in Education, bbq committee, golf committee, and Chamber Champions. She’s also active in local business associations. While some might divide their loyalties between the Eastside and the Westside of Jefferson City, Stephanie loves them both equally. She serves as a board member and president for the Jefferson City East Side Business Association and as a board member for the West Side Business Association. Stephanie is also active in the United Way of Central Missouri. She helps the campaign leadership team, which involves calling different businesses to let them know about the upcoming United Way campaign and to line up speakers to talk to their employees. She also follows up after the campaign to see how she can help moving forward.
While Stephanie has years of experience as a volunteer, she also recognizes that some people are just beginning their volunteer journey and may be unsure the best way to plug in. She doesn’t want that to deter people from jumping in and giving it a go.
“There are a lot of different ways to get involved. Try something that is your niche. Make those relationships. Volunteer and get involved in those projects that interest you.”
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