Volunteer Spotlight: Tam Mehuron, Administor
When Tam Mehuron’s husband passed away in March 2023 she decided to transform her grief into something positive. That’s when she looked for a way to help her neighbors in Culmore and came across Culmore Clinic thanks to her pastor at St. Paul’s Bailey’s Crossroads Episcopal congregation, Rev. Liz Tomlinson. Rev. Liz was on Culmore Clinic’s board at the time and recommended Tam look into our volunteer opportunities.
Even though Tam didn’t have a medical background or know a second language, she believed Culmore Clinic was a worthy cause to give her time. After an interview with our Executive Director, she started volunteering as an administrator in December 2023. Learn more about Tam’s experience as a volunteer below in this month’s Volunteer Spotlight!
2) What role are you playing at Culmore Clinic?
As an administrative volunteer, I am sort of a jack of all trades. I come in on Tuesdays for several hours, and can walk into a variety of tasks, whatever the need is at the time. For example, one consistent task is to shred papers. Seemingly mundane, it is actually important, as it protects the identity and security of patients who have filled out forms, presented copies of their licenses, W-2 forms, etc. Another key task is to prepare the information packets in Spanish and English that the patients need to fill out forms for The Clinic. These activities free up the medical staff to focus on providing their expertise and care for the patients.
3) Tell us a bit about your background? Where did you study? Where are you from? What did you do for work, etc.?
I am from Nebraska, and have a B.A. from the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln, and an M.A. in Middle East Area Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies. I came to the Washington area in Spring 1981, and have lived here in the DMV every since. My main career was as an editor with Air Force Magazine at the Air Force Association, a private non-profit in support of the U.S. Air Force. I worked there from 1991 to 2013. I retired in 2018 after some years as a freelance editor and tutor.
4) What’s your favorite part about working at Culmore Clinic?
My favorite part is working with the staff, and also doing a myriad of tasks. Each Tuesday is different, and I never know what awaits me as I walk through the door to start my day. I love that. I pride myself in being available, and able to handle all sorts of things!
5) What do you do when you’re not volunteering at Culmore Clinic?
I have a 25 year old daughter who lives nearby in Arlington, so that is a blessing. I live in the new Erickson senior living center in Fairfax County. I have made many dear friends there and there is a real sense of community. I like to play Scrabble with my buddies there, and also participate in the Wednesday women’s bible study, and a short story group on Thursday nights. In addition, I am very active in my church congregation, at The Falls Church Episcopal.
Feel free to leave a message thanking Tam below. And, if you’re interested in volunteering with us, check out more info here.