She has had more opportunities since her retirement.

After earning her associate’s degree in art from McNeese State University, she went on to work as a paralegal for 29 years. In 2019, she made the decision to retire.

Her inspiration to begin volunteering came to her suddenly after hearing about something that tugged on her heartstrings. “I was sitting in church one Sunday morning, listening to someone talk about the girls ministry classes that meet on Wednesday night, and I felt led to help in that area.”

She didn’t start her ministry right away, however. “It took me almost a year to tell someone that I wanted to help,’ she explained. “I initially felt that I wasn’t qualified.”

She has now been volunteering for at least 15 years.

All of her acts of volunteerism are conducted through the church because of the many channels of altruism that Glad Tidings offers its members. She takes advantage of these opportunities. She currently works at the food pantry every Wednesday morning and teaches a class of third, fourth and fifth grade girls every Wednesday night.

On Sunday mornings, she is a door greeter.

She seasonally volunteers as well. During the holiday season, she ushers local students that visit to view their annual showing of “How Christmas Saved the Grinch.”

This summer she donated time to Vacation Bible School, which took place last week. This year, she was in charge of the snacks.

She also helps out during the annual business meeting at Glad Tidings by taking minutes.

To her, volunteerism is donating both time and skills to those that need it, and prioritizing making oneself available to meet a need.

This philosophy is especially important in Southwest Louisiana, she said. “There are so many people that need help.”

Thanks to the efforts of generous locals, Southwest Louisiana is a place for activities, she said. “There are so many events in our area that could not happen and would not happen if it were not for volunteers.”

While it may seem overwhelming at first, Fontenot believes with some adaptability, volunteering is accessible to almost everyone. “It is a really simple thing to do if you have the time and if you are able,” she said. “Do what fits your schedule best for where you are in life, but it should always be done with integrity.”

Her top tips for new volunteers are: be on time, give 100 percent and “remember that there are more reasons to be a volunteer than there are reasons not to be a volunteer.”

“I know that time is valuable and life is short but you will get more out of giving of yourself that you realize. The difference that you will make, the people that you will meet and the lives that you will change is just the beginning.”