Volunteers Leave Permanent Marks on Mosaic

Volunteers always make a difference in Mosaic’s mission. Sometimes, their contributions live on long past the time they serve. For today’s Throwback Thursday during Volunteer Appreciation Week, here’s a volunteer story that began almost 20 years ago.

Jeff Jacox helped build his family’s industrial business in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He also built a legacy of generosity and service through an estate gift to Mosaic and as a volunteer. Jacox died in September 2011 at the age of 62 but his gift will support Mosaic’s mission far into the future and contribute to Mosaic’s second century of service.

From 1997 to 2006, Jacox kept regular office hours at Mosaic in Des Moines, Iowa, “working” three afternoons a week. He shared his computer expertise with staff, tutoring them on programs and transitioning them to wireless computers. He offered business advice and tackled any request, from helping organize a golf outing to stuffing envelopes.

“We would thank him,” said Carol Mau, Des Moines Agency executive director, “and he would thank us back because of what his connection to Mosaic meant to him. He absolutely was committed to our mission.”

In a 2004 newspaper article about his volunteer service, Jacox said: “It was inspiring and rewarding to work with the clients who could help with offices tasks. I enjoyed learning about their lives. … I have been expanded by this experience. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to be with people. It’s a win-win situation for both me and Mosaic.”