Using Talents to Help Others
Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Martodam
When Karen Martodam retired from her career as an accountant in 2015, she knew she wanted to give back—she just wasn’t sure how. In 2016, her brother-in-law, former Catholic Charities CEO Paul Martodam, encouraged her to volunteer at Higher Ground Minneapolis. She began as a front desk volunteer, answering phones, but her role quickly evolved into something much more personal.
A lifelong sewing enthusiast and avid quilter, Karen noticed a need among the residents and guests—clothing repairs. Zippers, buttons, and other basic fixes were frequently requested, but few had the tools or skills to make the repairs. “I knew that a lot of people can’t fix their own clothing,” she said, “so it was important to me to fill a niche.”
Paying it Forward
Since then, Karen has become a regular sewing volunteer at both the Higher Ground Residence and Shelter in Minneapolis and the Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center. She brings everything she needs: sewing machine, iron and pad, cutting mat, more than 20 colors of thread, zippers, Velcro, bias tape, and fabric scraps. She donates all the materials herself. “People offer to pay me, but no—this is my chance to pay it forward.”
A Meaningful Impact
Over the years, Karen has gotten to know a handful of Higher Ground residents. They often ask her to hem shirts, patch up coats, or repair torn sheets. One man regularly brings her his favorite knit gloves so she can mend the holes in the fingertips. Recently, she fixed a favorite sweatshirt for a longtime resident named George and took in the waist of a new pair of pants for one of his neighbors. Both men recognized her at her sewing table and were excited to have her help. Karen values the relationships she’s built and the tangible difference she’s able to make through her skills.
Volunteers like Karen are essential to the work of Catholic Charities Twin Cities. Meaningful contributions don’t always require specialized training or large-scale commitments—sometimes, the most impactful service comes from everyday talents used in service to others.
Want help finding the right volunteer opportunity? Call: (612) 204-8435
