'Uniting people with resources': Talking service with Kay Azuma of the Community Caring Council

Kay Azuma has worked as the community coordinator at the Community Caring Council in Cape Girardeau for close to 15 years. In this role and as a local volunteer, Azuma works diligently to better the lives of others in the community and surrounding areas. She has a passion for helping those less fortunate and is a daily advocate for those in need. Read on as Azuma explains why she is passionate about her work and what pushes her to keep moving forward.

__Business Today: Please start with some background about you. Are you from this area? How did you come to work for the Community Caring Council?__

__Kay Azuma:__ I grew up in a small community near New Orleans and moved to Cape Girardeau in 1973 when my husband was hired at Southeast Missouri State University. Through my work as a parent volunteer and as a paid staff member at Cape Public Schools, I became familiar with the Caring Communities Initiative. When an opening was advertised, I applied and was placed at May Greene School. This was the start of my career with the Community Caring Council.

__BT: You've worked at the Community Caring Council since 2002. What makes you passionate about your position there?__

__KA:__ When the Caring Communities program pulled out of Cape Schools in 2002, I remained with the Community Caring Council as their community coordinator. My work then shifted from direct client assistance to community-level involvement. We are fortunate to live in a community that is rich in resources and willing to help those in need. Yet, I often meet people in need who have no idea where to go for help. Uniting people with resources is a particular passion of mine, as well as working with community groups to not only meet needs, but to empower people to be self-sufficient.

Kay Azuma poses for a portrait inside Community Caring Council in Cape Girardeau on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.Laura Simon

__BT: Please tell me about your volunteer work. What charities and organizations are you involved with in the area?__

__KA:__ I volunteer weekly at Saint Francis Medical Center in the chapel and I just helped make "ugly quilts" at St. Vincent de Paul Church. My volunteer work often revolves around my work at the council. We are often called upon to work beyond the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business day, spending evenings and weekends at community events, sharing resources and learning the inner workings of our community.

__BT: Why are you passionate about volunteering and helping those in need?__

__KA:__ It's a way to show my thanks for all that I have.

__BT: Why do you think it's important to support and serve the community in which you live?__

Kay Azuma poses for a portrait inside Community Caring Council in Cape Girardeau on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.Laura Simon

__KA:__ Creating a sense of caring among community members makes a stronger and safer community for all. "It takes a village ..."

__BT: Who have been your mentors or role models, and what have you learned from them throughout your life and career?__

__KA:__ My family, co-workers and the people I meet on a daily basis. Everyone has strengths, and we can all learn from each other.

__BT: What is your best advice for those looking to get involved with volunteering and local charity work?__

__KA:__ Discover your passion(s), then find a way to match your passion with a need in the community.

__BT: What's next for you?__

__KA:__ To continue making a difference for others whenever the opportunity arises.