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Cheryl Clem joined SOS Richmond in early 2024, drawn by an invitation from SOS Director of Wellness and Programs O’Neill Fernandez to experience how the organization could change her life. Initially volunteering daily, she has since transitioned to an official role, focusing on outreach to the underserved Hispanic community. Overcoming both cultural and language hurdles, her dedication and perseverance has allowed her to build meaningful connections and provide essential services.

Beginning with trash cleanup, Cheryl’s responsibilities quickly expanded to include working with the shower program and beyond. Today, she pursues her passion of advocating for homeless neighbors facing language barriers and legal misunderstandings, using her growing Spanish skills to better serve her clients. Her advocacy has been especially important in helping SOS clients navigate complex systems and access necessary services.

Having experienced homelessness herself, Cheryl understands the critical need for peer-to-peer support. She emphasizes the importance of diversity among service providers and is always striving to extend SOS Richmond's reach to more vulnerable populations. Her journey reflects her commitment to the community, her personal growth, and her vision of a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.