We would like to introduce you to Patton Shirley. Patton’s connection with The WARM Place began as a former family who received our grief support services from 2019 to 2021. This experience profoundly impacted him, and he has since become an enthusiastic advocate for our cause. In 2022, Patton began giving through his employer, New York Life Insurance, in memory of Shelly Caram, his former wife. At The WARM Place, we are fortunate to have an incredible community of supporters and volunteers who make The WARM Place’s mission possible.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Paris, Texas and moved to Arlington, where I married the mother of my children, Shelly. We had three children, Michael, Dakota, and Payton. We remained great friends after our divorce and became even better parents. Aside from my regular job, I am also a children’s entertainer. I enjoy spending time with my kids and granddaughter who just turned one. I have various hobbies and I try to stay active.
How did you find out about The WARM Place?
Shelly attended The WARM Place briefly after the loss of her brother in 1991. Although her time there was cut short due to a move, she always talked about how much it helped her and wished she could have attended longer. Shelly was killed in September of 2018 by a drunk driver. All three of my kids grieved very differently, and I was struggling with my daughter Payton. Her grandmother suggested checking to see if The WARM Place was still around.
What does The WARM Place mean to you?
I could not be more thankful for The WARM Place. I believe it saved my daughter’s life by giving her an outlet and introducing her to peers that understood her. Even though I felt like I had everything under control, she insisted I attend the adult group as well. In her words “If you don’t go, I’m not going.” I cannot stress enough how valuable the adult group became in helping me handle three teens grieving differently. Payton and I not only looked forward to The WARM Place, but the car rides there and back became very therapeutic and strengthened our relationship. Payton has been volunteering at The WARM Place for a little over a year and I started a few months ago as well. The WARM Place will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Why did you decide to regularly support The WARM Place through your employer, and what did that process involve?
Supporting The WARM Place was a no brainer for me, though I could never pay back what I received. I work for New York Life Insurance, and a few years back they opened a giving program to various organizations. Once I realized The WARM Place was on the list, it was an easy decision to sign up. They make it very simple. We have a yearly giving drive, but we can start at any time during the year. It just takes a few clicks on our HR site.
What would you tell someone who is interested in giving through their employer?
Giving has to come from the heart. Knowing that you regularly are a small part in aiding a big issue can be quite rewarding. Some might even say it is low effort with great rewards. Do not be discouraged by the amount either. Pick an amount you are comfortable with and know it is appreciated by the organization. Once you have decided on the amount, it just becomes funds you do not even miss.
