We are thrilled to introduce you to a longtime WARM Place volunteer, Rick Zomper! Rick has supported The WARM Place through our group nights as a facilitator, a volunteer during family night events, and can usually be found running around at the annual Race 2 Remember Them, helping with all sorts of things! He is an amazing addition to our volunteer family and we are honored to highlight him!
For those who don’t know you, what is your connection to The WARM Place and how did you first get involved?
I worked investigating child abuse at the Fort Worth Police department for 20 years. I became aware of The WARM Place when I began working here as a security officer during group nights. Shirley Montero was the Executive Director at that time. I got to meet some of the volunteer facilitators and staff while doing that.
I retired from the police department in 2011. After that, I knew I wanted to volunteer somewhere. I liked what The WARM Place was about, I had been working to help children, so in 2012 I chose to become a volunteer facilitator.
I facilitated till COVID happened and stayed involved with The WARM Place through their annual fundraiser the Race 2 Remember Them. In 2024 while preparing for R2RT, Shelley showed me the new expansion of the house and mentioned the new groups needed help until the new facilitators were done training. After that, I agreed to be a temporary facilitator. However, once I started with the new group on grandparent night, I didn’t want to just leave the kids, so I stayed. I even picked up a second night, helping
with sibling loss, when my wife Lynn completed her own training to become a facilitator herself.
What would your message be to those thinking about volunteering at The WARM Place?
To those thinking of volunteering, I would say The WARM Place is one of the most satisfying places to be. Be willing to make a commitment to a program that impacts children. You won’t regret it.
What has been your favorite experience while volunteering?
I facilitate with the children’s group, ages 5 to 7. Seeing them open up and talk about their loved one and share with the other children is heartwarming. They realize the feelings they have are normal and okay. When the children have a dialog amongst themselves, they really help each other.
Do you have any words to encourage others to share their time and become a volunteer like you?
Helping children with the death of a loved one is a rewarding experience. Sometimes it’s sad, but there are fun times too, doing activities and talking with the children. We’re not counselors, we help them move through their grief. It’ll make you smile.
