Jaymee Penrose is the founder and owner of the local nonprofit Calling All Angels. Penrose is a nurse but used her free time to start the nonprofit. Penrose started Calling All Angels around two years ago after reading a story on Facebook about a couple in need of assistance.
“I had read the story about this couple,” said Penrose. “The wife was a retired nurse, and her husband was dying of terminal cancer. They were losing their home and more due to the cost of chemotherapy and medical bills.”
“Though they had a GoFundMe listed below the story, I was worried no one would help them, and so I began to tag every person I've ever helped raise money for below, to help me help them. I then created a group on Facebook, and when brainstorming what to call the group I came up with Calling All Angels. I truly believe that our purpose in life is to be angels for each other, so it felt like the perfect name for the group.”
Penrose was adamant about the idea that her work is not something that should be special. She expressed that working to help your community is something that all people should do.
“The most rewarding part of all of this is being witness to the impact it has on others’ lives and instilling the desire to help in other people. It's about the community and understanding that they are not doing this for themselves,” said Penrose.
In addition to her responsibilities with Calling All Angels, Penrose also works full-time as a nurse at Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City. While the work is not easy, she said that she fits there and that it is the right job for her.
“When I’m called in for a shift, they tell me where I'm going, depending on where they need it most that day. So, some days I work in the ICU and others I work in the emergency room, surgical, and more. I do it all, which is very hard, but I love it. It's been a great experience,” said Penrose.
Penrose explained that she chooses to go with the flow in her life. In the past, she’s also taught others how to paint wine glasses, served as a worship leader, and of course, started her nonprofit.
“I kind of go with whatever I feel like doing,” said Penrose. “I don't know why it’s often said that we have to do just one thing and that's it. With my life, I want to try everything I can try. We have one life to live, and I'm going to try as much as I can and just have fun.”