In 2024, Rushford’s long-time emergency responder Paul Corcoran was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year.
This year, residing in the city of Houston, we have another worthy recipient.
Lisa Skifton.
Selfless, generous and kind.
That’s how her nominator described her in just a few words.
Previously, Lisa was a school psychologist in Winona for 21 years. In addition to her current role as the school psychologist for the past two years at Houston Public Schools in Houston, Minn., Lisa gives her time and talents to many organizations.
She grew up in the Twin Cities area, moving to Houston in 2001 after meeting her husband, Steve Skifton. Lisa loves small town life, and feels it’s a great place to raise a family. Steve and Lisa have a daughter, Natalie, in eighth grade at Houston Public Schools.
Her interest in volunteerism developed during her senior year of high school. One of Lisa’s first volunteer experiences was with St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in St. Paul, Minn.
After high school, she attended University of Minnesota Morris. A change in her major after her freshman year brought her to Winona State University where she really embraced volunteer opportunities. Lisa felt that something was missing her life while attending college in Morris, and she realized it was volunteerism.
In 1994, during her sophomore year, she coordinated a mission trip to the Christian Appalachian Project in Kentucky through the Lutheran Campus Center in Winona. And, in 1995, she coordinated a mission trip to Rockford, Ill., through the WSU Catholic Newman Center.
After establishing roots in Houston, Lisa became involved in numerous organizations. Anywhere she could help, she would lend a hand.
She has helped out with the annual Houston Hoedown Days since 2002.
Lisa has volunteered at the Winona Catholic Worker house, providing hospitality for the homeless from 1995 to 2021. From 2001 to 2021, she served monthly meals.
From 2002 to 2019, she served as a reading, writing and math tutor for students. She asked parents to make a monetary donation to charities of her choice instead of receiving payment directly.
In 2007, Lisa coordinated a mission trip to Tanzania for Cross of Christ Lutheran Church youth.
From 2007 to 2021, she volunteered at the Houston Community Garden.
Since 2013, she has served as the treasurer for the Valley View Healthcare and Rehab Auxiliary. Starting in 2014, she began volunteering to stock shelves at the Houston Food Shelf and she became the Houston Salvation Army Bell Ringing Coordinator.
She started serving on the Houston Public Library board in 2019.
From 2020 to 2024, Lisa served as the Houston County Silver Creek Rustlers 4-H Leader.
Since 2021, she has served as the Houston Holidazzle Coordinator.
From 2023 to current, she has served as the teacher for Cross of Christ Lutheran Church Club 56, which is a youth group for fifth and sixth graders.
Starting in 2024, Lisa joined the Houston High School Sunshine Committee, and she started serving as a board member on the Winona Figure Skating Club.
This year, she has taken on the role of secretary for the Houston High School Music Boosters.
And, periodically, Lisa will bring communion to the homebound from Cross of Christ Church.
When asked why she volunteers so much, Lisa shared, “I find it incredibly rewarding to bring joy to other people. My faith and upbringing has laid the foundation for why I do what I do.”
She grew up watching her parents serve as volunteers in many ways. They organized marriage retreats, engaged couple retreats, and volunteered for the Knights of Columbus. She credits her parents for inspiring her to get involved in the community.
Lisa’s work in the community has not gone unnoticed.
Her nominator shared how she had an impact on others. “Lisa’s energy and work has continued to make the Houston Holidazzle possible as the previous leader moved out of the area. This event is well-attended by our community and brings great joy to our area youth and residents with all its festivities. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, get their face painted, decorate gingerbread houses and get to pick out gifts for their family in the Santa store. Lisa’s leadership has also resulted in our 4-H club receiving various awards. She also has contributed to the Houston County Fair by donating her time to lead judging events. Lisa’s work at the Food Shelf has helped meet local family needs and specifically our high school students in need. Lisa’s spirit of volunteerism has changed lives in many ways.”
As Lisa reflects on her years of volunteer service, she said, “What has changed my life is the interaction with those who are homeless. Connecting with people. Talking to people who are so grateful in spite of the challenges they face.”
Each year, the Volunteer of the Year can choose to have a $250 donation, sponsored by the Fillmore County Journal, made in their honor to an organization of their choice. Lisa requested this donation be made to the Winona Catholic Worker.
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