Starkey comes to Family Service with long history of helping others

Jamie Starkey is a force to be reckoned with.  As the newly hired Project Director for the Health and Wellness Interpreters of Roanoke Valley with Family Service of Roanoke Valley, she is continuing the career she’s built based on serving people who need it most.

With her career originally starting in law enforcement, Jamie quickly came to realize that she wanted a career with the ability to have a long-term impact facilitating positive change for people. From working with youth at risk of incarceration to domestic violence advocacy, Jamie says it was a natural progression to work with victims facing cultural and language challenges.

“I have had a life-long passion for the underdog, for the being the voice of the voiceless. Giving those with limited English proficiency a path to access supportive services fits well with my professional goal to always recognize the inherent value of each individual and provide supportive service that respect the person in their environment,” she said.

Health and Wellness Interpreters is a grant funded program connecting individuals with limited English proficiency with interpretation services facilitating their ability to engage with helping resources such as Family Service of Roanoke Valley, TAP, SARA, and The Salvation Army. Although a new program, Jamie already sees successes. These successes are counted in every victim who summons the courage to tell their story and in every interpreter who helps to articulate the narrative.

Self-described as outgoing, an advocate, and sassy, Jamie truly believes that her job is all about meeting people where they are, joining their journey, promoting hope and facilitating positive change. Her favorite quote demonstrates these ideals.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank