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Whether it’s helping to feed the hungry, supporting girls and women or aiding the arts, volunteering helps Julie Fletcher connect with the community. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners recognized Fletcher Wednesday for her service to Southern Oregon Goodwill — where she works as the marketing, development and community relations director — and her volunteer work for myriad groups in the Rogue Valley. “When I moved here to Medford about 15 years ago, I was in a new community where I didn’t know very many people,” recalled Fletcher about her move from Ohio. “And I had jobs where I was really just getting to know the people I worked with. When I came to Southern Oregon Goodwill in 2011, one of the things that appealed to me about the job — not only to use my background in marketing and public relations — but they wanted someone to be involved in the community, and it was what I was missing in my life. And it was how I got to know people in Southern Oregon and the causes.” The groups she’s helped include Britt Festivals, the Craterian Theater, Junior League of Jackson County, Soroptimist International, Master Recyclers of Jackson County, Medford Food Project, and United Way. “Ms. Fletcher is a role model to many, and her volunteer involvement with so many agencies and organizations makes her a shining example of giving back to her community,” Jackson County Commissioner Rick Dyer said in presenting her with the county’s October 2018 Community Service Award. Scott Clauson, a Southern Oregon Goodwill board of directors member, agreed with that assessment. “Julie really has contributed a lot to the Rogue Valley,” he said. “I’m really proud of her for all that she does. Not only is she a great employee of Southern Oregon Goodwill, but she has truly given a lot to our community. It shows that she’s passionate about where she works and lives.” Southern Oregon Goodwill provides services to more than 5,000 people annually in four Southern Oregon counties and Siskiyou County in Northern California, according to Erin Young, vice president of workforce development for the organization. Southern Oregon Goodwill focuses on vulnerable people who face barriers to employment. In 2017, it placed more than 440 people in jobs, Young said. “That’s really the heart of Goodwill’s mission, to enable employment by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth,” she said. Fletcher said she feels lucky to work for an organization that helps people and is supportive of its employees’ volunteer activities. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.