Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Hoefer, Clinic Greeter
Our volunteer spotlight this month is Clinic Greeter Michael Hoefer. Michael is a passionate advocate for the immigrant community, having spent the last 40 years as a federal worker specializing in immigration statistics and policy. He was appointed to the Virginia Office of New Americans Advisory Board after retiring in 2020, a board that makes recommendations to the VA Assembly and governor on ways to improve the lives of immigrants. Michael grew up in upstate New York but has spent the last 25 years in the Bailey’s Crossroads community. We are so lucky to have him!
CC: How did you find out about Culmore Clinic and what made you decide to volunteer?
Michael: My volunteer and work life has always been in immigration, and I had heard years ago that Culmore Clinic provided medical services to low-income immigrants. I was appointed to the Virginia Office of New Americans Advisory Board after retiring in 2020. The purpose of the board is to make recommendations to the VA Assembly and governor of ways to improve the lives of immigrants. Based on the experience of a co-member who runs a clinic for refugees in Charlottesville, I thought working with Culmore Clinic might be a good way for me to learn more about the needs of immigrants in NOVA. The main reason I decided to volunteer is that I had joined the First Christian Church of Falls Church in 2023, attended a Culmore Clinic open house at the church, and met Lynette. I decided that night that I could support my church, learn about immigrants’ needs, and have fun at the same time.
CC: What role are you playing at Culmore Clinic?
Michael: Having no medical background, but wanting to interact with the clients and staff, I opted to become a greeter. I admit that I don’t have the ideal background to be a greeter. I’ve lost my hearing in one ear and I don’t speak Spanish. But I’ve learned certain key phrases and I have fun meeting and greeting the clients. I look forward to volunteering every Tuesday.
CC:Tell us a bit about your background? Where did you study? Where are you from? What do you do for work?
Michael: I am originally from upstate New York and I graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca. My area of concentration was statistics, and after college I began my career as a statistician at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then for my last 40 years of federal service I worked in immigration statistics and policy offices. I was the head of the Office of Immigration Statistics at the Department of Homeland Security towards the end of my career and I ran an ESL program at my former church in my spare time.
CC: What's your favorite part about working at Culmore Clinic?
Michael:I love supporting my community and immigrants by working at the Clinic. I know that our clients can’t thrive if they are not healthy. I see the impact that the nurses and doctors have on those who can’t otherwise obtain medical services, and I’m happy to support them as a greeter. Last but not least, I’ve come to love the staff and other volunteers at the Clinic.
CC: Tell us a bit about your life away from the clinic.
Michael: My wife and I have lived in the Baileys Crossroads area for the past 25 years. She and I are attuned to national politics, and we do our part to support our potential and elected leaders. I like listening to music to relax and I follow sports ranging from lacrosse to road racing. I also like to read, and my wife and I participate in adult learning classes. I volunteer at the church to help provide food and company to immigrants and other needy people on Thursdays.