“I’ve always tried to do good for all people.”
This is what Robin Wilkening had to say about her role as a Portage Township Trustee. Working for the Portage Township for nearly 11 years now, Wilkening was recently promoted to Director of the Bonner Senior Center, her prior position being an interviewer. The organization provides various utilities and services like meals, exercise classes, and social meetings for senior citizens. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bonner Senior Center has been working diligently to provide its services through alternative methods, such as curbside pick-up and delivery for meals.
Wilkening’s role is to coordinate all of these services and operations. She stated that she upholds many responsibilities in her new role.
“I’m there to make sure everything is getting done and that our seniors are being provided the best possible experience,” Wilkening said. “It is my duty to do the best I can for others, even during these tough times.”
Wilkening states that helping others and paying it forward is written in her DNA. Growing up, she participated in various Girl Scout programs and learned about selflessness and compassion through both her parents and her church.
“Community service means putting others before yourself,” Wilkening said. “Being able to give your time and talents to help people in the community is such an incredible and rewarding experience. It all comes down to that special, warm feeling you get from seeing others happy and helping them find a job.”
Wilkening also sits on both the boards for Family Promise of Porter County and Gabriel’s Horn Homeless Shelter. Both of these roles only further strengthen her passion for reaching out and providing support for others. Even with the pandemic going on, these boards are working to provide alternative means of support.
“These past few years, I’ve learned that it’s nearly impossible for one person to do everything,” Wilkening said. “That’s why working with others to help the community is so important. You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be enough.”
Wilkening reflected on her roles in the community and how important it is to be a part of something special.
“Being where I am at today gives me such joy because I feel I truly have a purpose,” Wilkening said. “The Portage community has blessed my family and me greatly, and we appreciate everything the people have done for us. It’s a place full of caring and loving people."