New Hope Housing Names Sherry Edelkamp Employee of the Quarter

Mount Vernon-area nonprofit New Hope Housing named Sherry Edelkamp as its Outstanding Employee of the Quarter at its recent quarterly staff meeting for her outstanding work with volunteers and coordinating initiatives to help the homeless.

Edelkamp was recognized for her work as the Coordinator of the Ventures in Community Hypothermia Outreach Program (VIC-HOP) for six years as well as her work to coordinate and oversee Fairfax County’s 100K Homes Program registry week in southern Fairfax County.

“Sherry embodies New Hope Housing’s philosophy of hope and hospitality, dignity and respect," New Hope Housing Executive Director Pam Michell said in a statement. "She sets the tone for VIC-HOP. Her respect for residents, her compassion, and her cheerfulness create a welcoming place during often bitterly cold winter nights. And her commitment, team building abilities and competence instill confidence and help volunteers quickly learn how to operate the program. We are truly blessed to have Sherry in charge of VIC-HOP.”

Edelkamp also works full-time with Ourisman Automotive in Alexandria as the Executive Office Manager. Ourisman manager Mike Bennett have been strong supporters of New Hope Housing — allowing flexibility in Sherry’s schedule and providing resources for VIC-HOP and 100K Homes as well as storage space for New Hope Housing, according to a statement issued by New Hope Housing.

In nominating Ms. Edelkamp for the Employee of the Quarter award, a colleague noted, “Her unselfishness truly shows that she doesn’t do her job for pay or special recognition. Once, Sherry personally delivered homemade cupcakes to the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter to celebrate a former VIC-HOP resident’s birthday. The memory that stands out to me the most is the resident’s reaction to Sherry’s gesture. This type of kindness and level of selflessness is a testament to Sherry’s humble character.”