( Reported by WDTN) United Way's Volunteer Connection is pleased to name Serena Dudley as "Community Volunteer of the Month" for December. A volunteer since February, Serena provides haircuts and styles to adult women served by YWCA Dayton.

With more than 21 years of experience, Serena is employed as a hair stylist by Style Council. She began providing cuts and styles to women served by the YWCA after she was referred to the organization by one of her customers. She provides all of her own supplies during her volunteer time. Five to eight women receive her services free of charge each month. She enjoys writing poetry in her free time and has completed an online writing program through Long Ridge Writers Group.

Serena's own mother was a survivor of domestic abuse who received services at the YWCA. "Volunteering my time makes me take the focus off of myself and my problems," says Serena. "This has helped me through my own healing process. The women here are the real heroes. Anything you do in life is all in vain unless you help someone," she says.

"Serena listens carefully to each person, giving each woman her attention and respect. In addition to providing women with hair styles, she also helps to raise their self-esteem," says Marty O'Dell, director of volunteer services. "She is a very special lady who willingly shares her gifts on her own day off from work."