Anita and Keith Cruise, a United Volunteer Couple

Live United Spotlight

Anita and Keith Cruise, Schools of Hope and VITA Volunteers

Nov. 18, 2019

Photo of Anita and Keith Cruise, a couple standing close together and smiling sweetly at the camera. Keith's hand is on Anita's shoulder.The Cruise couple has made volunteering a fundamental part of their life together. For years, they've given their time to support United Way's mission of building an educated workforce. Beyond their commitments to specific programs such as VITA and Schools of Hope, they also support United Way in ways such as by writing articles about it, supporting one-day events like the Million Fathers March, and so much more. 

Tell me about your work with United Way.

Anita: I have been a Schools of Hope volunteer for the past six years—two at SC Johnson, two at North Park, and I’m in my second year at Julian Thomas. I have volunteered for the VITA program for three years, and I also served on the financial stability investment committee for three years.

Keith: This is my third year as a Schools of Hope volunteer, and I was a tax preparer for VITA for two years. I have done the days of service, and I am a new member of the board of directors.

Can you tell me about a moment that opened your eyes to the impact you have as a volunteer?

Anita: From the first time I sat down with a child and they could read something they could not read before, I was hooked. I practice law, and I’ve always loved to read. My ability to read has been the number one factor in my ability to reach my goals. I want the doors of opportunity to be open for each and every child, and Schools of Hope allows me the opportunity to make an impact in that area.

Keith: I agree with Anita; working with a child and seeing their eyes light up when they can decode a new word or finish a book is so impacting. Working to beautify the Women’s Resource Center during a day of service made me grateful for the opportunity to help people who are experiencing struggles.

Why is it important to you to give back to the Racine County community in these ways?

Racine is where we live and work. It’s where we have chosen to raise our children, and we want every family to have the same quality of life that we enjoy. We have a vested interest in helping to create a healthy, safe, thriving place, not only for our family but for everyone—the type of community where our children will want to return and raise their children.