Family Promise would not work without the amazing network of volunteers that support this ministry. I find myself often telling people that volunteers are the heartbeat of the organization, but only recently gave this saying much thought.
I can clearly picture the numerous caring volunteers I have had had the privilege of meeting, but perhaps more importantly this comment brings to mind the impression that volunteers have on Family Promise guests.
You don’t always get to see this part, but Dana, Kendra, and I do. With each kind word, grace-filled act, caring presence, and overwhelming hospitality you are pumping the life blood of the organization forward. I’ve heard teenagers calling middle age volunteers their “home-girls”, young mom’s talk about how thankful they are that a volunteer is willing to help watch their child, kids referring to the volunteers they met by name as though they are old friends. You might not know that this happens. You might only get to see tired families stressed out by a hot summer, or teens struggling to get up in the morning. You might think that the one night every few months that you spend with them is inconsequential. You are wrong. Each volunteer helps a different area of this program radiate with love and life, and I hope that you will get a glimpse of that the next time you are with Family Promise guests.