Don & Henrietta Gilmore
Don and Henrietta have been volunteering at Fort Collins Rescue Mission for about a year, and Don recently became a mentor through the New Life Program at Harvest Farm.
Why is it important to help those in need during the holidays?
My heart always goes out to them. Especially around the holidays, the feeling of loneliness can be heightened. There’s such a need for this help, and around the holidays, they should be able to enjoy them just like anybody else. The least we could do is feed them and provide shelter.
What encourages you to keep serving meals at the Mission?
It has been very rewarding from a personal standpoint for both of us. The guys always thank us for the meal. It’s a very warm environment and a safe place for them. It’s like reaching down and grabbing that hand that’s reaching up asking for help. What’s also inspiring are the chefs and their stories. They all worked in commercial kitchens, and this was something they felt was much more worthwhile.
What has your experience been like as a mentor?
It’s very positive. My mentee is fully committed, and we’ve had several discussions. I’m not a family member to him, I’m not part of the staff and he has a good case worker, so I’m just there to prod him to think about certain things. When a participant graduates, they’re sober, they have employment, they have housing, they have community, they get a car. They have a foundation to move forward with their life. It’s just a very, very impressive program.
This post is part of December’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing the meaning of a meal at the Mission in: A Plate of Purpose.
