Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Month! We begin April by celebrating and highlighting a few of our MANY wonderful volunteers.
We are so grateful for each and every one of our volunteers who have dedicated their time and service to Fort Collins Rescue Mission and Harvest Farm.
Without our volunteers, the services we offer would be far more difficult to operate. Impact happens when we unite together to provide hope for countless individuals in our community.
Tina
Foot Care Volunteer, Fort Collins Rescue Mission
Tina has been volunteering at the Mission for 10 years. After her kids graduated high school, she felt called to serve and as a nurse, foot care was a way to get involved.
Why is foot care important for individuals experiencing homelessness?
“So many of us do not take good care of our feet, and the homeless are on their feet so much of the time that it was something I felt was really beneficial.”
What do you appreciate most about volunteering with our guests at the Mission?
“It was a great way for me to learn their stories, and just to be blessed by the time I was able to spend with a different population and to feel like I could help them in some way.
So often we forget that we are called to serve in any way and this is truly a humbling experience but also a very valuable blessing that we get to serve people in this way.”
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“I would truly encourage anybody who is even considering volunteering to come and see. Some of these people are funny, they are happy. Some of them are hurting and just need someone to listen to them or help them in some way. It is a very valuable experience and way you can serve others and be blessed in the process.“
Scott
Kitchen Volunteer, Fort Collins Rescue Mission & Harvest Farm
After encountering many people experiencing homelessness while working as a physician, Scott felt called to make a difference after he retired and began volunteering at the Mission.
What has stood out to you about Harvest Farm?
“I can’t say that I’ve seen very many programs across the United States that offer the individuals the chance to recover and start a new life again, totally free. It’s amazing.”
What keeps you coming back to volunteer?
“The gratitude of the individuals we serve.
It’s really interesting when the guys come through the lines and we’re serving food, the number of ‘thank you’s’ and ‘thank you for being here’ and ‘thank you for serving.'”
What are your thoughts on the new homeless resolution center?
“From the moment that I heard about the new shelter, I was really excited that this is coming to fruition, and that it’s broken ground and we’re going to be able to work at a new facility, serving more people—exciting!”
John
Career Development Volunteer, Harvest Farm
When going through the retirement process John felt called to help others. John began teaching a class on career development to help those in the program prepare for and maintain jobs.
What made you start volunteering at Harvest Farm?
“I thought, ‘well you know what? I need to do something to serve the Lord.’ I asked Jesus and God to give me some guidance on that. And in one of only a couple of times in my life have I actually heard the Hold Spirit or the Lord’s respond, it was ‘help the poor.’ I found Harvest Farm and I was really excited about it because one of my careers was as a farmer.”
What has stood out to you about Harvest Farm?
“Harvest Farm does a wonderful job with these men. I see their confidence and the inspiration they feel. And to me they’re really, really good candidates for jobs.
What has been a highlight of your volunteer experience?
“A of couple classes ago, I had a group that was so pleased with the material I was presenting and how I was presenting it that they gave me an ovation at the end of my first class and then they kept doing that. And for me, that was just really, really wonderful.”
Volunteer and Change Lives
Volunteers help make this life-changing work possible. Sign up and be a light in our community!
