WPIG volunteered Sunday afternoon at Mary's Place, which was an all-around success! Here's what two WPIG members had to say about this experience:
"It was a pretty powerful afternoon hearing from 3 women who LOVE Mary’s Place and all that it has to offer them in their life of transition." -Katie Patchin
"The facility is closed on Sundays, but they did have a few women that came in to help us… they shared their stories with us, which was really nice and for me, really reinforced why I am in WPIG and why we all were there. It was a great day!" -Alisha Eastman
WPIG split into three groups for the afternoon:
Group 1 sorted through and organized Bon Mary’s. This is a shopping area where the women can buy things such as shampoo, conditioner, make-up, plates, etc. When the women do chores at the facility, they earn points which they can use to buy items at Bon Mary's one day a week. Group 1 worked with a 26 year old who has used Mary’s Place since last August. Even though she is now in subsidized housing through the YWCA she still finds Mary's Place a wonderful resource for meals and emotional support.
Group 2 built lockers for the women who work in the kitchen to put their belongings while they prepare the food). I think they were accompanied by a woman who is 55 and homeless. She told WPIG how she loves Mary’s place for the fellowship and sisterhood. She usually hates Sundays because Mary’s Place is closed!
Group 3 sterilized toys in the family room, which provides a space for women and their children. It is meant to be a space where the women can call to make appointments for housing/jobs etc. and their kids can play.
In addition, WPIG donated hygiene products, socks, and coffee. Special thanks to Starbucks, who helped us in the donation of coffee!
Question of the day: What is the best volunteer experience you've had and what made it special? Can't wait to hear from you!
My favorite was the Ryther Halloween night!
ReplyDeleteGetting to be with the kids, do a craft, and hang out with such a great group of women is what made it special!
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ReplyDeleteI think I still have my pumpkin somewhere!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed volunteering at Mary's Place. Taking a couple of hours in our busy week was well worth making a difference in our community. It really made me appreciate having a home to go to every night, a warm bed, and food on a hot plate! I was amazed to learn that there was a newborn baby (only 1 week old!) that stayed there too! It was great to see that the women who come in here really treat each other like family.
Side-note: if any of you have extra canned food/or regular food, toiletries, clothes, toys, housewares, etc. please donate to Mary's Place. They'll be sure to put your donations to good use!
I volunteered at Special Olympics in Madrid. I swam with Marta once a week. Even though I'd never taught swim lessons before, and my spanish was rough, it was an amazing experience. We both had a blast, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience.
ReplyDeleteIn high school I worked at a summer camp that relieved families and care givers of adults with special needs. Our campers were amazing but my camper Sam was the best!!!
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