Day 10: Dedication and Determination

On Day 10 of National Volunteering Month we discover the dedication of our volunteers and their determination to continue looking after our guests even when obstacles appear in their path. Here Jessie Brierley recounts a story illustrating this commitment.

It was early on a Wednesday morning when I received a call from Mary about her mother, Teresa, one of our long-time volunteers in the Dining Room. Mary usually drives Teresa to
her volunteer shifts, but couldn’t that day. She explained that her mother, who is in her 80s, values her weekly volunteer shift so much that she refuses to miss it, even if her ride isn’t available. “My mom feels a strong obligation to the people she serves at St. Anthony’s,” Mary explained. “She loves serving the guests in the Dining Room because she knows that they need her, and being there to serve them is a big part of what keeps her going.” I couldn’t help but think how right Teresa is. The service provided to our guests, the way that makes our volunteers feel, all embodies the power of human connection; the heart of what St. Anthony’s is all about.

When Mary called to tell her mother that
 she would have to miss her shift, Teresa
was adamant that she would find a way to get to St. Anthony’s, even if it meant taking public transit. “My mom is too frail to take Muni by herself, and if I don’t find her a
ride, she will try to take a bus despite what I say.” Mary was calling with the hope that she would find another volunteer that lives in the same neighborhood as Teresa, who could accompany her home. “I know this is a lot to ask, but could you help me find Josephine? She volunteers with my mom and lives nearby. I will pay for an Uber to pick them up once their shift ends.”

I was touched by Mary’s concern and dedication to her mother’s wishes. I could tell how much it meant to both of them for Teresa to be at her volunteer shift. Josephine was more than willing to help. “I know Teresa wouldn’t miss a shift for anything,” she told me. Later that day Mary called me to let me know both Teresa and Josephine had made it home safely. She thanked me for taking the time to help and told me how impressed she was with St. Anthony’s staff for being so dedicated to their volunteers.

This experience was a reminder that
 St. Anthony’s is more than an organization. It’s a family. The guests, volunteers, donors, and staff are all vital in making sure the table gets set. As we work together, love and support are not only given, they are also received. I am blessed to be a part of it.

If you’d like to know more about volunteering at St. Anthony’s visit take a look at our webpage for more information.