Volunteer Spotlight: Marian College Students

Outreach recently had a small group of students serve with us from Marian College. Here are the reflections of one of the students, Annie Klare.

How would you describe Outreach to someone new?  

We would describe Outreach to some new as an amazing community that accepts and loves you as you are. Provides meals, clothing and so much more to the youth in their community experiencing poverty.   

What is a memorable moment from your serve day with us?

One of our most memorable moments was preparing and serving the food to all the youth, it was a great way for us to feel like we were doing something meaningful and seeing how grateful each person was for the food they were receiving. We also both really enjoyed sitting down and talking to them and hearing their stories. It made it so much more real for us sitting face-to-face with someone our age experiencing poverty and knowing they are just like us. 

What is something you learned while volunteering with us?

We learned that everyone has their own unique story and is worth being heard. That service is service no matter how small. In the short amount of that we were there, we felt so welcomed and a greater need to serve our community. 

What values and/or lessons would you pass along to someone?

A lesson that we would pass along to someone is that listening is so important. Take moments out of your day to talk and get to know someone that you don't know. Everyone is going through their own things and could always use a listening ear. 

What surprised you the most about volunteering with us?

We had never been to Outreach before so we were not sure what to expect but we loved how amazing the whole staff was and welcoming everyone was. It felt like one big family that gets together and supports one another no matter what. Definitely a family we want to be apart of and help make a difference in our community. 

Any additional thoughts from your day? 

We loved everything about working at Outreach from preparing meals, serving them, playing games with the youth and listening to their stories. Our hearts are grateful to know that there are amazing people out there helping the homeless youth in all the ways you do. We hope to be back soon!