Food program helps volunteer build confidence in her abilities

“Nellie’s has always been my cheering section”

When Jolene first came to Nellie’s Shelter over 15 years ago, she was quiet and reserved. She had tagged along to a program with a friend and almost immediately felt a connection with the women there.

At first she just watched and enjoyed the company but it wasn’t long before she began rolling up her sleeves to get involved. She started small by helping with program or meal setup and clean up. Challenges in her life and with her health had always made it difficult to hold a job, but by volunteering at Nellie’s she felt good about putting her abilities to use while also helping others.

“Nellie’s is like home to me and it feels really great to be a volunteer here. My organizational skills really shine when I’m helping here and it feels good to know that I’m using them to help others,” says Jolene.

Helping out turned into a more official role and Jolene began volunteering regularly in the running and logistics of Nellie’s food program. Every Tuesday morning, she and other volunteers, sorts and packs fresh and non-perishable food into bags for the Supper Surprise program. Then, she gives those bags to the approximately 80 families who visit the food program. The need for this program has been increasing every year while donations are not always able to keep pace, meaning that many families in our community must sit on a long waiting list.

“I know I’m making a difference. I hand each woman a bag and I see her smile. It makes me feel good knowing that I helped and that each one of those women has at least one good meal to eat that week.”

Volunteering at the food program has helped build Jolene’s confidence in herself and in her abilities. So much so that about two years ago, she got a job at St. John’s Compassionate Mission as a host and hospitality member where she greets their community members as they arrive for a warm meal or other programs.

“The skills I learned helping the women here at Nellie’s gave me the confidence to help the community members at St. John’s,” says Jolene, adding that even though she’s working now, she still continues to volunteer for Nellie’s food program every Tuesday. “The people at Nellie’s have always been my cheering section; they have encouraged me forward and are excited to see me succeed.

“Nellie’s is like my family and it’s the place where I know I can always be myself.”