Compassion is Key

My mentor arranged for me the opportunity to volunteer at the Burke Women and Children's Shelter so I could see firsthand what it takes to keep the shelter running as well as see what is being done to help the women and children that come to this emergency shelter in need. Upon arrival I met an amazing woman, Natalie, who is the house manager of the shelter. After interviewing and volunteering with Natalie I have realized that being a house manager takes a very compassionate person who knows the impact they can potentially have on each individual or family who comes through the door and Natalie is just the person who is capable of having a great impact. Her story is one that I'm sure is encouraging to those that come through the shelter because it reveals that she has been in their shoes. After working and not being able to afford transportation to and from work along with the other costs of living she too had to seek  help. But she encourages others by saying "that was a hard time but I got through it and they can too" and continued with "I tell them that this is a speed bump and you just  need to have faith". Not only does Natalie keep the shelter running but she also provides the women and children that come through the door with resources to help them get out of their current situation. I learned a lot from Natalie after volunteering here, check out my next blog post to read more about my experiences at the Women and Children's Shelter.

 

Natalie and I discussing her role and story