This was a fun and truly significant day of learning for our Neighbors in Need family.
Eight of our "every Saturday" volunteers were away and doing the fun stuff that we should all be doing during the summer. The rest of us stepped into new roles and performed like experts. It was a great morning.
TWO LESSONS LEARNED:
NiN veteran volunteers should take a break. We got it covered! We will love our Neighbors for you, but they will notice your absence and ask if you are OK. All are welcome.
If you can volunteer once a month or once a quarter, there is meaningful work for you to do. If you just want to stop by for a great cup of coffee, we have pastries to go with that coffee. To repeat: All are welcome.
Burritos prepared by apprentice chefs were declared to be as delicious as always. Thank you, Chris, for helping us to look good.
Our pantry served 74 Neighbors, 2 families, and 2 dogs. The pantry team noted that we had at least 100 Neighbors in the room this morning. While all did not need groceries, they did enjoy our hospitality.
Thank you to Advocates Recovery Services for a lot of work this morning! They stepped into vacant spots to brew coffee, serve burritos, and especially to listen to our Neighbors. You are essential members of our team, for your generous donations and especially for your care for our Neighbors on Saturdays and every day.
It was so good to see St. Hilda St. Patrick Episcopal Church members this morning. 🙂 They "dropped off" 10 huge bags of donated clothing, then stayed for the rest of the morning to help our very busy clothing team. We are grateful for your help and thank you to your membership for your generosity.
Mercy Watch had 4 medical professionals on site this morning and all were busy the entire time. They clean and bandage wounds, assess symptoms, listen to concerns, and assertively advise. When our Neighbors are told by a Mercy Watch Pro that they need to see a doctor and/or begin specific self-care, they obey.
There are many thank you messages in this report, but there are never enough. Think of the many whom each of us bless by giving our time, our efforts, and our prayers, both for our Neighbors and for each other.
I send gratitude to everyone from our Neighbors.
JoanFor NiN leadership
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