Welcome and thanks for visiting! While we love to share our volunteer opportunities, we also thought you might like to hear from some of these extraordinary leaders. Might be about their experience, or perhaps just a little missive. We do kind of see this as confessions from our volunteers. If after reading, you're inspired to volunteer, contact us now!
I arrived in Charlotte in 1999. After finding my way around a new town, getting the kids settled in their schools, and finding a new church, I knew it was time to get involved in the community as I had in my previous city. An appeal in the St. Gabriel Catholic Church weekly bulletin was seeking new members for the St. Vincent de Paul Group ministry. “That's it”, I thought! The St. Vincent de Paul Group assists with providing basic needs to those in need on a one on one basis. Community Link with its program of putting families in their own homes was looking for groups to provide "Welcome Baskets". That began my 10 year association with this wonderful community outreach project. With funds provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Group ministry, every month I purchase and deliver dishes, utensils, glassware and pots & pans to greet the families as they begin their lives in a safe and stable housing situation. It is a privilege to help with essential needs that many people take for granted. Dee Dee Leeolou Welcome Crew Volunteer Circle of Giving Back and Paying Forward
Throughout the year, I squeeze in time to volunteer with Community Link’s VITA program to prepare taxes, to deliver freshly gleaned vegetables with Society of St. Andrews, and sometimes just to visit community members who need a friendly ear to listen. While it is very rewarding to help others, I am even more thrilled to have the chance to give back and pay forward for the generosity of the many volunteers who helped me to become who I am today. I can still remember the volunteer vividly, with her kind eyes and gentle smile, greeting us at the door. She was there to take us to our many appointments. As newly arrived refugees from Vietnam, our family had only been living in the States for a few months. We would need considerable time and support in order to navigate and assimilate to life in this new unfamiliar world. The seemingly never quiet drives to the doctor, church, or to the grocery store gave way to two very different cultures getting to know each other. New words were pronounced clearly and slowly carrying with it a sentiment of excitement so I could better grasp at the strange and wonderful things happening all around me. I was amazed at the abundance of love and care that they provided our family with while ensuring we had more than just the basic necessities. Volunteers were patient, empathetic, and benevolent in their encouragement and support while our family learned, grow, and thrive. At school, teachers stayed after to tutor me; at home, neighbors were there to answer our questions; and in between, volunteers were extending their kindness.
Innocently, I thought that every one had a stable life and loving people there to take care and protect them. As an adult, I am ever aware that that is not so. Linh Quach, Motivated by Linh? Find out more on our volunteer experiences.
Like most people, I grew up believing that if you work hard, you will be successful. With success come nice things like a house or apartment, right? It worked for me after graduating college. But eventually, I began to realize that many employed people in my community struggle to find safe, decent and affordable housing for their families. That’s when I decided to get involved.
I was introduced to Community Link and learned more about their helping folks from homelessness to housing. Promptly, I became a CLC Leader - just a fancy name for being on their volunteer marketing committee. It’s been an incredible experience! I’ve had the chance to meet some of the inspirational individuals who have gone through Community Link’s homeless to housing and homeownership programs. Their moving stories clearly illustrated how invested Community Link is in the success of each customer. Sara Harton Bank of America Volunteer since 2008 Want to join Sara? Find out more on our volunteer experiences. |
