Joppa Celebrates National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. During National Volunteer Week, we want to thank all our Joppa volunteers.

 Quotes from Joppa volunteers:

“Jesus tells us, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.’ I always try to remember that just because they have the least, does not make them the least of us.”
–Joe Henkels, Joppa volunteer

“Giving back to our local homeless community puts so many things into perspective. I’ve learned to appreciate what I do have, not what I don’t have.  Befriending those who are less fortunate by helping them see light in a dark world warms my heart and inspires me to continue to educate those around me who don’t understand homelessness.”
–Laurie Haeder, Joppa volunteer

“Volunteering with Joppa has shown me how much the homeless need love and understanding; something we all want. Sharing a smile and kind words while offering help and support allows me to show others God’s love and the opportunity to engage, listen and gain a new perspective. It’s a great reminder to be thankful and continue to reach out to others.”
–Lorie Williamson, Joppa volunteer

“Recently I read the unbelievable statistic that the average life expectancy of a person experiencing homelessness is 47 years old. How is this possible while living in the U.S.? For me, volunteering with Joppa means bridging the gap between medical facilities and those who are homeless. By extending the continuity of care with health care outreach, we can ensure everyone in our community is receiving preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and acute care assessments.”
–Colleen Martin-Herrin, Joppa volunteer

“For me, Matthew 25:34-40 sums it up the best. “Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
–Rich Schulte, Joppa volunteer

“It means doing what I was wired up to do. Always lending a helping hand anyway I can.”
–Kurt Rutledge, Joppa volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering with Joppa, please email vounteer@joppa.org.