May Volunteer of the Month
This month, our volunteer of the month opted for a slightly more anonymous approach, which yielded us a written story instead of a video. Willi, previously a special education teacher, is a volunteer tutor in the education department at The Mustard Seed. She enjoys her time volunteering, and appreciates that she can tell she is "tangibly making a difference in people's lives." Although wishing she could be here "every day," Willi has committed two mornings per week to the program over the last 2 years. "Mostly, I see a small group of regular guests who make appointments so I can help them with reading and writing. But I am also a bit of a mom to them sometimes," she says.
Since December of 2008, when she first got involved with The Mustard Seed, Willi's volunteer service evolved as she became more comfortable with the students, and they in-turn became more comfortable with her. Over time, the students opened up to Willi expressing both educational and personal needs. "I do a lot of counseling here," she adds.
Willi fondly recalls a story of a guest who was having extreme difficulty writing their GED (General Equivalency Diploma) because of his apprehension with a certain subject. She worked tirelessly with the guest, pushing him to stretch his boundaries and tackle the subject head-on. When he next wrote the GED, he received his highest mark so far. While distant to begin with, he learnt to trust, and can now take that into other areas of life such as building better relationships with his family.
Willi sees the frustrations the homeless population faces when trying to find housing and employment. She recognizes how difficult it is for guests to free themselves from the cycle, and is grateful to be a part of the solution with The Mustard Seed.
The Mustard Seed in-turn is very grateful for all the time and effort Willi has put in with the guests. We are extremely thankful for and appreciate the difference that she is making in the education department and the lives of our guests! Thanks, Willi!
