Harbor House volunteer shares why she gives her time

Although Harbor House shelters those who are experiencing some of the darker moments of their lives, love and warmth abound within the walls of the shelter. Some of Jane’s memories from volunteering include hearing laughter through a door as a staff member is in a meeting with a survivor, and seeing sticky ice cream smiles on children’s faces on hot August afternoons.

Stories of clients’ journeys of perseverance to prosperity are many, and Jane reflects on a memory of one particular client with whom she made a connection.

“I helped a woman complete her paperwork upon entry. She was beautiful, but with the haunted, sad and dazed look that is familiar with domestic violence,” Jane recalls. “She was quiet, which was surprising because she had six children with her, and they were a lively bunch!”

Jane says that her connection with the woman made her quietly check on her each time she volunteered, and that it always made her day to see the woman following through with her goals.

When the woman was able to leave Harbor House, Jane’s church helped deliver furniture and household goods to her. Jane says that it was “gratifying” to see the process from beginning to end – to see the client make a new start and to finally see some smiles on her face.

“There were seven lives positively affected by Catholic Charities Harbor House that day!” Jane says. “This is what keeps you coming back. You have the chance to be part of Catholic Charities’ commitment to building strong families. I can’t think of anything more important.”