{"id":998,"date":"2021-04-27T13:32:27","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T13:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/?p=998"},"modified":"2026-01-08T17:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:53:14","slug":"global-volunteer-month-celebrating-our-amazing-volunteers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/2021\/04\/global-volunteer-month-celebrating-our-amazing-volunteers\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Volunteer Month: Celebrating our amazing volunteers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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April is #GlobalVolunteerMonth, and we are giving thanks for our volunteers\u2019 impact and the incredible power of service.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every year, The Bowery Mission mobilizes thousands of volunteers who support every aspect of our services for neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger and other crises. Volunteers play an especially vital role in our Compassionate Care program, which daily provides nutritious meals and meets other critical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the pandemic and its unique challenges for the community we serve, our Volunteer Services team has continuously and creatively developed new, safe strategies for volunteering. When this is added to the passion and dedication of our volunteers, the impact exponentially grows. Thanks to friends like you, people in need can always receive care and hope. Continue reading to see the amazing power of our volunteers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of our volunteers, The Bowery Mission is able to meet critical needs: meals, vocational services, mentoring and more.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Volunteer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"Volunteers<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Mentor\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"Group\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In a typical year, volunteers come <\/strong>from all 50 states<\/strong> \u2014 we can\u2019t wait to have everyone join us again!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Bible,<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Our volunteers have a wide range of skills<\/strong> (including healthcare, arts\/design, finance and more). They share their expertise so guests and clients can receive holistic care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Calendar\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every month, our volunteers serve more than 1,000 shifts<\/strong> to support various programs for neighbors in need!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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To our volunteers who have served during COVID-19: thank you for your sacrificial support!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You showed up, again and again. <\/strong>Packing to-go meals, unloading and sorting goods, wiping down tables and so much more \u2014 you, our faithful volunteers, stepped up to make sure our guests could receive nourishing meals safely. So that progress could continue uninterrupted during the pandemic, you served remotely, helping men, women and children in our programs make progress in their personal goals. You took great care with your tasks, no matter how big or small, working diligently to get the job done \u2014 but, most importantly, to share God\u2019s love with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You treated everyone with dignity, extending kindness. <\/strong>Friends like you welcomed guests and clients with a smile, creating an atmosphere that was positive and uplifting. You helped everyone feel like they belonged by fostering connections and learning people\u2019s names. While listening to stories and sharing your own, you grew in your understanding of homelessness and in compassion for our neighbors in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’re doing more than just a task. You are caring for our community. <\/strong>Faithful volunteers like you collaborated with us, made new friends and encouraged your own networks to join in and get involved. Your prayers with us and for us lifted spirits and reminded us that we\u2019re in this together. And even during these challenging times, you helped us laugh and made things fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of your contributions since the start of the pandemic:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\"hand\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Over 2,000<\/strong> unique volunteers served with The Bowery Mission to provide critical care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"hand\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

161 <\/strong>children and youth were served through online mentoring and\/or classes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Meals\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Volunteers prepared and served over 329,000<\/strong> meals to nourish hungry neighbors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"hand\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Over 1,050<\/strong> sessions hosted in-person and virtually for adults and children \u2014 including vocational, mentorship and tutoring \u2014 with volunteer support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Volunteer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Perspectives on volunteering<\/strong> with<\/strong> #FriendsOfTheMission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every year, we are thankful for friends of The Bowery Mission who come alongside us, filling in gaps with their hands and hearts to care for our community in need. And in this past year, volunteers have demonstrated great collaboration and teamwork as we pivoted and adjusted together. Keep reading to learn about the experience and life-giving impact of volunteering, especially during the pandemic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Beckie Barker (@uppereastside_design)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>