Rescue Outreach Mission could not help as many people as it does without its volunteers.

Nearly every day, somebody from the community spends time working in our kitchen, fixing our building, pulling weeds, and interacting with our guests.

The reasons why people volunteer are varied, but at the end of the day, each talks about how rewarding it is to help our neighbors when they need us most.

There are many ways that you can help through volunteering at the shelter. For instance, the Craft family recently took it as an opportunity for them to become closer while helping others, while performing the necessary community service hours for confirmation.

Tina:

How did you learn about Rescue Outreach Mission? I am a part of Leadership Seminole and work with Chris Ham out in the community.

Why is it important to you to serve as a family? We believe that philanthropy is taught and want to serve as a family to encourage our children to always serve during their youth and adulthood, and support the community.

What has surprised you most about your experience here? As parents, we are very surprised that Blake and Ryan are enjoying the service work and leave feeling positive and accomplished each week.

What would you say to other families who are thinking about volunteering? The act of service as a family is rewarding, and ROM is very accommodating with our service schedule. Our family leaves knowing that we have made an impact and can make a difference for our neighbors in need.

If you had to sum up your experience in one sentence, what would you say?  Serving at ROM is a humbling experience that strengthens our hearts, our family, and our purpose. There’s profound joy in giving back—each moment reminds us how much we have, and how much we can share. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, grow, and make a difference together.

Blake:

What made you want to volunteer at the shelter? I am making my confirmation and am required to serve 25 hours of community service.

What is your favorite part about serving here? I enjoy meeting the guests and learning about their jobs.

Has volunteering changed how you see people experiencing homelessness? If so, how? Yes, I have learned that sometimes life brings challenges and that helping others to normalize is a gift we can give.

What have you learned about yourself through serving? I enjoy the community service, and I wasn’t quite sure whether I would enjoy community service.

In one sentence, how would you describe what this experience means to you? I am very happy that we decided to work at ROM – I want to do all our high school community service here.  

Ryan:

If you could describe volunteering here in one sentence, what would you say? I told my parents that I want to keep serving on Mondays even when we have completed our Confirmation hours.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I love sharing my hard work to make a difference for the guests who live at ROM.

What has been a moment that stuck with you? I enjoy working in the kitchen and serving dinner.

Do you have a funny or interesting experience to share? I have learned that I love scrubbing big pots and working in the kitchen. In this winter’s cold weather, we volunteered three times to help the ROM team.

How does serving here make you feel? I feel so accomplished every week when we leave knowing that I am making a difference.

Why do you think it’s important for teenagers to get involved in their community? I watch my mom work out in our community to give back and we work with her for Fill the Trucks … but at ROM, we are totally hands on and understand how we can all share time and talent to help others.  

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