Relationship Changes Everything

Dear PARC Family,

From time to time some of the people that were members at the PARC from a few years ago stop by just to say. 'Hi'. Some of them drive to the PARC in their very own car. Some are still homeless and on the street. It is ALWAYS good to see them. One consistent factor is that eventually the conversation always gets around to, "Hey, is Nan still here? Or Samme? Or Shari?" These 3 volunteers have been with the PARC since the beginning, so they have seen and gotten to know a lot of members. What is important is that the members remember. They remember and are drawn back to these relationships.

We always talk about how important our volunteers are, and how it is through relationship that those who are homeless are changed. Nan, Samme and Shari don't teach classes or come in with an idea of how important it is for them to have the answer or say the right thing. No, they just come in every week, on the same day, greet the ones they know, introduce themselves to the ones they haven't met, and then sit down and join the conversation. Sometimes they begin to get to know someone. Other times they follow up and hear how things have gone since the last conversation. The point is that they call them by name, sit with them and have the conversation. Through these relationships our members feel valued, important and acknowledged. It changes everything.

We have many volunteers that come on a weekly basis and have formed strong and lasting relationships. I used these 3 as examples because of the length of time they have been here. Sometimes past members ask for volunteers that have left, and sometimes they ask about ones that are still here. They just came on the 'wrong' day; the day that volunteer isn't working. Those who volunteer at the PARC come in all shapes, sizes and ages, but every single one is making an impact. They are changing lives by being friendly, kind and accepting. It may sound simple, but it's powerful! It works!! It really works! Lives are being changed every day at the PARC. If you aren't already a part, please join us. You can call the PARC at 806-367-8024, reply to this email or just drop by. I hope that you come. I promise you that you will have an impact and you will BE impacted. In my opinion the PARC is the greatest place on earth. I hope you join us.