Why We Volunteer at Safe Haven
Tomeka Bogan
Volunteering at Safe Haven Family Shelter is a great opportunity to so families at the shelter that there are people who care. When you don’t have the money to donate, you can donate your time instead. I started out volunteering through the Maximus/TN Works program. Once the program ended, I continued to volunteer because it gave me a worthwhile feeling. I volunteer my time through the administrative assistant position, as a meal volunteer and on occasion, as an overnight volunteer. My favorite part about volunteering is interacting with the families and staff. The staff is the most caring, down to earth, generous and heartwarming group of people I’ve ever met. Their doors are always open, and they offer compassion and a listening ear for the families. I have met a lot of individuals with interesting, and sometimes saddening stories. It is a wonderful experience to watch that sadness turn into hope once they realize what SHFS has to offer them. Each day I come, there are always smiling and welcoming faces, and a look of pure gratefulness to see me—I love that look. SHFS plays a vital role in the community because it’s one of a kind. Helping individuals get back on their feet is crucial and with a success rate of 84%, it shows that SHFS is impacting lives! I enjoy being a SHFS volunteer. Anything the families and staff need, I’m there for them. It feels nice to be needed.
Would you like to volunteer? Click here for more information or contact Stefanie Tinnell at stinnell@safehaven.org.
Why We Volunteer at Safe Haven
Greg and Vicki Gann
Vicki and I have been married for 27 years. We have three sons, Andy, Jimmy and Sawyer, and recently became grandparents to a beautiful baby boy, Damien. The reason we volunteer at Safe Haven Family Shelter is because it’s unlike any other organization; the whole family receives help. The unique strategy of SHFS is a proven success. There was a time in my life, if it had not been for the safety net of my family, I would have become homeless myself. I want to be a part of that net for the families at SHFS.
I work for HCA and they encourage all employees to become involved in community service. I met Stefanie at an agency fair and the rest is history. After a couple of years, I invited my wife to join and we have been staying overnight as a couple ever since. There is one night that specifically stands out in my mind about being an overnight volunteer. One of the families had moved into a transitional home and returned to the shelter so the parents could attend the financial literacy class. One of the boys saw me and ran up to give a “Grandpa” hug. I guess I got a little choked up. Ever since then, the children (and some staff) call me “Grandpa.” We also enjoy volunteering at SHFS because we have the opportunity to meet the volunteers who bring the dinners (which are always delicious), play games and help the children with their homework.
Want to volunteer? Contact Stefanie Tinnell at stinnell@safehaven.org.
