Harford Family House Volunteers are our STARS MONTHLY VOLUNTEER “SPOTLIGHT”
1. Briefly tell us how you came to be involved at HFH.
I first learned about Harford Family House through a local church. At the time, we were developing a service-learning program at our school, and I reached out to explore opportunities for our students to serve. In building on our core values of empathy, community, and growth, I wanted to create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with and learn from members of our broader community. Partnering with HFH made that vision a reality.
2. In what ways have you been engaged?
I established and continue to foster a working relationship between Harford Day School, Harford Family House, and Welcome One Shelter. I organized opportunities for students to clean and prepare apartments for prospective residents, scheduled dates for students to prepare meals, and coordinated for faculty and staff to serve those meals at Welcome One Shelter. Our students have also assembled snack and toiletry bags for residents. Additionally, I organized a Holiday Gift-Giving initiative that invited our faculty and staff to support HFH and Welcome One Shelter during the holiday season. While I’ve led and coordinated these efforts, they were truly made possible by the hard work of faculty members and the administration as well as the generosity and support of our entire school community.
3. Where do you feel you have made the most impact?
I believe the most meaningful impact comes from helping provide for people’s basic needs. When individuals and families have access to food, shelter, and essential resources, they are better able to focus on other important aspects of their lives and work toward their stability.
4. Can you share a favorite moment/event/experience?
There have been many meaningful moments, but one of my favorites is seeing the difference we make for the individuals and families who receive the food and goods we provide. Whether serving a meal or delivering needed items, it brings such joy to see their faces light up. Their gratitude is truly contagious, and those moments not only affirm the importance of the work but also inspire me to do more and strive to make an even greater impact.
5. What is one takeaway from your experiences?
One important takeaway is that we are all connected — what impacts one of us affects us all. What may seem like a small act of kindness can have a profound impact and even change the trajectory of someone’s life. The gratitude of those we serve encourages us to continue giving and serving. When we share what we have, even if it feels small, it can make a tremendous difference. If everyone contributes what they are able, then everyone can have what they need.
6. Why is the mission of Harford Family House important to you?
Harford Family House’s mission to end homelessness by providing housing, support, and resources to help individuals and families regain stability deeply resonates with me. I believe that food and shelter are two of the most basic human rights and are absolutely essential for survival and the ability to thrive.
This experience has also taught me never to take what I have for granted and to remain grateful for every blessing I receive.
I’m grateful to the dedicated staff at Harford Family House and Emergency Shelter for partnering with our school and me. Their collaboration has provided our students with a meaningful, eye-opening experience that deepens their understanding of food insecurity and homelessness in our community. Together, we are helping reinforce the core values that prepare our students to become compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens.