Outreach workers

Outreach workers
Outreach worker Ward smiles as he considers the evening before him. “Yeah, going down to the park. We’ll hang out for awhile and give out food. Talk to folks.” He clearly loves the work, which is more about hanging out with friends than punching a clock.

He and his team of volunteers have been doing this for more than two years now, feeding and befriending the homeless, the drug users, the most disenfranchised. “At first the police wanted to move us along, now they wave and come back later.”

He speaks of one park user in particular. “He scared people. Everyone said he was a waste of our time, that he’d never change. After about a year of hanging out this same guy came to me and said that ‘tomorrow’ he was going to quit doing drugs. I said ‘no way man, it’ll be right now, tonight!’ And it was, and he’s been straight ever since!”

When people ask him what his secret is to changing lives he shrugs and smiles. “Share a cup of coffee and a few laughs. Hang out with people and be their friend. Be real. That’s the big ‘secret’!” I’m honest with them, and I like being there.

Ward himself is, at first glance, a potentially scary Presence, but minutes in his company reveals his passion to help people, his genuinely friendly and caring manner.

What can you do to make a difference in the life of someone that is among the disenfranchised? Support folks like Ward, by joining them, or by contributing financially to the cost of the food that he gives out nightly. Offer to volunteer doing something that you love to do. Take action.
You’ll love it!