Making A Difference

For former nurse Judy, retiring didn’t mean giving up a life of caring for people. It meant finding a new way to help others.

“When I decided to retire from nursing, I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to do because I didn’t want to sit at home,” Judy remembers.

Now a volunteer for two and a half years, Judy spends two days a week in the kitchen at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County serving residents and guests.

“ I remember as a little girl, our church went to Union Gospel Mission. I don’t remember much about it. I don’t even remember how old I was. But from that point on, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Union Gospel Mission.”

After she retired, friends told Judy about different agencies accepting volunteers but because of her unfading memory, she ultimately decided to dedicate her time to neighbors in need at UGM-TC.

“Union Gospel Mission is where I’m supposed to be. I truly think God called me to this,” Judy said.

Every week, Judy joins other volunteers in preparing and serving lunch along with additional duties.

“We deliver the trays to people, which I dearly love. We interact and clean up the dining room after everyone’s through and coordinated.”

But Judy’s labor of love at UGM-TC hasn’t just merely given her something to do. As result of her time at the Mission, Judy has had an unexpected revelation that perhaps many Mission volunteers share.

“When I started doing this, I wanted to make a difference in somebody’s life not knowing that became secondary. These people have made a big difference in my life – the homeless people that we’re serving as well as all the people that I work with in the kitchen and the other volunteers. It’s truly made a huge difference in my life.”

 And that’s not all. Judy explained that she’s also experienced a changed of mindset since she started volunteering.

“I guess I had a skewed view of homeless people before I started to work here. I never could understand why somebody couldn’t find a job and why they have to be homeless,” she shared. “But when I came here and had been here for a while, I looked at those people and I don’t know, but after talking to these guys and ladies too, I realized in a twinkle of an eye, I could be here.”

We are extremely grateful for volunteers who give of themselves like Judy. If you’d like to volunteer, please browse our volunteer opportunities and complete a volunteer application. For more information, call 817.338.8402 or email lkinney@ugm-tc.org.

“The greatest among you will be your servant.”   Matthew 23:11