Ministry on the Margins
Once a week, I volunteer at this organization in Bismarck. Ministry on the Margins serves people who are considered to be "in transition." This includes those released from incarceration, people who are in between jobs and struggling financially, and the homeless community. The facility hosts events for various groups of people during the week which include serving breakfasts, running support groups, and building relationships with people in need. When I volunteer, I assist in running the clothing pantry. We take in donations, sort and fold clothings, and help people find what they need. Additional volunteers run the dining room were visitors can have a warm meal. After they are finished, the participants have time to "go shopping" in the food pantry that is kept stocked by another team of volunteers. Working with the Ministry on the Margins team has been an amazing experience. I am able to give of my time, have friendships with regular visitors, and see firsthand how much of a difference we are making in the lives of people who come to events.
Once a week, I volunteer at this organization in Bismarck. Ministry on the Margins serves people who are considered to be "in transition." This includes those released from incarceration, people who are in between jobs and struggling financially, and the homeless community. The facility hosts events for various groups of people during the week which include serving breakfasts, running support groups, and building relationships with people in need. When I volunteer, I assist in running the clothing pantry. We take in donations, sort and fold clothings, and help people find what they need. Additional volunteers run the dining room were visitors can have a warm meal. After they are finished, the participants have time to "go shopping" in the food pantry that is kept stocked by another team of volunteers. Working with the Ministry on the Margins team has been an amazing experience. I am able to give of my time, have friendships with regular visitors, and see firsthand how much of a difference we are making in the lives of people who come to events.
Day of Service
Every fall, the University of Mary organizes a "Day of Service" during which students and faculty volunteer at locations all over Bismarck. In my almost three years studying at Mary, I have been able to participate in both Fall 2018 and Fall 2019 Days of service.
Every fall, the University of Mary organizes a "Day of Service" during which students and faculty volunteer at locations all over Bismarck. In my almost three years studying at Mary, I have been able to participate in both Fall 2018 and Fall 2019 Days of service.
In the fall of 2018, I went with a group of students to an assisted living facility. While visiting, we helped with cleaning the building and raked an area of land the staff was in the process of clearing. During the time we were there, we had opportunity to converse with some of the residents. The smiles on their faces was enough to tell us how appreciative they were that we were able to spend the day making their home even better. |
The following year, I went with a group to a local college. When we arrived, we were handed a dictionary in a foreign language and were tasked with translating key phrases and vocabulary words. As a group, we compiled dozens of pocket dictionaries that were going to be used by foreign exchange students at that university. Dictionaries were also distributed among people who immigrated to the area and were not sufficient in English upon arrival. The staff supervising us as we worked expressed their gratitude and made sure we knew the positive impact our actions would have. |