Nevaeh Grant

Volunteering with Reformed University Fellowship to feed homeless people around the DC area was a meaningful and engaging experience. We were able to provide food to people in need while also taking the time to talk with them and show them kindness. One of the most impactful parts of the experience was praying with the people we served. It made the volunteering feel more personal because we were not only meeting physical needs but also offering spiritual encouragement and letting people know that they were cared for. This experience helped me understand that serving others is about more than just giving out food. It is also about taking the time to listen, connect with people, and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Praying with the people was especially meaningful because it allowed us to connect with them on a deeper level and share our faith in a personal way. It reminded me of the importance of showing God's love through our actions and being willing to serve people regardless of their circumstances. I learned that even small acts of kindness can make a difference, and that sometimes simply being present and showing someone that they matter can be just as important as meeting their physical needs. Overall, I thought the volunteering experience was very engaging and impactful. I especially appreciated that we were able to interact with the people rather than simply hand out food and leave. Having the opportunity to pray with them made the experience more meaningful and helped build a sense of connection. In the future, I would enjoy continuing to volunteer with Reformed University Fellowship and finding more opportunities to build relationships with the people we serve. One way to make the experience even better would be to spend more time talking with the individuals and learning about their needs, while continuing to provide food and prayer. This experience encouraged me to be more intentional about serving others and putting my faith into action in everyday life.

For my HU Day of Service volunteer hours, I volunteered at the Healthy Babies Project, an organization that provides support and shelter for teenage mothers who have been kicked out of their homes or experienced homelessness. The organization helps these young mothers get back on their feet by providing them with a safe environment and resources to work toward a better future. During my time there, we helped clean the facility and talked with some of the people staying there to learn more about their situations and experiences. My experience at the Healthy Babies Project was meaningful because I was able to help an organization that makes a difference in the lives of young mothers and their children. Cleaning the facility allowed me to contribute to creating a clean and welcoming environment for the people living there. I also had the opportunity to speak with some of the residents and hear about their situations. These conversations helped me understand some of the challenges they face and how important it is for them to have a place where they can feel safe and supported. This experience taught me not to judge people based on their circumstances because everyone has a different story. I realized that some people face difficult situations that are beyond their control, and having support from others can make a big difference in their lives. Talking with the residents helped me become more aware of the struggles that some teenage mothers experience and the importance of showing kindness, understanding, and compassion. I also learned that volunteering does not always require doing something huge. Even small acts of service, such as cleaning and taking the time to listen to someone, can have a positive impact on others.
Overall, I enjoyed volunteering at the Healthy Babies Project, and I think it was a great opportunity to give back to my community. I appreciated being able to help with the facility and interact with the residents because it made the experience more personal and meaningful. One thing I would suggest for future HU Days of Service is allowing volunteers more time to learn about the organization and the different ways they support the people who live there. This could help volunteers better understand the organization's mission and how their work contributes to it. I would definitely recommend this experience to other students because it teaches the importance of community service, empathy, and helping people who may be going through difficult times.