There are lots of things in this world that bring hope to people. For me, the biggest thing is being able to help others. Knowing that there is a place dedicated to helping the members of this community is something that makes waking up more joyful. And it’s even better knowing that my volunteering makes it a possibility. After completing Natural Helpers training in October of last year I was excited but nervous. The program itself is phenomenal. Having it in our community, even better.

Every time I go into a meeting, I make sure to tell myself “be the person who would have helped mom and dad.” Walking into these meetings you honestly don’t really know what you are going to get, maybe a family of 6 who recently arrived in the area or a family of 2 who has been here for 20+ years. But the process is the same, listen to their needs and figure out which ones we can meet.

In addition to being a Natural Helper, Laura has even volunteered at some of our events! Here she pours guests complimentary ponche navideño at our Community Posada last December. 

Since I started in the Natural Helpers program, I have met with approximately 35 community members. Each one needing something different, although somehow very similar. Lately most of the community members I have met with are experiencing hardship due to the drop in employment in the area. Thankfully, through our training, support from the other volunteers, and our program director, we have been able to provide help or information on resources they may be needing.

My first night of volunteering I met with a couple who was referred to us through a friend that had recently been here. They expressed need for food and assistance paying their rent. They stated that due to having a child on the spectrum only one was able to work full time, as the other was the child's fulltime caregiver. I was able to provide them with a gift card for food, helped them fill out an application for the Immigrant Resource Fund, and gave information about CAPS. They were beyond thankful. But they also let me know that they had no idea a program like CAPS was in our area. Being able to give them that information was great. Giving them a little bit of hope, in turn gave me hope.

Many people have to leave everything behind in order to better themselves and their families. It is one of the toughest things a person can do and if there is something I can do to help them, I am going to do everything I can to help. CHH and the Natural Helpers program are a vital part of this community. Helping others in situations of hardship isn’t easy, but it’s something that I am proud to be able to do.

Tune in next month for another story!

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