In January, I had the opportunity to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch with a few fellow LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Board Members at the Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center. The YRC is a resource center and emergency shelter for youth aged 15 to 22 who are experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. Resources include three hot meals a day, pantry food, showers, laundry, life-skills groups, housing and employment case management, dental and medical care assistance, as well as access to mental health services.

When we arrived in the morning, all 30 beds were full. The kids were just waking up and helping each other clean up the common area, where additional youth had slept. They demonstrated a great sense of community and care for one another. As it came time to eat, they greeted us with smiles—some with jokes, and others asking for their meals to-go because they were headed to work.

There is so much power in showing up for one another.
Places like the YRC are vital. If you feel called, Volunteers of America is always looking for donations, volunteers, and mentors.