DenUM--week 1

As of Tuesday, I am officially the Volunteer Coordinator at Denver Urban Ministries, or DenUM for short. I am yet to figure out what that means, but I am in the process of learning all about DenUM. Our mission statement is: (and yes, Tammy, this is from memory.)

DenUM inspires hope as an advocate and trusted provider of needed services.

Today's Need...Tomorrow's Hope.

I have been very impressed by how actively this mission is lived out. It is seen in daily life, available services and big picture goals. Some of the services we provide seem obvious:

--emergency food bags to feed 3ish people for 3ish days

--computers for job searching and resume making

--assistance with job applications, etc

--rent and utility assistance

--free legal assistance once a month

--free hygene products

--clothing referrals

I'm excited that we offer these things, but not all that surpised that we do. However, our list of services continues, and these surprised me. I never thought about there being a need for them or how helpful they can be!

--a voicemail. Many of our clients are just getting out of correctional facilities and living in a Half-way House. If a future employer calls and hears that, they will often just dismiss the application. However, by having a personalized voicemail and local phone number, it allows these clients to play on the same field as other candidates. Imagine how freeing and empowering that might be!

--"Finding and Keeping Work". Once a month, a job consultant who specializes in felony-friendly employment, comes in and teaches a course about how to find a job, even with a less than perfect history and what kinds of steps to take to keep that job.

--Thanksgiving Baskets, at Thanksgiving time, we give out 500+ boxes containing everything needed for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. This helps families feel "normal" for once. Regardless of financial status, life position or whatever, they too can enjoy a table of bounty and celebrate a holiday just like their neighbors from nicer 'hoods. Poverty and hunger does not just infringe on the physical needs of people, it wears on the emotional health of individuals as well.

--A place to celebrate. Our director, Tammy, told us that some clients will come back to DenUM just to tell us about getting a job, finding a place to live or other exciting news. They tell us because we care. They tell us because they have no one else to tell. It breaks my heart to think that our clients may not have anyone else to help celebrate life's big and small victories, but it is so touching to be able to help celebrate with them.

I know that I have much to learn about the culture and resources of DenUM, but so far, I love what I see. Yesterday we talked a bit about our volunteers. One volunteer, Kevin, has been helping for over 15 years. He is generally helpful and a little too eager to chat. He's not the type that would generally be considered "Mr. Popular" and many people may feel a bit awkward around him. However, he is a part of DenUM. I loved what Tammy said though. "If you don't love Kevin, you probably don't love DenUM. Because Kevin belongs at DenUM." I love that.

I'm off to more orientation, more training, more head-spinning details of which to keep track. This blog was originally meant to share about the overwhelming generosity that has been shown to and is shown by DenUM, but I ran out of time! I am doing well, I love my house (the Wolff Den), my housemates (The Wolff Pack) and my new job.