fostering community through service: aram’s volunteer story
As National Volunteer Month concludes, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact each and every volunteer makes at Mary’s Place! From leading activities for kids to deep cleaning our shelter spaces and serving meals with a smile, our volunteers bring joy, connection, and a sense of community to families and children experiencing a challenging chapter.
Like Aram, who brings consistency, warmth, and heart to Mary’s Place during his weekly dinner service shifts.
Aram has volunteered more than 275 hours serving meals, in addition to helping with holiday events and jumping into Kids Club to help when needed. For him, it’s not just about showing up; it’s about connecting.
Aram and his furry sidekick, Bella!
“Dinner shifts have been especially rewarding because you get face time with families,” he says. “I also hear about the impact on staff. Serving meals helps free them up to focus more on the families and their needs. It’s a seemingly simple act, but I love knowing it makes a real difference for both families and staff.”
One of Aram’s favorite memories came from stepping into Kids Club during a shift.
“It was a heartwarming experience helping the kids while they were playing and having them want to show off their toys to me because they recognized me from dinner service,” he shares.
That kind of recognition speaks to something bigger. When volunteers show up consistently, they become part of the community. And that matters more than it might seem. For families working to rebuild stability, feeling seen, welcomed, and connected can make all the difference. When families experience community, when they’re greeted by name, when their kids feel safe enough to play and be themselves, and when they know they’re not alone, it helps rebuild trust, belonging, and hope. These are the foundations that make it possible to focus on next steps like housing, employment, and long-term stability.
Aram also brings a grounded, thoughtful perspective to why this work matters.
“Homelessness has many faces and different needs,” he shares. “Mary’s Place fills an important role by making sure families and children can stay together until they find permanent housing.”
At the heart of it all is a simple truth: “The kids and families are no different from my nephews or me in how they play and want to live and enjoy life. At the end of the day, we are all just neighbors. If we have the ability to help, even a little bit, it matters, and it reminds families that they are not alone.”
The idea that we are all connected is also at the core of ending family homelessness. It is not something any one organization can do alone. It takes a community. Whether it is donating resources, volunteering time, or simply taking the time to learn, engage, and raise awareness, every action helps build a more responsive and compassionate system of support. When more people step up, it strengthens the network families rely on, not just in moments of crisis, but as they work toward lasting stability.
For Aram, that sense of connection doesn’t end when his volunteer shift does. “It feels good to know members of your community and to share a smile, not just be strangers,” he says. “I see these families around town in my day-to-day, and it makes the city feel like home. I hope seeing me around gives them that same sense of belonging.”
Thinking about volunteering? As Aram says: “You won’t regret it!”
His story is a reminder that showing up in any way you can builds real relationships and a stronger, more connected community where families feel supported, not just in meeting their immediate needs but in building a path forward.
Thank you to Aram and all of our wonderful volunteers for being such an important part of Mary’s Place!