The true health of the city lies in how we treat and help the most needy.
Kin
is Director of Technology at an NYC-based consulting company and an active volunteer since 2008.
WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SUPPORTING BRC, WHAT WERE YOU HOPING YOUR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE LIKE? HAS IT BEEN LIKE THAT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I had no real expectations as to what volunteering at the BRC would be like, but definitely wanted to support a local organization that helps the homeless and needy in NYC. Though I did have notions of what a stereotypical soup kitchen would be like, I was pleasantly surprised at the scope and magnitude of work and services that BRC offers.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BRC?
I am grateful to be able to witness firsthand the hope and independence that BRC offers its clients. I have volunteered with staff that were former clients of BRC, and to hear their stories about what they experienced and had to deal with before, and to see where they are now, is very humbling. Also knowing that the comparatively small things we do as volunteers can have great impact and help in BRC's mission and goals is vastly rewarding.
IF YOU WERE TO RECRUIT A FRIEND OR COLLEAGUE TO SUPPORT BRC, WHAT REASON WOULD YOU GIVE FOR WHY THEY SHOULD?
I would encourage anyone that can lend assistance, whether monetary, time-wise,or anything else, to support BRC to do so. Growing up and living in NYC, I feel the true health of the city lies in how we treat and help the most needy, so it behooves all of us to help each other out as much as we can.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST POWERFUL MOMENT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED WHILE SUPPORTING BRC? WHY WAS IT POWERFUL?
Volunteering at one of the program's graduation events, listening to graduating clients recall their stories of where they were before BRC and where they were progressing onto next was definitely one of the most powerful experiences with BRC. Hearing the pride and gratitude in the clients' voices showed the importance of what BRC does not only for specific clients, but for the health of the city as a whole.