Why Volunteer at Liberty?
”Attending worship service at Urban Abbey, we hear phrases like “how will we be bread for others”, “how will you show up this week”, and “it’s not how well you say the Lord’s Prayer but how well you live it.” I take those thoughts to heart and am continually challenged by them. When I give time and resources to Liberty, I feel that in a small but important way I am living out the prayer. I feel good about supporting teachers and staff. I feel good about being an advocate for public education. I feel good about being a positive contributor to young people’s future. The best part is I get to do this with Kathy, an educator herself and my life partner.
Kathy and I feel privileged to provide gift certificates for the principal’s weekly drawing, and look forward to bringing others in to help fund this program of teacher recognition into the future. It is a joy to spend time with Kathy shelving books in the library, alternating weeks with fellow Urban Abbey members Jack and Nancy Armitage. Those two hours each week by each couple is a relatively small effort but hugely appreciated by the school.”
— Jim & Kathy Morely
“I have been volunteering one hour every week in the cafeteria. The experience and time with students has been very rewarding. Last Thursday I received three requests for ketchup art (hearts, smiley faces, suns), which has become something the students associate with me and that makes me smile. “
—Sheri Sallee
“We both enjoy volunteering at Liberty School. Both of us were former teachers and we love being in a school setting. It matters because the schools are understaffed, underfunded, and need help from volunteers. We volunteer in the library shelving books. This frees up the para and librarian to do their work. The shelves are low, and at our age it can be difficult but we’re glad to provide the assistance we can. We enjoy seeing the students and hearing some thank yous from them, and even getting a hug now and then. Everyone at the school is very friendly and appreciative, and make up feel an important part of the work being done. We hope to continue volunteering at the school for many years.”
— Jack & Nancy Armitage
Make a Difference!
I volunteer at Liberty because it keeps me around younger kids. My children are all adults and I currently work with middle school aged students. There is something wonderful about how younger children see the world. I love having the opportunity to experience that sense of wonder and see through the eyes of a child.
I also love sharing the unconditional acceptance that my therapy dog, Odin gives. He takes kids as they are and he doesn’t care what they can’t do. Many kids have experienced trauma, bullying, may struggle academically or behaviorally and having the opportunity to be loved by a big, fluffy dog brings smiles. I especially enjoy when a student tells me that Odin likes them, and, of course, I always agree.
Even for students that don’t directly interact with Odin due to fear, religious reasons, or because they choose not to, it still holds a valuable lesson that their voices are heard and their choices are valued. It gives the students power over what happens to them and for some, it may b the only time.
Odin not only visits the students, but also the staff. Sometimes his presence is needed by the adults more than the kids. Education is not easy, but volunteers can help. In order to make the world a better place, it takes all of us. A little time can make a big difference. Seeing smiles and knowing that you helped put them on faces is worth it!
— Mako Jacobs
Note: All adults must pass a background check and follow OPS training protocols to volunteer through us!
Get in Touch
Have questions about Urban Abbey? Looking for more information on how to get involved? Or simply want a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Our team is here to help!