This summer I have thought a lot about B-SAFE connections, particularly in reference to partner church volunteers. Coordinating partners the past four summers has given me the chance to make friends with fellow Episcopalians all around the diocese. These are special friendships: warmly felt and full of shared purpose. Welcoming a volunteer team bringing lunch to their B-SAFE site, helping unload cases of juice, boxes of rolls and condiments, setting up in the kitchen as we catch up from last summer is one of the things that I love about my work.
What I have also witnessed this summer is the connection that many volunteers feel for the young people they serve.
A volunteer leader from Newton recalls an Epiphany field trip from five years ago: the current assistant site director, then a teen CIT, taking quickly to paddling a canoe for the first time and loving the new experience. He is amazed and pleased that she remembers him. Both are clearly touched.
As we wait for the children to file in for lunch, Alice points to a corner in the St. Luke’s/San Lucas parish hall. “That’s where I read with the 1st graders last year. One was SO proud to read to me. I have carried that image in my heart all year long!”
Another volunteer leader writes enthusiastically about “the strength of the program that comes from kids who were pee wees six or so years ago who are now taking responsibility for the next wave is just remarkable”.
And I especially appreciated the comment from another hot but happy volunteer that she STILL had last year’s B-SAFE postcard on her refrigerator door (“I love it!”) and she’s looking forward to receiving this year’s.
Our partner churches and volunteers are vital to the success of B-SAFE. How rewarding it is to hear from them how much participating in the program means to them.
Posted by Jane Tierney, Partner Church Coordinator
