By Sonja Hodges (Direct Service Advocate)
Arthur, Nelson Henderson, wrote “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade we do not plan to sit.” The last few years of my life have really brought this quote to life, both personally and professionally. As a Habitat for Humanity homeowner I saw first hand how so many people gave so freely
of their time and talents, Saturday after Saturday. I mean one really has to take Serving with A Purpose pretty seriously to show up EIGHT Saturdays in a row, rain, sleet or shine to help build a house they or anyone they knew would never live in!
I also see this daily working here at Central OAC. It’s amazing to witness how volunteers, interns and my co-workers serve our guests with so much empathy and patience. Whether it’s ordering documents needed to obtain their ID or finding resources for the simple things we take for granted such as the ability to take a hot shower or change into dry socks, we meet our guests where they are. Most days this is a thankless job, but there are those moments that God allows us to see why we do what we do here. Our purpose is to help, and whatever that help looks like we get it done, day in and day out. To witness someone come back day after day, week after week, month after month, years even, some for over 18 years, makes my soul smile. Everyone here at Central OAC displays just what ” Serving with a Purpose” looks like.