Volunteer Spotlights: Holiday Edition

This month we are highlighting two exceptional volunteers – Stacie Hasselberg and Jessica Hall – who will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, respectively, at Calvary.

When Stacie is not jet-setting around the world on volunteer trips or working with a local animal rescue agency, she joins us at Calvary as an overnight volunteer. Since 2011 Stacie has volunteered over 550 hours, including overnights on many holidays, and has become a revered member of our team. Thanks for spending Christmas Eve at Calvary, Stacie!

Jessica is another veteran volunteer. She joined Calvary in 2008 as a meal volunteer, and over the years expanded her involvement to include overnight shifts and special events. Jessica has donated more than 650 hours of her time since she first became a volunteer. Seeing Jessica on Christmas Day has become something of a tradition. Thank you, Jessica, for spending another Christmas with women at Calvary.

Where are you from?
Stacie: Beltsville, MD

Jessica: I was born in New Haven, CT, moved to North Carolina when I was eight, then moved to DC when I was 16 and have been here ever since.

How did you first hear about Calvary?
Stacie: I researched places where I could volunteer to work with homeless individuals.

Jessica: I learned about Calvary at a conference called “Visions in Feminism.”

Why do you volunteer at Calvary?
Stacie: It’s a great way to volunteer; as a volunteer you are counted on and appreciated.

Jessica: I volunteer at Calvary because I believe that in the U.S., unless you come from a place of great privilege, it’s easy to find yourself in economic trouble and/or dealing with homelessness. It could happen to anyone. I also believe in supporting other women when and where I can.

What do you like best about your work with Calvary?
Stacie: I like volunteering with a program that makes a difference.

Jessica: I like bonding over the coffee I make for residents in the morning. I also like hearing how they feel about current events when we’re watching the news. Political discourse with these women is never boring.

What has been your most memorable experience at Calvary?
Stacie: A couple of years ago I raised money and participated in a walk for Calvary. It was a great feeling to be working with so many other like-minded people to accomplish a goal.

Jessica: I remember making a meal at Calvary with two friends and then sitting down with everyone to eat the meal together. It wasn’t an “in-and-out” volunteer experience, it was a very pleasant dinner.

What has surprised you most about volunteering at Calvary?
Stacie: I thought the experience could be challenging in some way, but the women are gracious, the staff are inclusive, and it’s a great place to be.

Jessica: Sleeping at Calvary is almost as comfortable a sleeping at my own home, and more fun because there are more people.

If you had to choose one word to describe Calvary, what would it be?
Stacie: Rewarding.

Jessica: Crucial.

Overnight volunteers like Stacie and Jessica support our staff and residents by supervising Calvary’s programs from 9:00 pm until 7:00 am every night of the week. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Calvary, please contact us.