For the last five years, the Brookdale Resource Center has been a place of stability for people working to get back on their feet. Behind that mission is a steady group of volunteers who show up week after week, quietly helping make that work possible.

Some serve meals. Some organize donations. Others take on less visible but just as important tasks, like washing sheets and sorting clothes. Each role plays a part in helping residents feel cared for and supported during a difficult chapter of their lives.

Sandra Champion has been volunteering at Brookdale since January 2021 after hearing about it through her church. Most days, she can be found in the laundry room, making sure residents have clean sheets to sleep on at night.

“I just feel like I’m doing something worthwhile for people trying to get back on their feet and do better,” said Champion. “It helped me get outside of myself, because I started helping right after my husband passed away. It helped me get outside of my house. Then being able to help others. It’s been such a help for me because I know I am doing something.”

Danielle Hill has volunteered at Brookdale for about three years and comes in nearly three times a week. After seeing the need for help on the news, she decided to give her time where it was most needed. Hill focuses on sorting and organizing donated clothing so residents can easily find items in their size.

“I wanted to give back to the community, and I had some time in between work,” said Hill. “It doesn’t take a lot of thought process and I’m helping others.”

Susan Fisher began as a volunteer and later stepped into a leadership role, overseeing the Gardens at Brookdale, which opened in 2023. The garden includes 50 raised beds growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Since opening, it has produced more than 4,000 pounds of fresh food that goes directly into the kitchen, helping provide healthy meals for residents.

“Brookdale has taught me so much about human life,” said Fisher. “I come in the early mornings, and I see the struggle through people’s faces. You can tell they want to do better, and this place gives them that opportunity.”

As Brookdale marks five years of serving the community, its volunteers remain at the heart of its mission. Through simple acts of service, they help create an environment where people are treated with dignity and given the support they need to move forward.

To honor five years of community support, people are encouraged to continue helping Brookdale in five meaningful ways:

• Give five dollars. (Click link to donate online/see donation lists)
• Volunteer five hours of service. (Click link to sign up)
• Order five needed items. (Click here for Amazon wishlist) (Click here for donation list)
• Share the story of Brookdale with five people.
• Support Brookdale for the next five years.

Together, those small acts of kindness continue to make a lasting difference for the people who walk through Brookdale’s doors.