The Ultimate Gift of Service
/Written By: Vanessa Garnica-Barker, NFNL Community Engagement Manager
A gift is defined as, “a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.” Typically, our minds gravitate toward the assumption that a gift is tangible or physical; however, the intangible gifts of time, service and presence have the potential to leave a lifelong impact. At New Friends New Life, these gifts carry a strong significance due to the traumatic past that trafficking survivors in our programs have endured. Because of the exploitation that members in this field experience, the dynamic of transactional relationships becomes their normal, and they build relationships with the mindset that they must give to receive.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I am reflecting on the impact that our volunteers have made through the gift of presence. Our volunteers give without expecting anything in return and serve with deep humility. As one of our volunteers always says, “A thank you is never necessary. I do this from the heart.” To be honest, a thank you isn’t enough to express our gratitude for all that our volunteers do for this organization. New Friends New Life has been incredibly blessed to have some of the most kind-hearted, humble, and service- oriented individuals.
The beauty of volunteering is that each person has a gift that they are able to share with members each time they enter the building. Every volunteer, whether individual or group, that I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with, comes into NFNL with one goal in mind: serving with their whole heart. It’s beautiful to see such passion, but even more, love, especially when interacting with our members. They ensure our members feel dignity and respect by showing up constantly in their attentiveness and visibly pour acceptance and love into their work. They are always eager to better serve our organization, build relationships with our members, and overall fill opportunities that reflect their heart for service and change.
In a world where there is such darkness, our volunteers are able to shine a light through their service and smiles. It’s a great reminder that there are still people who want to give with no expectation of recognition or anything in return. These people are truly good and represent change in a world that thrives on love. While their service varies from assembling kits, organizing our space, writing letters, or building relationships with our members, each task is done with grace and sincere intent to better the lives of our members. Volunteers deserve the world and though they believe a “thank you” isn’t necessary, it actually is. Though it does not encompass our gratitude for the impact that you have, THANK YOU to all of our volunteers.
Thank you for pouring your hearts and souls into our mission and members! Thank you for loving our women and girls so well. Thank you for sharing your gifts and expecting nothing in return from someone who has only known transactional relationships. So many of you have told me that the best thank you is finding satisfaction in service and excitement in the most “insignificant” tasks. Each task has immeasurable value and goes a long way in the lives of NFNL members and staff. Thank you volunteers for making our world a better place and for bringing joy into our space. You are living proof that kindness and goodness exist and we hope that you know the impact you have on the lives of so many people and the change that your presence brings about. Your smiles and hearts light up our lives, and we are grateful beyond measure.
