Volunteer Spotlight - Becky Chamberlain
As April and National Volunteer Month come to an end, we would like to give a shout out to one of our volunteers, Becky. Without the support of volunteers like her, RS would be not what it is today. Read on to learn more about Becky’s volunteer experiences at RS and Thelma’s Kitchen.
What were your first impressions of Reconciliation Services and Thelma’s Kitchen?
I first started volunteering about a year and a half ago. I loved the concept of a “pay what you can afford” restaurant and the dream of being a gathering place on Troost, the racial dividing line, where we could begin to overcome the “sins” of the past and work toward being a glimpse of the Beloved Community. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to volunteer in the restaurant before COVID changed everything, but it was still a desire on my part to volunteer. I was warmly welcomed and no one got tired of showing me where to find things and teaching me how to make sandwiches, sides, etc. I felt needed and appreciated.
Why do you volunteer at RS?
I am a follower of Jesus and I believe that RS is serving people in the neighborhood in the spirit of Jesus – treating all with dignity and kindness, especially those who have been disenfranchised because of racism and unfair economic and social structures, and partnering to help people regain self-confidence by realizing that they are Beloved children of God who matter.
One of my goals in volunteering was to get to know people of color. In a society that still suffers from segregation in our neighborhoods, churches, workplaces, and schools, I believe one has to be intentional about seeking friendships and working opportunities that cross racial lines. I consider the relationships I have made through Thelma’s some of the most important in my life. I have been given so much through Thelma’s! I feel like part of a family!
“RS does not practice 'charity’, but seeks to work from a principle of mutual aid that involves the community in decision making and educates neighbors to address systemic issues. All voices matter.”
Tell me about some of the people you've met while volunteering.
I have great respect and admiration for all the staff at RS and especially Thelma’s Kitchen. Artis, Jay, Francine, Chef Bailey, Chef Ellington, Chef Isha, Tami Chestnut, James, Mike Marcus, and others are just wonderful people. Their hard work ethic and expertise as chefs, cooks, fundraisers, and program directors are inspiring to me. They work as a team, caring about each other and getting the work done.
When one volunteers as regularly as I do, one gets to know other volunteers in those time slots as well. The joy of working together to prepare healthy and delicious food creates a strong bond. It is a joy to gather with other volunteers.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
I would suggest they give it a try. I’ve found that no two days are ever the same. Sometimes when there are a lot of box lunch orders it can get a bit intense. Everything doesn’t always go just perfectly, but there is such a feeling of accomplishment when all the orders have been filled and we know we have done good work. Other times it can be less busy and we spend time prepping for the next day or two. I always arrive expecting to be useful and I am never disappointed! There is something for everyone, whether it is making up box lunches, prepping food, putting boxes together, or cleaning up. There is especially the joy of knowing I am serving others in Jesus’ name. That is my driving passion.
How would people describe you?
I would hope that they would use words like fun, even-tempered, willing to follow orders and try anything, quick to admit when I’ve made a mistake, sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings, and happy. I also hope that people can learn that my love for God and my constant need for grace is the basis for what I do and try to be in all aspects of my life.