The work we do at Nest Community Shelter is only possible due to the volunteer community that gives of their time, talent, and treasure. As an organization that is getting ready to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year, we are so lucky to have a handful of volunteers who have stuck by our side through all this time. Kristen Noonan is one of those very special volunteers who has been with us for many years. We sat down with Kristen to ask her to share her volunteer experiences over the years with Nest Community Shelter. We want our community to hear from our volunteers what volunteering with Nest is like.
Meet Kristen Noonan – Longtime Nest Volunteer:
What initially motivated you to start volunteering with our organization, and what keeps you coming back?
“Through meeting Harrison while I ran a non-profit, years later, he approached me about being a part of starting the women’s program and sitting on the newly established Board. What keeps me coming back eight years later are two things: the quality of the Nest organization and the women I get to interact with every Monday.”
Can you share a specific moment or experience from your volunteer work that has stayed with you or made a lasting impact?
“Any time I see someone take their power back, it’s like seeing lightning up close. If I had to choose one moment, it would not be what is expected. It was a time when I was short with one of the ladies, and the look she gave me, filled with genuine disappointment, was a good reality check for me. That moment changed my outlook. Everyone who stays at the shelter is going through some of the worst moments of their lives. By “seeing” them and meeting them where they are with love and respect, everyone gets to have a better day than they may have had.”
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about volunteering or thinks they don’t have the right skills to help?
“Be yourself is the best thing anyone can do. Know that if volunteering is becoming a thought, try it out. Ask to be put with someone experienced. Provide yourself and the coordinator with a timeline of your commitment- a willingness to try it for two weeks for two hours, and then reevaluate if it is a good fit. If you are scared of how the guests might behave towards you, know that the Nest has already made a culture for itself, and that culture is positive and communal. Additionally, I might add that it is worth considering how, by using volunteers, the Nest has more money to put towards programming.”
How has volunteering with us affected you personally? What have you learned or gained from the experience?
“Not many can say Mondays are their favorite day of the week. Lol. I can say that because of how much I look forward to being with my fellow volunteers and the women guests. I have learned that you get what you give, and there is no bottom if you volunteer the right amount of time and in the way that is right for you.”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with our shelter, what would it be?
“Know yourself and yet be open. The less expectations you have of yourself and the experience, the better, because then you can be surprised at how, being you, you can have a genuine positive effect.”
How do you currently volunteer with us, and has that evolved over time?
“I currently do a longer Monday shift; I come in at 5:15 and stay till 11 pm. I was doing two days a week, and I realized I was burning out and couldn’t give the Nest and guests my best. As a founding board member, I had more roles, which included creating mailers and media to help get the word out. I have represented the Nest at booths, raised money, organized the pantry, sat at the desk during the day to give staff a break, and created meals. I will say, no matter the task, I always like volunteering with a friend, as it not only makes the time fly by, but it gives us time to connect in a more meaningful way, and lets us see one another in a new light.
Thank you so much to Kristen for taking the time to share her experiences with Nest Community Shelter and for legacy of dedicated service!
