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!

The post An Interview with Longtime Volunteer: Kristen Noonan appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

What You’ll Be Doing

While our guests are out navigating their day, you’ll be in our shelter kitchen preparing meals that will welcome them home. For example, you might be chopping vegetables for tomorrow’s hearty stew, assembling casseroles that will feed dozens, or prepping ingredients for the week ahead. Every slice, every stir, every seasoning choice you make helps create something beautiful,  a meal that says “you matter” to someone who needs to hear it.

When We Need You

We’re seeking daytime volunteers who can dedicate a few hours each week during regular business hours. This timing works perfectly for retirees, those with flexible schedules, parents with children in school, or anyone looking to make their free daytime hours count for something meaningful.

Why Your Skills Matter

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a culinary school graduate, or someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, we need you. Food truly is love made visible, and cooking for our guests creates an experience that goes far beyond nutrition. When you volunteer in our kitchen, you’re not just preparing meals, you’re crafting moments of comfort, dignity, and care.

Every volunteer brings something unique to our kitchen family. Perhaps you have a secret technique for making perfect meatballs, or you know how to stretch a soup to feed twice as many people without compromising flavor. Maybe you’re the organizational wizard who can prep vegetables with military precision, or the creative spirit who can transform simple ingredients into something special. If you answered yes to any of this, then this volunteer position is for you!

What We’re Looking For

We want volunteers who can bring their love, dedication, and heart to our kitchen. You don’t need to be a professional chef; you need to care about nourishing the hearts, minds, and bellies of our guests. We’ll provide all the training, equipment, and ingredients you need. All you need to bring is yourself and your willingness to serve.

In return, you’ll discover that while you’re nourishing our guests, the experience will nourish something deep within you too. Our volunteers often tell us that their time in the kitchen becomes the highlight of their week. Cooking at Nest provides an opportunity to create, connect, and make a tangible contribution to our community.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and join our kitchen as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to schedule your first shift. Together, we can continue to show that food is love, and that every meal prepared with care has the power to restore hope and dignity. Click here to learn more.

The post Calling All Kitchen Heroes: Volunteer for Our Daytime Cooking Crew appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

The Power of Personal Stories

What made this radio show so impactful wasn’t just the information we shared about our programs; it was the genuine, heartfelt stories from our volunteers themselves. Each person who spoke brought their unique perspective on what it means to serve alongside our guests.

Kristen Noonan, our former board president, emphasized how NEST makes volunteering manageable and straightforward. “They don’t overextend you,” she shared. “They tell you exactly what you’re getting into.” Kristen’s Monday nights at NEST have become her favorite nights of the week, where she gets to witness the encouragement and support our guests offer to one another.

Terry Greetham shared one of the most moving testimonies of the day. After his first volunteer experience, he found himself overwhelmed by gratitude, realizing how much we often take for granted. His story reminded us that volunteering at NEST isn’t just about what we give; it’s about what we receive in return. Terry’s experience led to a profound realization about the dignity and resilience of our guests.

Lisa Tsaparikos called in to share about her role in our “Flight School” program, where she helps new guests navigate available services. She spoke beautifully about the fulfillment that comes from seeing guests achieve their goals, especially when someone finally secures housing after facing multiple setbacks.

Michael Ducey, one of our newer volunteers, highlighted something many people don’t realize: NEST offers opportunities for “discreet and quiet” service. He appreciates being able to serve a portion of our community that often feels invisible, without needing to “stand on a soapbox.”

Jenni Alexander represented the LaPorte County Family YMCA leadership team, sharing how their group volunteer experience was “amazing, humbling, and rewarding.” She emphasized that only five minutes of training was required, and how grateful our guests are to see volunteers.

Making It Simple

Throughout the show, our volunteers consistently emphasized how NEST makes volunteering accessible:

• Flexible scheduling: We work with whatever time you can give
• Minimal training: Most volunteer opportunities require just a brief orientation
• Clear expectations: We tell you exactly what you’re getting into
• Immediate impact: You can see the difference you’re making right away

Multiple Ways to Get Involved

The radio show highlighted various volunteer opportunities:

• Meal preparation and service: Our most popular entry point, taking about 1.5-2 hours
• Intake assistance: Helping guests check in during our busy evening hours
• Flight school mentoring: One-on-one guidance for new guests
• Administrative support: Behind-the-scenes work that’s equally important
• Skilled trades: Using your professional skills to help maintain our 110-year-old building

Looking Ahead: LaPorte Opening

We’re excited to announce that NEST will return to LaPorte this fall, operating from October 15th through April 15th at the depot. This expansion means we need even more volunteers to fill various shifts:

• Opening shift (5:15-7:30 PM)
• Site monitor (7:00-11:00 PM)
• Dinner service (around 6:00-6:45 PM)
• Overnight (11:00 PM-7:00 AM)

Join Our Community

What struck us most about yesterday’s show was how our volunteers have become a true community. They support each other, they’ve formed lasting friendships, and they’ve found purpose in serving alongside our guests.

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering with NEST, please:

• Email Janelle Knowlton at jknolton@nestcommunityshelter.org
• Call us at 219-276-7582
• Visit our website at nestcommunityshelter.org
• Check our Facebook page for current needs and opportunities

You can also find us this weekend at Singing Sands Festival, where we’ll have a tent set up and a team participating in the Community Challenge sand sculpting competition.

A Final Thought

As Harry mentioned on the show, “This is not a sad place. It’s a happy place.” Our volunteers don’t just serve meals or check in guests, they bring hope, dignity, and community to people who need it most. When you volunteer at NEST, you’re not just helping others; you’re joining a family of people who believe in second chances and the power of community support.

We hope yesterday’s radio show inspired you to consider how you might get involved. Whether you can give an hour a week or a few hours a month, there’s a place for you at NEST. Come see what our volunteers have discovered: you truly do get more than you give.

The post Sharing Our Stories: NEST Volunteers Take to the Airwaves on WIMS appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Kitchen Volunteer: Where Nutrition Meets Compassion

Our kitchen is more than a place where meals are prepared; if food is love, then the kitchen at Nest is the heart of our shelter. We’re seeking volunteers to help prepare nourishing meals for our guests. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone more comfortable with prep work, we have a great volunteer opportunity for you.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare ingredients for meals that will feed Nest Community Shelter guests
• Cook alongside our kitchen team and other volunteers
• Help serve dinner to guests in a welcoming and friendly environment
• Learn new cooking techniques while contributing to food security for our guests.

When we need you:

• Meal creation and prep: Starting as early as 10 AM
• Commitment: Just 2 hours per week
• Serving is done in the evenings between 5 and 7 pm
• Flexible scheduling to work with your availability.

Why this matters: Your two hours of work can result in hundreds of meals throughout the month. You’ll see firsthand how nourishment supports and uplifts our guests during challenging times, and you’ll be part of creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Perfect for: Anyone who finds joy in cooking, wants to learn kitchen skills, enjoys working with their hands, or wants to contribute to immediate, tangible help for our guests.

Office Volunteer: The Backbone of Our Operations

Behind every successful program is careful organization and attention to detail. Our office volunteer position is ideal for someone who appreciates the importance of smooth operations and wants to contribute essential support that keeps our programs running effectively.

What you’ll do:

• Handle small clerical tasks that keep our operations organized.
• Support our staff by handling administrative tasks that free them up for direct service.
• Help maintain appropriate records and files that ensure we can serve our community efficiently
• Contribute to the day-to-day functions that enable our larger mission to succeed.

When we need you:

• One day per week
• 2-hour commitment
• A consistent schedule that works for both you and our team

Why this matters: Every organized file, every completed administrative task, every piece of paperwork you handle directly supports our ability to serve our guests. Your work ensures that our resources go toward programs rather than getting lost in administrative backlogs.

Perfect for: Detail-oriented individuals, people who work well independently, those who want to contribute professional skills to a meaningful cause, or anyone who understands that strong operations are the foundation of effective service.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Both positions offer the flexibility that fits real life while making a genuine impact in our community. We simply ask for continued commitment. Whether you’re drawn to the immediate satisfaction of preparing meals or the foundational importance of administrative support, we have a place for you.

To get started: Click here!

Questions we’re happy to answer:

• What training or orientation is provided?
• How flexible is the scheduling?
• What safety protocols are in place?
• Can I try both positions to see which fits best?

Your time matters, and we’re committed to making sure your volunteer experience is both meaningful and manageable. Join us in creating a stronger, more connected community, one meal and one organized file at a time.

The post Two Ways to Make a Difference: Kitchen and Office Volunteer Opportunities at Nest Community Shelter appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Held at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City, this year’s event honored these remarkable recipients with the Fred Weiss Award and Ed Merrion Award, respectively, recognizing their exceptional service to our shelter and the broader unhoused community.

A Heart That Serves: Deborah Langley’s Journey of Love

When Deborah Langley received this year’s Weiss Award, it was a recognition long overdue. Her story with Nest Community Shelter began from the very beginning. She was there when founders Nancy Bracken and Dorothy Miller first shared their vision with the board of First Presbyterian Church, where Deborah served as a board member.

From the early days of the PADS program to our current permanent home at the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Deborah, or Deb as we know her, has been a constant presence at Nest. After retiring from her career teaching second-grade and early childhood education at Michigan City Area Schools, she could have chosen any number of ways to spend her time. Instead, she decided to serve our unhoused community, and all of Michigan City is better for it.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you’ll find Deb in the kitchen, preparing meals with a beautifully simple philosophy: “food is love.” And anyone who has tasted her cooking can tell you that love is evident in every dish. Guests don’t just appreciate the nourishment; they can taste the care and compassion she pours into every meal.

What inspires us most is Deb’s motivation. When asked why she dedicates so much of her time to Nest, she speaks not of recognition or personal fulfillment, but of her desire to support the Nest staff and ease their burdens. It’s this selfless spirit that has made her such an invaluable part of our community for over two decades.

Two Decades of Unwavering Partnership

The First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City’s receipt of the Merrion Award tells a story of remarkable institutional commitment. This isn’t just about a church or faith community that occasionally volunteers; this is about a congregation that has woven service to the unhoused community into the very fabric of their mission.

The partnership began in 2001 when church members Nancy Miller and Dorothy Bracken witnessed the struggles of unhoused community members and brought this urgent need to their church board. The session (church board) didn’t just express sympathy; they took action, committing the church as a founding partner in what would become the Interfaith Community PADS program and Nest today.

What followed was a masterclass in sustained commitment. Through the traveling PADS days, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 pandemic, First Presbyterian never wavered. They’ve conducted monthly collection drives for essential items, provided yearly financial support, and maintained their volunteer presence throughout our evolution.

Laura Kittle, Clerk of Session, accepted the award on behalf of the congregation, a fitting representation of how this church approaches service: as a collective commitment rather than individual heroics.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

“Deb and First Presbyterian Church embody the spirit of selfless service that is at the heart of our mission,”  Harrison Holtkamp, Executive Director of Nest Community Shelter said when comment on these acts of volunteerism. “Their dedication has not only impacted the lives of our guests but has also inspired our staff and volunteers.”

This inspiration is perhaps the most important aspect of recognition like this. When we celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, we’re not just acknowledging past contributions, we’re lighting a path for others to follow.

The Weiss Award and Merrion Award serve as more than just recognition; they’re a call to action. They remind us that sustainable change happens when people and organizations commit not just to moments of service, but to years and decades of showing up.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these 2025 recipients, we’re reminded that the fight against homelessness is won through the accumulated impact of people like Deb Langley, who shows up three days a week with love in the form of home-cooked meals. It’s won through partnerships like the one with First Presbyterian Church, where an entire congregation has chosen to make caring for the unhoused a defining part of their identity. It is won through the room full of volunteers that joined us at this impactful event.

These awards don’t mark the end of their service, they mark a moment to pause and recognize the extraordinary impact of ordinary people choosing to serve extraordinarily. Here’s to many more years of their compassion in action, and to the inspiration they provide for all of us to follow in their footsteps.

The post Celebrating Champions of Compassion: Nest Community Shelter’s 2025 Award Recipients appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

The Ripple Effect of Dedication

When volunteers step forward to serve, they create ripples that extend far beyond what they might imagine. Each hour they dedicate, each task they complete, and each person they help creates a chain reaction of positive impact across lives and across generations. Their dedication doesn’t just help those we serve directly; it inspires others, strengthens communities, and proves that compassion in action can change the world.

More Than Time: They Give Their Hearts

What sets our volunteers apart isn’t just the time they give, though that’s precious beyond measure. We recognize that time is one of the few finite resources in life.  It’s the heart they bring to every interaction, every project, every moment of service. Nest volunteers see the individuals behind the need, the story behind the struggle, and the hope behind the hardship. This emotional investment transforms routine tasks into acts of love and service into genuine connection.

Building Something Bigger Together

Our volunteers help us achieve what would be impossible alone. They multiply our impact, extend our reach, and bring diverse skills and perspectives that make our work stronger.  More simply put, Nest would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. When we recognize their contributions, we’re not just saying thank you; we’re acknowledging that they are true partners in our mission, creators of the change we seek to make.

The Power of Recognition

Taking time to celebrate our volunteers isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. Recognition validates the choice our volunteers make to serve others, reinforces the value of their contribution, and reminds them that their work matters. In a world that often overlooks quiet acts of service, we want to shine a light on the extraordinary ordinary people who choose to make a difference. We want to come together as a community and celebrate the collective achievement of our volunteers.

Looking Forward Together

As we gather to appreciate our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, we’re not just looking back at what they’ve accomplished. We’re looking forward to the continued impact we’ll make together, the lives we’ll touch, and the hope we’ll spread. Their dedication fuels our mission, and their heart keeps our purpose alive.

To our volunteers: Thank you for choosing to serve, for bringing your whole selves to this work, and for believing that together, we can make a difference. You are seen, you are valued, and you are the reason our mission thrives.

Please join us on July 1st from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City. There is no charge for tickets for this event. Click here to secure your free ticket. 

The post Why We Celebrate Our Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

More Than a Place to Sleep

We know that when someone walks through our door, it might very well be the worst day of their lives. What we also know is that when people have a safe place to sleep and are fed, they’re no longer forced into survival mode. Healing starts here, with these most basic needs met. This stability creates the foundation needed to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate needs. As critical as food and shelter are, we know that we have to bring more support to the table, and we can’t do that alone.

Comprehensive Support Systems

Our dedicated case manager, Abby, and Flight School instructors work one-on-one with guests to develop personalized plans, connecting them with substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and medical care. These services address some of the root causes that can often contribute to homelessness.

Employment programs within our organization and through partner organizations teach job skills, assist with resume building, and connect guests with potential employers. Meanwhile, life skills training encompasses a range of skills, from budgeting and time management to practical tools that support independent living. Nest and our partners teach these skills as well.

Navigating Complex Systems

One of the most valuable services we can provide is helping our guests navigate bureaucratic systems and obtain essential documents, such as ID cards and Social Security cards, and other important documents. Without this support, many people become overwhelmed and give up, thus missing the critical documentation to put their lives back together.

Building Community and Accountability

At Nest Community Shelter, we institute daily routines, encourage peer relationships to build support networks, and provide accountability during vulnerable transition periods. Our staff and Flight School instructors also build and strengthen the needed networks for success. This network of support helps residents develop new coping strategies and social connections that can last well beyond their shelter stay.

The Bottom Line

We know that for unhoused individuals, the reasons why individuals find themselves in that situation are often complex. This means we must adopt a comprehensive service model that not only provides temporary relief but also interrupts the costly cycle of recidivism for some. By addressing housing, health, employment, and social needs simultaneously, we strive to set our clients up for success. The result benefits not only individuals and families, but entire community.

The post Breaking the Cycle: How Nest Works to Reduce Recidivism appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

How did you become a case manager, and what does a typical day look like for you? 

“I became a case manager through education and practical experience. I studied social work and gained early exposure through internships, which launched my career six years ago.
A typical day is a blend of structure and flexibility. I start by reviewing the status of our guests and updating case notes. Throughout the day, I meet one-on-one with the guests, coordinate with community partners, attend team meetings, and handle crises that may come up unexpectedly. I coach our flight instructors throughout the week in our program ‘Flight School’ as they meet with guests. This involves setting both short-term and long-term goals each week.”

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about individuals experiencing homelessness? 

“The most damaging misconception is that homelessness is a personal failure or a choice. Most people become homeless due to a lack of affordable housing, sudden job loss, domestic violence, family breakdown, or medical/mental health issues. Another myth is that ‘they just don’t want help when many faces long waitlists or disqualifying criteria that keep them from getting services.”

How do you build trust with clients who may have had negative experiences with social services before? 

“Trust starts with consistency and compassion. Meeting a person where they are. I try to create a space where clients feel safe being honest. I also acknowledge past trauma with systems and validate their experiences. Earning trust takes time, especially when people have been disappointed or harmed.”

What strategies have you found most effective in preventing people from returning to homelessness after they leave the shelter? 

“I find it essential to remind our guests that their time at Nest represents just a moment in their lives, and they have the power to shape what tomorrow looks like. Achieving this will require honesty, self-reflection, and willingness to try new approaches. Guests experience more success when they have ongoing support, which can include community engagement, learning and applying life skills, and creating pathways to independence. It’s important to understand that prevention is not only about securing housing; it’s also about helping individuals maintain that housing.”

Can you walk me through how you develop an individualized plan for someone who comes to the shelter? 

“First, I conduct a thorough intake, listening to the person’s story, strengths, needs, and goals. Then, with the support of our Flight School instructors and my guidance, we set short-term and long-term objectives together. I connect them with resources and break tasks into manageable steps. The plan is revisited regularly and adjusted as needed.” 

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job that the public wouldn’t expect? 

“One of the most challenging aspects of my job is often something that the public doesn’t see.  While many may assume the most difficult part is being ‘in the trenches, the real challenge is watching motivated individuals get stuck because of broken systems. For example, someone may be doing everything right, looking for work, staying sober, and following their case plan. Still, they can’t find affordable housing because there isn’t availability, and often must rely on public transportation, which can be challenging.”  

What are the most significant barriers that prevent people from maintaining stable housing once they leave? 

“Several significant barriers impede progress in this area. These include an unstable income or potential job loss, issues surrounding mental health or the relapse of addiction, the absence of a supportive network, unresolved legal challenges, strained relationships with landlords, and difficulties in managing budgeting or responding to rent increases.
Even minor setbacks can lead to eviction or housing loss without a strong safety net.” 

Can you share a success story that illustrates the impact of your work? 

“Success is a series of small wins. I find small wins to be the most impactful for guests, whether that means coming back from a 30-day rehab program or earning their 90-day NA/AA chip in sobriety. For others, it’s about finding the courage to support their mental health through community mental health services and therapy, opening up a new journey of self-fulfillment. Sometimes, it’s as simple as arriving without a caring foundation, discovering supportive resources, and finding new purpose with confidence and structure leading to job opportunities.” 

How can community members best support your work and the people you serve? 

“Starting off with simple acts of kindness, challenging stigmas and humanizing people who are experiencing homelessness. Volunteering is important for the community even if it’s just for the night. Coming into the shelter to help serve or having a conversation with one of the guests can be transformative. Community members can also help by becoming Flight School instructors. This is a wonderful way of giving back and being a part of their stories. Donating time, funds or goods can all be found on our website. People can advocate for affordable housing, employ shelter guests or offer skill building workshops.”

If you could dispel one myth about homelessness or change one thing about how this issue is addressed, what would it be? 

“I would dispel the myth that homelessness is caused by laziness or bad choices. The truth is, it’s usually caused by a lack of opportunity and support. If I could change one thing, it be to offer kindness no matter what and see how impactful a simple hello can change perspectives.”

We would like to extend our gratitude to Abigail for her impactful interview. If you are interested in learning more about Nest, how to support our mission or Flight School please reach out to us, under the “Get Involved” tab on our website or click here.

The post An Interview with Abigail Stewart, Nest Community Shelter Case Manager appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Essential Support Services:

Throughout our blog, we’ve talked at length about the challenges our unhoused community faces when trying to access support services. Something as basic as a birth certificate or driver’s license might seem insignificant until it is required to obtain support services, such as Medicaid, disability payments, or even to confirm identification for a job. Nest Community Shelter supports guests with these crucial relationships to obtain documents or services.

Nest serves as a bridge between our guests and a range of vital community services. Our experienced team, along with our meaningful relationships with community partners, helps individuals navigate complex systems to access essential resources, including healthcare, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job training programs, benefits assistance, and other critical support. We recognize that successful outcomes often depend on having the right connections at the right time.

Case Management

Our case management approach ensures that each guest receives personalized attention and support tailored to their unique circumstances and goals. No two guests are the same, nor are the support services they require to rebuild their lives. Our case managers work closely with individuals to develop realistic plans, overcome barriers, and build the skills necessary for successful independent living. This relationship-based approach recognizes that healing and progress happen within the context of trust and genuine care. When our guests recognize that we are just as committed to a successful long-term solution for them, they are empowered by this support.

Community Partnerships

We’ve cultivated strong relationships throughout our community and beyond, recognizing that sustainable change occurs when organizations collaborate. Last year, we highlighted some of our community partnerships on the blog and conducted a deep dive into the benefits these partnerships offer our guests. These partnerships enable us to expand our reach and provide resources that might otherwise be inaccessible or challenging to obtain for our guests. Whether connecting a guest to employment opportunities, educational programs, or specialized services, our community relationships multiply our impact and create pathways to success.

Flight School:

Our Flight School program represents an innovative approach to individualized support. Trained community volunteers work one-on-one with guests, guided by our lead case manager to ensure professional oversight, collaboration, and support. This program demonstrates to our guests that they are valued and supported, while providing community members with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting personal impact.

The Flight School volunteers help guests navigate available support systems, providing personalized guidance that can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered. The name “Flight School” embodies our belief that with proper support, each guest can take flight into a new, safe, and healthy life.

Continue Soaring Program:

Nest recognizes that for some guests, the journey doesn’t end when housing is secured. Our Continue Soaring program provides ongoing support to former guests who have found permanent housing. This program addresses a critical need in our community by maintaining connections and providing practical assistance during the vulnerable transition period and beyond. This one of the ways Nest is living our mission by ensuring that our guests know and recognize that Nest is part of their community if they choose to remain connected to us as a support network.

Support includes practical life skills training, essential items when needed, continued service connections, and the reassurance that support remains available. Recognizing that healing isn’t always a linear process, this program helps ensure that temporary setbacks don’t hinder long-term progress.

Our Comprehensive Impact

Since 2020, we have helped 443 individuals reconnect to their community and find a housing solution. Each individual represents an achievement that reflects our multifaceted approach, which addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability.

By combining direct service connections, professional case management, community partnerships, personalized care, and extended support, we create an environment where long-term success is available and obtainable for every guest. Each component of our approach reinforces the others, creating a robust support system that meets each guest where they are when they walk through our door and helps them reach their desired destination by reconnecting them to their community.

Our comprehensive model represents our commitment to supporting each guest as a whole person with unique strengths, challenges, and potential. When individuals receive this level of integrated support, they are far better positioned to build and maintain the stable, healthy lives they deserve.

The post Positioning Nest’s Guests Up for Long-Term Success: A Comprehensive Support Approach appeared first on Nest Community Shelter.

Why Does Nest Hold an Appreciation Event Each Year?

Nest Community Shelter is a volunteer-based organization. To the extent that we do, we post our volunteer hours at the bottom of each monthly newsletter. This isn’t to brag about volunteerism, but to acknowledge the community’s hard work and dedication. When volunteers spend their time with our organization, we recognize that they are giving of their time, a commodity that cannot be replenished, no matter how much you try. Time is impervious to wealth or status, which makes the hours that our volunteers spend with us and in service of Nest Community Shelter all the more powerful. Individuals and organizations have chosen to give of their time and talent to make an impactful difference in the lives of our guests and, by extension, our entire community. In recognition of this immense gift, we feel it is our honor to acknowledge these individuals and their dedication of time in support of our guests and our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Who Is Invited and What Is the Cost?

Let’s get the big question out of the way: the cost for this event is nothing. Yes, you read that correctly, there is no cost for volunteers to attend our annual appreciation event. This is our organization’s way of expressing gratitude for the time and talent our volunteers have given in support of our mission. This event is held for Nest Community Shelter, Nest La Porte volunteers, and supporters. If you’ve donated your time in this past year or given an in-kind gift of your talent, we encourage you to attend. This is our way to thank you for your generosity.

What Is This Event?

The name says it all: “Appreciation Event,” we want to recognize all of the individuals in our community who have supported our mission and operations over the past year in support of our unhoused neighbors. We could not have accomplished so much without the support of the community. This year’s event will be fun and casual. We will be featuring a hors d’oeuvres , sharing some fun stories, and honoring a few outstanding volunteers with awards.

Last year, we instituted the Fred Weiss award, named in honor of Mr. Weiss, the first recipient of this award. The Weiss Award is bestowed upon an individual or individuals who exemplify unwavering commitment to Nest Community Shelter. We will be bestowing this honor once again to a very worthy recipient. We will also be honoring an individual or organization with the Merrion Award, which was also given last year for the first time to its namesake, Ed Merrion. This award is in recognition for service over an extended period of time to Nest Community Shelter.

This year we will be adding a few additional awards to recognize and honor our current and past volunteers because as we’ve said before, it truly takes a village to complete this work.

When and Where Is This Event?

This year’s Appreciation Event will take place at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City on July 1, 2025. The doors open at 5:30 PM, and our evening concludes at 8 PM. This casual and fun event is an opportunity for our entire organization to join as a group and appreciate all of the love and support over the past year.

How Do I Attend This Event?

Tickets will become available by early next week. You will have to register for a free ticket and all tickets are first come, first serve with a maximum of 150 guests. If you are interested in attending we encourage you to sign up quickly. When our event tickets open up, we will be sure to share that information on our website and across our social media channels.

In closing, this has been an incredibly impactful year for our organization within the communities we serve. It seems that the need for our services has never been greater, which means that the work of our volunteers has never been more crucial. From opening our emergency cold weather shelter in La Porte, where people dropped off food, manned our check-in desk and overnight shifts, to those who helped us with administrative tasks, we appreciate each and every hour served in support of Nest’s mission to reconnect our guests to their community. If you’ve volunteered with us in the past year, we encourage you to please join us for an evening of celebration as we honor your gift of time with our organization.

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