In my early, pre-move, job hunting and researching I stumbled across the Downtown Women's Center (DWC).
DWC is a place that helps women who were homeless or very low income get back on their feet. It offers everything from: math and computer classes; to sewing and candle making; to warms meals, showers, and clean clothes; and so much more. The DWC aims to help women both short-term and long-term, offering both supportive housing and day center activities.
From the very beginning I knew I wanted to be involved in the work of DWC. This past weekend I had my first opportunity as I joined a group of volunteers who would prepare a gourmet healthy meal for the over 125 women in attendance.
For about an hour and half we diced, stirred, mixed, and otherwise worked towards the preparation of the meal. As we worked, the women of the center slowly filed into the dining room, often stopping by the kitchen to thank us and cheer us on. They appreciated what we were doing, they were thankful and they wanted us to know it.
As for me, I watched as more and more of them came in. I watched as they greeted each other, and I saw how much they supported one another. These women who came from so many different backgrounds and cultures had created a family amongst themselves. Their ties were clearest when they were called upon to welcome a new woman among them. As the entire room turned to the newcomer, you could feel the love and support they each extended to her. In that moment, you saw each of them remember what their first day had been like.
Once everyone had been served lunch, a round of seconds, and dessert, we volunteers made ourselves plates from what was left, then went out and sat at various tables among the women. The women told me their stories. They told me of their backgrounds, and of their children. They told me about all they had been able to learn and do since coming to the center. They insisted on taking my plate to the sink for me.
They were mothers, daughters, aunts and sisters.
I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to meet them, and I plan to go back and get to know them more.
How wonderful Selina of you to be so giving. So proud to hear you share this story. A story of a caring heart and taking action. Many blessings to on your new journey. Its amazing how when we keep ourselves open to all and listen to people of all walks of life and situation. In the end we all have our stories and we tend to be more alike then not. Some of us have hit bottom and other have been fortune to not have it as bad. But when we allow ourselves to care and give back, we are all better for it. We may be poor in material things but rich in the things of relationships and matters of the soul. Lots of love, peace and happiness to you. Hugs :)
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