Volunteer and THRIVE!

Volunteer and THRIVE!

Our volunteers matter!

When I think of Wheeler Mission, I’m so proud of our volunteers. They’re outstanding! So much so, in fact, that we couldn’t serve as we do without them. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Wheeler Mission, serving in every single facet of the ministry. From cooking to mentoring, transportation to childcare, our volunteers enable us to serve thousands of men, women, and children each year. Their manpower, skills, and expertise offset hundreds of thousands of dollars in staffing costs each year. What a blessing!

Thinking about joining us?

We know that volunteering is hard work, so we want to enable you to make the most impact. And we know serving is an investment, so it’s our priority to set you up to serve confidently, comfortably, and joyfully.

Here are a handful of tips to help you THRIVE in your role!

  • Know more to do more!

Our Wheeler 101 is the best way to get started. This 2-hour session is our crash course in all things Wheeler: those we serve, causes of homelessness and addiction, how Wheeler helps, and how YOU can serve! The more you understand, the better you can gauge how your gifts match our needs and volunteer opportunities.

  • Be faithful!

Once you’ve committed to volunteer, please serve as scheduled. We, and our guests, are counting on you. As our guests move through the recovery and stabilization process, your faithful presence helps them build trust, confidence, and a reliable support system throughout their journey.

  • Be flexible!

We serve people in deep crisis, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. We may even ask you to fill in somewhere different. If we have to shift things around a bit, we ask for grace, patience, and understanding.

  • Communicate!

We want to know how you’re doing! Whether your shift was wonderful or challenging, we welcome your feedback. Please keep us in the loop if you don’t have what you need to fulfill your role. If you run into any bumps or hurdles, let us know how we can help!

  • Listen!

Serving at Wheeler is a privilege, a unique opportunity to enter into someone’s journey and personal story. When our guests open up to you—and they most certainly will—listen with your whole heart. Only once you you truly understand someone’s past and present struggles, coupled with their future dreams, can you begin to offer guidance.

  • Take care of YOU!

Serving in a ministry capacity, especially one within a crisis environment, can be draining and emotionally taxing. So please, be sure to take care of you so your ministry doesn’t suffer or become a burden! Take breaks when you need them. Process any difficulties with our trained staff. And always make time for healthy, stress-relieving activities. If you do, you’ll return for your next shift rejuvenated and ready to give.

  • Pray!

Serving at Wheeler is many things: fulfilling, challenging, rewarding, and sometimes exhausting! It’s so important to pray for your own discernment, strength, and joy. And please be in prayer for Wheeler, for the staff laboring day in and day out, for your fellow volunteers, and our courageous guests.

You can even become a Wheeler Prayer Partner, committing to pray for us on a regular basis. Every other week, we send specific prayer requests that our partners can pray through on their own or in groups. For more info on becoming a Prayer Partner, email JulieAlvis@WheelerMission.org.

Thank you!

Whether you’re already volunteering with us or prayerfully considering it, I hope this list empowers you and sets you up for success within your role. We are sincerely grateful for you and look forward to seeing all the Lord does through you!

God bless,

Rick Alvis

P.S. Not yet a volunteer, but interested in learning more? Go here to get started!