Volunteer Magic Power

       It is a Monday night at the Gateway Center, following a fortnight of growing overflow of woman and children. The numbers soared like a jet taking flight. Mats on the floor are rule of the day. Near 100 women and children on the mats, on the concrete floor. We are now seeing scores of new women and their children come through the doors seeking services, employment, housing, escape from abusers, and new starts. They share two things in common: they are all homeless and they are all seeking a path out of homelessness. For most, hope has dimmed; almost vanished. There are not limitless resources in the community and the overflow of women and children has become part of daily life at the Gateway Center. The national economic meltdown has contributed significantly to the growing numbers. Evictions and job loss remain common place. New stresses ultimately fracture families. The persons that come to the Gateway Center are the first to feel the impact of the nation’s financial crisis, and sadly, will be the last the experience its recovery. These are tenuous days! These are stretched days, and not only for the Gateway Center but for many nonprofits in our community.
But, in the midst of the community crisis and tsunami of humanity that comes through the “gates” every day, there was a glimmer of normalcy and subtle ray of hope on this Monday night. It is a bit like seeing magic. Four volunteers arrive with their bags of magic tricks — books, art supplies, flashcards, worksheets … and large smiles and open hearts. They have spent the day working at their school. They all have experienced a long, long day already. They all have family responsibilities waiting for them. But, for a moment 25 school-age children experienced normalcy in the midst of the chaos that accompanies homelessness.
The volunteers did their magic. The children gathered around tables. Volunteers called the children by their own name. Artwork emerged. Flash card drills in math and English popped like Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn in a microwave! Children from first grade through tenth grade were laughing, smiling, working, cooperating, and sharing. For a moment, these were not homeless children, they were simply children. Children having fun. Children learning. Children experiencing the personal impact that comes when experiencing — and knowing up-close and personal — the feelings of value and having worth.
How did it happen, this transformation? It was volunteer magic power! It was the result of someone caring to share their most valuable of possessions … time, energy, and self. It was caring hearts reaching into fractured hearts and bringing wholeness and healing. What a different world we would have if everyday we experienced just a fraction of that Monday night magic. It truly was a holy moment! Some called it a Monday night. I called it Monmagicday night!
Thank you Kathy, Wendy, Karen, and Beth! You make magic! You have volunteer magic power! I am so grateful. The children are grateful. The Gateway Center is grateful. Hey, friends, come make some magic at the Gateway Center, like these four magicians!