Meet Our Volunteers: John's Story

John first walked through the doors of Rescue Mission Orphanage in 2019, unsure of what to expect. A retired teacher, he was looking for a way to stay active and give back to his community. "I thought I'd be helping kids with homework," John recalls with a laugh. "Instead, they changed my life." What started as a two-hour weekly commitment quickly grew into a full-time passion. John now spends four days a week at the orphanage, mentoring children and leading reading programs. His most memorable moment came in 2021, when a shy twelve-year-old named Samuel finally opened up during their reading session. "He looked at me and said, 'John, you're like the grandpa I never had.' That's when I knew I'd found my calling." John has since recruited over 30 volunteers from his local church and community group. His dedication earned him the Volunteer of the Year award at our 2023 ceremony. "If you're thinking about volunteering, just show up," John advises. "The kids will take care of the rest. They have a way of showing you what really matters in life."