“I’ve been volunteering at Mile High Ministries for 30 years now,” says Dale Twogood. “Since way back on Marion Street in Capitol Hill. I don’t know if anyone even remembers that.”

We sure do remember! From his home in the southwest suburbs, Dale took two different buses to get to our East Colfax location in the early days. “That bus stop in front of Paul’s Liquors was quite the scene,” Dale remembers. “I saw people get beat up with regularity.”

But Dale loved making our downtown surroundings beautiful by cutting grass and pulling weeds. Thirty years later, he’s still riding two buses to Joshua Station every week, where he takes great pride in his work. If he had a nickel for every weed, he’d be crazy rich. “Have you walked down the alley behind the building?” Yep sure have, where not a weed or scrap of trash can be seen. And our courtyard is a refreshing place for our residents to feel grass between their toes.

We honored Dale and many other volunteers this month with a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner with residents and staff. Many volunteers serve big community dinners on Thursday nights—and serve in a variety of other roles—but this time they weren’t allowed to lift a finger. Chili and fixins for all!

“We just love the volunteers here,” was a common refrain among residents. Tutors, mentors, interns, babysitters, activity leaders, building maintenance and trades, and resident volunteers (who live on site and share life as neighbors).

Our families presented thank-you cards expressing love and gratitude. To which the staff adds… a rousing THANK YOU for creating a healing space for families taking important next steps in life. Your heart, gifts, and presence make all the difference.