Do you ever wish that you could have a conversation with someone who is able to inspire you and make you laugh in the same sentence? If you would like to experience this, then you’ll want to meet Brian.
Brian came to our shelter last month. Brian has one of the silliest personalities of any resident we’ve ever had, but he’s also a hard worker who is dedicated to accomplishing his goals. He is quick to help out around the shelter when we need an extra hand, and is always appreciative to our volunteers. He introduces himself to every volunteer we have and thanks them for their service and help.
Brian says the volunteers that he’s encountered while living at HCHS have been the most caring people he has ever met. “They challenge me in my faith,” he says while listing qualities he loves about our volunteers. Some of his favorite volunteers include Vern Klingenberg who is a former member of the HCHS board, and Richard Diehl, who many know as Cotton or Dickie.
Brian enjoys Vern’s caring personality and the great conversations he has with Vern. He recalls a time when Vern took him to work one morning and told him great stories about his time on the farm. Cotton is a musician and Brian enjoys listening to him sing and play music when he volunteers. Brian is encouraged by Cotton and Vern’s heart for the homeless. The non-judgmental attitude that they display while helping is something that Brian has learned from and will always treasure.
Brian’s outlook on life has changed since moving into HCHS. He is optimistic about the future when he sees children coming with their parents to volunteer. One young boy, Sam, really clicked with Brian as they talked about things they had in common. “It’s good to see young kids learning that there are people living in the shelter. They need to see that the world isn’t perfect, and learn responsibility and how to care for others.” We agree – we love to see parents teaching their kids about how important volunteer work is. As Brian would say, a kid who is willing to come and help at the shelter is “awesome sauce.”
Hearing Brian say silly things and seeing him smile after every joke makes it hard to believe the past he leaves behind. Brian is a recovering addict who is currently over 170 days clean. He admits his choices have played a large part in bringing him to the shelter. “My addiction brought me here,” he said, “but my faith is bringing me out.”
Being at the shelter has changed Brian’s life. He has met many wonderful people, including his peer residents. Brian was hired by a local company and works in shipping. Attending Celebrate Recovery, NA meetings, a great church has become a priority for Brian. He is excited about the future and plans to implement his faith into his recovery process so that he can stay clean. Brian is thankful to everyone who has supported him and to all of the volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to come and hang out at the shelter. Having people around who care for him has made a wonderful difference in his life.
It is only because of our supporters that we are able to meet people like Brian. It is no joke that Brian brightens all of our days with his jokes and delightful spirit. We are excited to see Brian grow in the Lord with our volunteers by his side!
