I have been a full time volunteer at Lydia’s House through Mercy Volunteer Corps since August. Through my time and experiences, I have been able to truly frame what this organization means to me. This place is a safe space,…
The most rewarding aspect of my workday is the moment I realize I have gained a patient's trust. It's a special flavor of success to see the fearful toddler hiding behind mommy's legs become an enthusiastic chatterbox while I take…
“As Travolta says, just stayin' alive” I overhear this amusingly misattributed quote from one of the regulars who hang out at the public square known as the "hub," the transportation and shopping nexus at the northern edge of Mott Haven,…
This winter season, I have been thinking a lot about hospitality, especially hospitality in the time of COVID-19. Since November, I have been working at the Winter Weather Shelter run by my service site, Operation Safety Net (OSN) in Pittsburgh,…
So far my experience with Mercy Volunteer Corps in Pittsburgh has been a good one. My service site is with AJAPO (Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach), a refugee resettlement agency. I do enjoy the work and I feel…