Read the inspiring story of Michelle Williams volunteer experience, and what led to her being honored for her selfless service.
Michelle with Executive Director and Founder Greg Pavett, Executive Chef Craig Sharp, and Director of Culinary Operations, Mo Mara.
The COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and there was nothing to do. Everything was closed, people were still limited to where they could go and what they could do. Michelle, being who she is, was getting restless just sitting around. She heard of the Humanity Alliance through church and friends, so she came by the kitchen at St. Victoria Catholic Church in the fall of 2020, and saw a need there.
Michelle has been involved as a volunteer with other organizations around the Twin Cities, and she loved how her input really made a difference at the Humanity Alliance.
“I really appreciate Greg & Heidi... because some people can be so tied into how they want it to go, and they're not willing to open up and say ‘wow that's a great idea’. That was really key.”.
Michelle’s input was so needed, and worked well with Greg’s big visions and dreams for service.
“You wouldn't exist without [Greg]’s personality, and it wouldn't happen without some nitty gritty people”.
Michelle ended up being one of those nitty gritty people. All she had to do was say the magic words…
“Do you need help? Because I can help - I have time!”
As she went along, her role expanded and she became an integral part of the weekly process, organizing and running daily volunteer and kitchen processes for over a year. Little did she know, her generosity and willingness to help would lead to an increase in the volunteer family, beautiful relationships, 2,000 volunteer hours, and even an award named after her: The Michelle Williams Volunteer Award.
How it’s going: The Michelle Williams Volunteer Award & Continued Friendships
In early March, Greg presented Michelle with the Michelle Williams Volunteer Award to recognize her incredible contribution. Although she said it really wasn’t necessary, she also was humbled by the thought.
Inaugural Michelle Williams Volunteer Award. Presented in March, 2022.
“I think it’s so kind and wonderful and I really loved it. I think it’s beautiful!”.
Priding herself on her commitment to getting the job done, Michelle would be with volunteers in the kitchen all day and say,
“Well, I’m not walking out the door until it’s done”.
This is how she ended up having 2,000 hours of volunteering, and is exactly the kind of mentality The Humanity Alliance needed when she came on board as a volunteer. Through her grit, she also built some awesome relationships with volunteers, and opened up the Humanity Alliance volunteer experience to more people, which continue today! This award will be given to a new volunteer each year to recognize volunteers who exemplify Michelle’s dedication and commitment.
Michelle continues to volunteer and lead multiple groups a week with people who come from a local group home. She said that it’s been one of her favorite outcomes of her experience at The Humanity Alliance. People of all abilities are able to make an impact by contributing their time and thoughtful energy, and Michelle helped make a space for that to happen!
Michelle has found her joy in volunteering with these groups, and has built lasting, family-like relationships with folks she’s been working with in her role at the Humanity Alliance.
A volunteer family
As Michelle and I talked, she realized that the people that come each week to volunteer at the Humanity Alliance really become like a family.
“I just feel like there's something over this organization... that it's all these connections being built.”
It’s true! Michelle has witnessed families and individuals coming each week and becoming good friends who care about each other, who are invested in each other, and who genuinely enjoy being together. The connections that have come out of people getting together to make a real difference in our community are beautiful!
Future Hopes
As Michelle steps out of her especially large volunteer role and into her role of weekly group leading and occasionally babysitting at the Unitē Lodge, she hopes to keep the momentum going. Those who know Michelle know that she has built enough momentum to keep the Unitē Foods program going for years to come!