It’s not every day that an army of lawyers, doctors, policymakers, educators, community organizers, and urban planners from Africa report to the Mission as volunteers.

Thanks to the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, that’s exactly what happened. During their six-week commitment at Wayne State University in Detroit, these passionate young leaders found time to spend a day at DRMM’s Genesis House 2 family shelter.

While cleaning, serving meals, and reading to the children in our care, the Mandela Fellows touched many hearts in need of hope. Thank you to these young men and women—and to all volunteers who give of their time and talent!

YOU TOO CAN SHARE HOPE AS A VOLUNTEER!

DRMM runs on volunteers, and more help is needed to serve meals to hundreds of families and individuals each day throughout the Christmas season!

In addition to your important financial support, consider giving the gift of your time as a volunteer. There are 10 sites throughout Detroit and Highland Park where you can lend your talents to enrich the lives of people who are in need of help and hope. Individuals, students, businesses, churches, and more are all encouraged to join us!

To sign up to volunteer, or for more information, please contact Kisha Woods at kwoods@drmm.org or call 313.993.4700, x3930. You can also sign up at: drmm.org/volunteer.

Your support makes the holidays special for neighbors in need

Lisa was nearing the end of her pregnancy when she got the news from her landlord that she and her little ones would have to move. They found shelter in a hotel for a time, but money was tight and she would soon be caring for her newborn 24/7!

“I called so many other shelters and they all were full. They all turned me down,” Lisa says, remembering those frightening days. “When I reached out to DRMM, they helped me out. All the staff are genuine about what they do. They go above and beyond to help us.”

Safe shelter arrived just in time because not long after the family settled in, Lisa went into labor . . . weeks early. She will never forget the many kindnesses she experienced after returning to the Mission with her newborn. “When I came back, they had little cards on the door that said, ‘Welcome,’ to the baby. It was really good to see.”

But the kindness that touched Lisa most deeply were the special outreaches throughout the holidays—DRMM’s Adopt A Family Program—that helped her children experience the joy of Christmas. “Christmas was so nice. Somebody sponsored every child so they were all able to get presents. My kids were so happy.

“Knowing I wasn’t going to be able to do Christmas like I usually do, it really hit home,” Lisa says, wiping a tear from her eye. “Once they told us that they were going to help us with gifts for the kids, it made me feel a lot better.”

Lisa is looking forward to getting back on her feet so she can finish college and build a new life for her family. “I have a year and a half left for my LPN license,” she says. “Once I get stable, I am going to go back to school so I can pursue my career because I have a passion for helping people.”

To the people who support DRMM, Lisa has heartfelt words of thanks to share. “We greatly appreciate you guys. You don’t know how much you help us. You’re helping us feed our children, to be sure our kids have diapers, clothes, and just to be able to eat. It is a blessing.”