Carolyn Lee was preparing to conclude her afternoon shift in the front office when a woman and her little girl came in for help.
Carolyn learned that she had just become homeless the night before; she was escaping an abusive relationship.
She had the means to rent an apartment but had been scammed out of a deposit and needed a few days to find a new home. When Carolyn and the other front office volunteer learned that the young mother and her toddler planned to sleep in a car that night, they flew into action. Together, they paid for a hotel until our community partners Beyond Shelter and St. Vincent De Paul could assist her. Carolyn kept in touch with the woman, and about a week later, the mom and her daughter moved safely into an apartment.
After Carolyn first learned about the Frederick Rescue Mission through her church, she felt called to serve. Inspired by the heartfelt volunteer orientation, she knew this was where God wanted her to be. What began with volunteering at Rescued Treasures quickly expanded into helping in the kitchen and front office—doing whatever was needed to serve others with compassion.
Over the past year, Carolyn has become a vital part of the Mission’s team, helping guests with ID cards and providing a welcoming presence.
The most rewarding part of her experience has been knowing the work isn’t about her—it’s about showing love to those in need.
The role has stretched her out of her comfort zone, helping her connect with people from all walks of life and deepening her trust that God is using her in powerful ways. Carolyn says “There’s a lot of need in the community. You get people from all over. I see people that I wouldn’t expect to be needing help. There are a lot of people in need right now in our community, such as elders and people struggling with mental illness.”
Carolyn has witnessed the Mission’s life-changing impact—from helping families find shelter to offering a kind word to those in crisis. She believes the Mission’s most important work is bringing people to Christ, one act of love at a time. Your partnership with the Mission has provided a place for volunteers like Carolyn Lee to change lives now and for eternity.
