Stories

A Larger-Than-Life Heart

When a mother came to the Food Distribution Center with her children, she struggled to manage her shopping and her kids. Volunteer Beth Middleton decided to help keep her little ones entertained, freeing the grateful mother to focus on collecting the food she needed.

Assistant Food Distribution Director Valerie Moore describes Beth’s service glowingly: “Beth sets a loving, comforting tone with everyone who comes in. Her wide-open smile is the outward symbol of her heart, which is larger than life!”

Beth just began volunteering last May; what began as a commitment to serve once a month quickly turned into a deeper involvement. She now serves three times a week, finding purpose in every moment she spends helping others. While Beth is relatively new at the Mission, she has been serving others for decades within her church and the wider community. Her love for meeting people, hearing their stories, and making meaningful connections inspired her to volunteer at the Mission.

Valerie describes Beth as a ray of sunshine. “Beth is always willing to share smiles, hugs, prayers, and God’s Word.” Beth’s simple acts of kindness make a huge impact.

The most rewarding part of Beth’s experience is encountering our guests—their smiles, gratitude, and sense of connection make her efforts worthwhile.

Through her time at the Mission, Beth has realized the community’s immense need, from unemployment to health struggles. She’s seen firsthand the challenges many face, which has only strengthened her commitment to showing up and making a difference. Volunteers like Beth embody God’s love, and your support ensures our guests receive nourishing groceries.

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Shari Balodato
Faith House Program Specialist

Shari Badolato is the Program Specialist for Fath House. Before joining the Mission staff, she was a church Kids and Family Pastor. Shari enjoys hand lettering and going to the beach and movies with her family. She says, “I am grateful for the hope I have found in Jesus and have a passion for helping women find wholeness and healing in Him. I consider it a true privilege to partner with The Faith House.”

Brenda Bell
Rescued Treasures Coordinator

Brenda coordinates the volunteers who sort clothes and assist guests in Rescued Treasures.

She has been working with people in poverty since 1981. She says, “First, I befriend them. Then I find out what they need and refer them to the program that could best help. I only help people who want help, and only in the ways they want help. Some people have addiction problems and don’t want to leave the street. I’m still their friend.”

Carol Switzer
Faith House Program Coordinator

Carol coordinates the programs at Faith House, working with residents to help them develop skills for independence. Carol also runs Crossed Bridges with her husband Jonathan. She enjoys playing any sport with a ball, crocheting, bike riding, and spending time with her husband and five children. 

“He who loves God must love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21) explains what wakes Carol up in the morning to begin a new day; being able to serve the Lord while working with people, whether it be administratively or relationally. She loves hearing the testimonies of how Jesus has changed people’s lives, especially because He’s done so much for her!