Category: Volunteers

Food Distribution Center

Chinese Refugee Pursues Freedom in Frederick

Lanjian Zhao risked his life to practice freedom of speech in China and suffered horrible consequences from Chinese authorities. Now he volunteers, giving out the groceries you help provide to the community through our Food Distribution Center.

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RAISING UP AN ARMY—OF HELP

 Imagine organizing over 1,000 volunteer shifts and hundreds of people. That’s what Carolyn Chandler and Lisa Catania do every month, displaying endless enthusiasm while feeding

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Rescued Treasures

The Light of Used Clothes

“My boyfriend kicked me out, leaving me nothing,” said Jenny* when she explained to long-time volunteer Pat Strawder why she needed an entirely new wardrobe. Pat was able to help the young lady “shop” for everything from undergarments to a coat because you donated your gently used clothing to Rescued Treasures, our free clothing shop.

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Changed Life Recovery Program

Fatherhood

When Gabe relapsed at the Mission for the first time, Charlie was there. When he graduated from the Changed Life Recovery Program and relapsed two

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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!