Gabriel and the Power of Volunteering

Gabriel (name changed to protect his privacy) started out solely as a client when he first found Ballard Food Bank. He came to the United States in search of opportunity but many systemic obstacles resulted in his loss of stable housing. When he lost housing, the stigma of living outdoors led to a striking decrease in social interaction.

"When you're not taking a shower, you have no food, people look at you crazy if you ask if they can help you. They think you have no dignity, no value in the street." 

Over the next year, and with the help of our Resource Hub, Gabriel began going to school, was connected to housing, and regularly started volunteering with us. Now he finds that there is no shortage of opportunity to make friends. Volunteering is one of many avenues he cites as turning his life around. Chatting with folks while stocking food bank shelves gives him a chance to be motivated by others and their gratitude, an opportunity to practice English, and a wonderful environment to be social.

"This year, this place gave me a new advantage … I felt lost in the world. This place gave me a compass to move in the world where I want to go."

He likens the social empowerment to getting a power-up in Super Mario Bros. With social isolation, he felt similar to Mario taking damage. He turns small, he becomes slow, he doesn't jump as high. After being connected to both resources and community members through the food bank he says he feels like Mario getting a star - brighter, faster, almost invincible.

Giving back to the food bank has given him a psychological lift. He sees the glass half full thanks to the positive vibes and energy he's found in volunteering. Despite a busy school schedule and building his new life here in Seattle, he continues coming to Ballard Food Bank for the camaraderie shared with his fellow volunteers and the gratitude from clients. All these positive interactions encourage a voice in his head that says, "Keep going! Never give up. You got this!"