April is National Volunteer Month, and we, at TPOM, have reason to celebrate the importance of volunteerism. Did you know that volunteers contribute billions of hours to their communities every year? Here at TPOM, we are especially grateful for the countless individuals who have helped our ministry grow and thrive. The story of TPOM began with the selfless dedication of Helen and Harold Cox, who spent decades ministering to those in prison. Their legacy continues to inspire our work today, as we carry on the mission they began through the hands and hearts of volunteers.
The Heart of TPOM: Volunteers Who Make a Difference
Our ministry has been blessed by the time, effort, and love of numerous volunteers over the years. TPOM wouldn’t be where it is today without them. Volunteers at TPOM serve in a variety of ways, each contributing to the mission in their own unique and meaningful way.
A Personal Journey: My Experience as a Volunteer at TPOM
When I first became involved with TPOM, it was through a volunteer internship. I had the privilege of spending time with the women in the transitional home, learning about their lives, and being present with them as they worshiped each Sunday. Now that I work at the reentry center, I continue to volunteer inside prison facilities. Every Thursday, I visit the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center (DJRC), where I hear how God is moving in the lives of the chaplain assistants and conduct interviews with women who have applied to the reentry program. These visits, along with the chance to reduce any anxiety among those about to join the program, are a highlight of my week.
A Thank You to Our Volunteers
There are many ways that volunteers support TPOM. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed in any of the following ways:
- Taught classes inside a facility or at the reentry center
- Loved on youth in juvenile detention centers
- Helped prepare or grade NewLife Behavior correspondence lessons for those incarcerated
- Greeted visitors and residents at the front desk
- Served on the board or advisory board, helping to govern the organization and plan for the future
- Counseled residents through an internship
- Served at Sunday night worship services
- Mentored residents in the transitional houses
- Provided clothes, hygiene products, and bedding for new residents arriving from prison
- Donated gifts or time for the youth Christmas party
- Prepared meals for the Sunday community meal
- Facilitated NA/AA meetings for residents each week
- Prayed for those incarcerated or going through reentry
- Supported Camp COPE for kids impacted by parental incarceration
- Assisted in organizing TPOM events
- Beautified the TPOM campus with church groups
Volunteers: The Heart of What We Do
Every volunteer effort, big or small, plays a critical role in transforming lives and providing hope to those who need it most. The time, energy, and love that volunteers pour into TPOM are immeasurable, and we are beyond grateful. Some of the most valuable qualities of our volunteers are dedication, consistency, non-judgment, and an uplifting spirit that encourages individuals who are incarcerated, going through reentry, or who have an incarcerated parent. If you see yourself in these qualities, we would love to have you join us in making a difference! There are many ways you can get involved. Some of our most pressing needs include:
- Mentors for residents at the reentry center
- Help with Camp COPE in June
- Facilitators for book clubs at juvenile detention centers
- Clothes and hygiene products for new residents
- Support for office staff with 2- or 4 hour projects
- Members for the online prayer team
- Assistance with one-time events like the upcoming women’s event and annual benefit dinner
Are You Our Next Volunteer?
If you feel called to volunteer, we encourage you to reach out today and explore how you can be involved. There’s a place for you here, and together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
You’ve heard from me, and now I would like to hear from you:
- What is one way you’ve been impacted by a volunteer, or how have you seen volunteerism make a difference in your community?
- If you’ve volunteered with TPOM or another organization, what was your most memorable experience, and how did it affect you?
