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Embracing Service: A Catholic Charities Volunteer's Journey
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June 12, 2024Becky, a dedicated volunteer at Catholic Charities, exemplifies selfless service and community involvement. A parishioner at Christ the King, she now spends her Wednesdays from 9 am to 2 pm at Sanctuary Women’s Development Center in Oklahoma City, a day shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. She then embarks on a mission to help refugees two to three days a week in the Refugee Resettlement program.
Becky began her journey into volunteering with a desire to deepen her relationship with God, and she admits, it seems to have worked.
“I think that people have time, you just have to commit to it,” she says. "I truly believe that you love God by showing service toward others.”
Inspired by Mother Teresa’s ethos of compassion, Becky felt called to serve those in need and embarked on her volunteer work with Catholic Charities in February of this year. She heard about the volunteer opportunities at Sanctuary through a friend and reached out to Cindy Sparling, another Christ the King volunteer who coordinates the parish women’s group, to see how she could contribute. After completing her training and on-site orientation in January of this year, Becky began her first volunteer shift, eager to make a difference.
She carries a small book in her purse titled “Love without Measure” and often turns to one of her favorite pages with a quote from Mother Theresa: “Love cannot remain by itself, it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.”
“Those kinds of words, you can read them, but to try to live them is another story,” she says sincerely.
A Typical Day at Sanctuary
Every Wednesday, Becky brings donuts for the staff and the women at Sanctuary, embodying her belief in the importance of small gestures of kindness. She assists with various tasks, from organizing the donation warehouse and picking up meals to helping the women with their daily needs. She passionately addresses the practical needs of the women, such as ensuring they have adequate shower supplies and hygiene kits. One of her more memorable moments includes helping a woman find suitable clothes for a job interview.
However, Becky’s dedication goes beyond providing material support; she makes it a point to learn the women's names and listen to their stories, fostering a sense of community and connection.
“All these women were somebody’s daughter or sister or mother, and I’m sure they never thought this would be their life,” Becky says sympathetically. “It also makes you seek understanding and appreciate the differences in people.”
Refugee Services: Courage and Compassion
Becky’s volunteer work with the Refugee Resettlement program ranges from filing documentation to assisting case managers with various activities, including airport pickups and health appointments. So far, she has met refugees from Afghanistan, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Venezuela. She recalls taking a mother and her two children to a health appointment, using a translator to communicate, and playing with the children to keep them entertained.
"I think they’re very brave and courageous to travel and leave all that is good about their country behind," she says. “I’ve been really struck by how very loving and kind they are.”
Her experiences with the refugee families have been profoundly rewarding, as she helps them navigate their new lives in the United States. One of her fondest memories involves taking two girls to their first day of fifth grade.
"They were so excited, and the staff at the school were incredibly welcoming and loving," she recalls, noting the joy and gratitude of the family. “The girls were so happy to be there and the mom had tears in her eyes.”
Becky’s dedication to service extends beyond her direct volunteer work with clients. She also volunteered at the 2024 Green Tie Gala, an event supporting Sanctuary, and continues to advocate for the organization by encouraging her friends to volunteer. As a former nurse who decided to become a lawyer and past CEO of the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, Becky brings a wealth of experience and a strong advocacy background to her volunteer roles.
A Transformative Experience
Becky admits that volunteering has profoundly impacted her life, and through service, she has found personal enrichment, growing in love and faith. She describes herself as happier and more meditative, with a deepened appreciation for the diversity and resilience of the people she serves. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of volunteering and the mission of Catholic Charities.
“I think people need to know that there’s a significant need and that their time would be well spent volunteering if they feel called to do that,” Becky says. “You will learn that it is really you who is enriched by the experience. It’s you who grows in love. It’s you who grows in faith.”
