Julie Yeater, our February 2018 Volunteer of the Month, has been a true gift to Second Helpings. In December 2015, Julie had returned to the United States after five years spent working in Austria and was looking for an organization where she could volunteer knowing her efforts would make a difference. Another Second Helpings volunteer encouraged Julie to look our way. After reading about Souper Bowls in the Urban Times, Julie attended the event and enjoyed the people she met here. She then participated in a donor lunch, and Julie’s path to becoming a volunteer had begun.
While Julie can often be found at the front desk, assisting staff, guests, students, and volunteers, she has taken on many other roles, as well. Julie has trained new front desk volunteers, has assisted with mock interviews for the Culinary Job Training students, and even helped paint walls within the building. Not only that, Julie has filled in during the occasional staff vacation day to make sure our partner agencies are taken care of, and has volunteered at special events off-site.
When asked what she likes best about volunteering at Second Helpings, Julie has a long list. The efforts being made to eliminate hunger and empower people, becoming acquainted with other volunteers, students and staff, and of course, the yummy lunches are all part of what makes her experience rewarding.
When Julie is not at Second Helpings, she maintains a healthy balance of activities, including employment and volunteering. She works two part-time jobs, for Contemporary Services Corporation and the Indiana FFA Foundation, and participates in two vibrant faith congregations, City Community Church and Traders Point Christian Church Downtown, serving as a core leader for Community Bible Study. She somehow also finds time to travel, serve as a docent at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, volunteer in guest services for Traders Point Downtown, and serve as a home church host for City Community.
In order to volunteer at Second Helpings, Julie walks the 20-minute trek here from Fletcher Place, and only lightning has forced her to drive for a volunteer shift. “The more I walk, the more I can eat!” she says. Julie truly embodies what it means to have a servant’s heart, and strives to treat everyone well and be an encouragement to them. We are so fortunate that Julie was inspired to devote her talents to Second Helpings!
Are you interested in transforming your community through the power of food alongside Julie? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and fill out an application.