Withstand the test of time and are no longer operational. As volunteers of H.E.L.P., we may ask why this ministry has been so successful. I think God gives us examples in nature that serve us well to model.
As a beekeeper, I have the privilege to witness firsthand how it takes the whole colony, working together in perfect harmony, to not only survive but thrive! Recently, I was having some issues with one of my hives and getting help from a fellow beekeeper. In thanking her for her time and patience, she said something that made me think about H.E.L.P. She said, “Humans work together to make things happen, the same way bees do.” Please indulge me a little to tell you about how a bee colony works.
“In the bustling world of bees, building strong social bonds within the hive is not just a matter of preference but an essential component of their very survival. Bees are not solitary creatures; they rely on a highly complex social structure to thrive and flourish. The intricate network of interactions and relationships formed within the hive greatly contributes to the overall health and well-being of the entire colony.” Each bee has a designated role: the diligent worker responsible for forging, the nurturing nurse bee that tends to the brood, and the Queen who ensures the colony continues.
Bees are not solitary creatures; their survival is dependent on each other. H.E.L.P.’s success and survival are dependent on ALL volunteers and board members. I would like to recognize the Board Members and a couple of others for the crucial roles each one plays. Regina Griffin: treasurer, volunteer coordinator, works tirelessly to ensure the facility is running smoothly, Volunteers, and fills in each month. Sharon Copali: secretary, grant writer, yellow zone coordinator, provides training on equipment safety, cleans and tags equipment every Wednesday, along with Debie Bosserman. Kris Cree: community leader, volunteers every Tuesday and on other days when needed. Voice of reasoning to ensure we are financially responsible, provides correspondence to those who donate. Betty Gruber: grant writer, videographer, Facebook administrator, volunteer coordinator for Loch Willow. Jean Liggett: volunteer coordinator for St. Peter’s, volunteers several days a month, volunteers for recruitment, sends out thank yous, and correspondence to those who donated for 10 years. Her enthusiasm has recruited volunteers from the library and Curves. Gail Rexrode: volunteer coordinator for St. James, volunteer at HELP during open hours, and overall leader.
Buford Masincup: fixer-upper guy. He takes nothing and makes something. He stops in about 3 times a week to work on equipment and often takes things home to work on.
Danny Griffin: Overall building maintenance and the Doer of anything that needs to be done.
Thelma Harper coordinates computer entry training and scheduling, and simplifies statistical gathering. Every volunteer, every person who prays for the ongoing success of H.E.L.P., every equipment donation, or monetary donation plays a critical role in the “colony”. We are not meant to do this life alone; we are meant to be in a community. Two are better than one.
With the greatest of appreciation to all the volunteers,
Stefanie Bartley
