Food Security United States Project #22472

Serve 2000 meals to those in need in Silver Spring

by The Shepherd's Table, Inc

Serve 2000 meals to those in need in Silver Spring

Project Report | Sep 10, 2020
A Volunteer's Perspective: Jan Weetjens

By Jilna Kothary | Director of Development and Communications

Meal Recipient at Beyond the Table

For this report, we will share a perspective from Jan Weetjens, a regular volunteer in our Resource Center and meal programs. We spoke with Jan in July, as he has been coming in regularly to volunteer, despite COVID-19 concerns. we are grateful for him and others that have continued coming in to serve.

Jan retired from the World Bank, with field experience in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. As he searched for volunteer opportunities close to home, he found Shepherd’s Table and connected strongly with its mission. What he likes most about Shepherd’s Table is that “People are treated like customers. It’s a small thing but very meaningful to me: whenever possible, people are offered with a choice: do you prefer the chicken or the beef? This deodorant or that one? It validates the person, their dignity, their agency, and their right to choose.”

When he’s not volunteering, Jan keeps busy with leadership and life coaching, and also studies and meditates. He enjoys being part of a team that tries to make a difference for people who find themselves in situations of hardship. He appreciates it when he can relate to somebody in their mother tongue, and is moved by all the acts of kindness he sees when volunteering at Shepherd’s Table.

He enjoys seeing people take care of each other, including a couple that just got engaged. “It’s beautiful to witness that.”

Jan has continued volunteering throughout COVID-19, as he knows the need is there, and feels safe due to the serious approach Shepherd’s Table has taken to mitigating the risk for everyone. He enjoys meeting people from all different backgrounds and ages and experiences, volunteers and clients alike. “It is one of the joys of working at Shepherd’s Table.” He believes that Shepherd’s Table strives for excellence, and really sees the person and their needs: how can we be as responsive, caring and loving as possible to this person?

“I get so much out of being able to connect with people. My own humanity gets affirmed when I’m here.”

We thank all our dedicated volunteers who have made sure all our services continue during this challanging time for everyone, especially those we serve daily. As we expand our services to feed even more people, we know we couldn't do it without the incredible support we have in the community.

We hope you are all staying safe and healthy!

In Gratitude,

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Our Most Recent Newsletter

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May 14, 2020
Our Meals Must Go On!

By Jilna Kothary | Director of Development and Communications

In response to the challenging times we are living in, Shepherd's Table is committed to remain open, while taking extra precautions to minimize virus transmission. As we have done for 36+ years, we have remained open every single day, to provide basic services like meals, mail, prescription medicine, toiletires and more. While our clothes closet and eye clinic have closed temporarily, we continue to serve hot meals in "to-go" boxes twice a day and provide services in our Resource Center. Our meal services are greatly appreciated, as meal guests express their gratitude every day.

Having transitioned to the to go meals handed out just outside our building on March 16th, we have continued to adapt the process to make it safer for staff, clients, volunteers and donors that have provided in-kind suport to supplement our meals. We rented tents to provide shelter when it rains, solicited in-kind donations of sandwiches and desserts (home made cookies, brownies, and other treats) that supplement the balanced and nutritious meals we serve. Our staff has doubled down on their dedication to serve, and luckily, we are all safe and healthy.

We still get the support of a few volunteers per meal service, to serve an average of 350 meals per day, and are so grateful for the community support that enables us to continue serving. Our County has seen a continual rise in cases, and with our proximity to DC, Coronavirus transmission is still a concern for everyone. Our goal is support our most vulnerable populations, many of whom don't have homes, families to care for them, or jobs to provide income. We will continue to remain open as the number of people in need increase. We are a grassroots community-based organization, and will do what we can to support everyone that seeks our assistance.

We have risen to meet the need of communities around us that cannot come pick up meals, such as seniors who can't leave their house, and a neighborhood in DC that was in dire need of meals. We packaged meals every day, that are delivered to them, and are grateful to be of service to everyone that is hungry or food insecure.

Everyday, since we pivoted our programs in response to COVID-19, we are reminded of our commitment as an organization: Together Meteing Needs, Changing Lives.

We cannot do this alone- THANK YOU for your support, whether you give monthly, occassionally, or one-time. It is all appreciated!

Stay safe, and take care of yourselves, especially as the Country starts to re-open.

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Jan 15, 2020
In the Spirit of the holidays

By Jilna Kothary | Director of Development and Communications

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