You might know them for their bright smiles and big hearts, but you may not have heard their story. For Mary Lou and Keith, it all started with a simple summer vacation.
The couple took a summer vacation to Bozeman, Montana, in 2012 when they encountered a church startup doing incredible work in the community. As they listened to the church's plans, something stirred within them – a desire to be a part of something greater, to make a difference in the lives of others.
After retiring and leaving their home state of Iowa, they started traveling the country and seeking volunteer opportunities. They heard about this incredible renovation project in Tucson, where a resort was being transformed into a cooperative one-stop shop for homeless services.
When they arrived at Gospel Rescue Mission, they quickly became immersed in the organization's mission. From painting walls and laying floors to working in the Welcome Center and Kitchen, the couple embraced every opportunity to lend a helping hand.
Mary Lou and Keith love volunteering at GRM, but the reason they keep coming back, year after year, is not because of the buildings – it is the connections they are making, the impact they are having on people's lives, their personal growth, and the growth they see in others. They come back for the people that call them "family."
Volunteering has also opened their eyes to the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and at-risk individuals, leading them to develop greater compassion and understanding.
Mary Lou and Keith always seek to immerse themselves in the local community and find great fulfillment in building long-lasting friendships with the people they meet through their volunteering efforts. And with this personal mission, Mary Lou and Keith discovered a newfound sense of purpose. For them, retirement had once felt like a void, but now it was filled with the joy of making a difference, of being part of something greater than themselves. The friendships they forged, the lives they touched, and the lessons they learned were the treasures that made their volunteering journey so rewarding.
https://grmtucson.com/volunteer/
