A gift we give to each other
Volunteer work has been part of Julie Dyste’s life for a long time. Part of her career, too. For many years, she worked in volunteer engagement for the Greater Twin Cities United Way, where she matched corporations and individuals with opportunities to give back.
That’s how she got to know Simpson Housing Services about 15 years ago. But even though she’s retired now, she’s made an effort to stay connected with Simpson. She’s been volunteering regularly for about five years now – everything from tutoring young children at Passage Community, where many participants in Simpson’s Family Housing Program live, to calling property owners to inquire about supportive housing opportunities, to scanning and packaging countless works of art for the annual Art 4 Shelter fundraiser. (She’s on the Art 4 Shelter Committee, so this time of year is always busy.)
She says there’s a good reason she’s kept coming back.
“I’ve so appreciated the work [Simpson staff] do in the community, and I wanted to be involved somehow,” she says. “People have a right to a roof over their heads… And I like that Simpson, besides providing shelter, helps people get into housing and provides the resources and support they need in order to stay there.”
The feeling is definitely mutual.
“Working alongside Julie is a beautiful gift,” Director of Volunteer Engagement Christina Giese says – “100 percent dependable,” “well known for her positive attitude and deeply caring nature,” and “solidly dedicated” to the community.
Organizations like Simpson – and the communities they operate in — unequivocally rely on people like Julie. That was true before the pandemic, but the critical need of volunteers (and the value of those volunteer hours) has only increased as it’s gotten tougher to get together. Last year, volunteers gave nearly 3,100 hours (about four months) to Simpson. The value of that volunteer time, based on estimates by Independent Sector, is roughly $96,000.
But Julie says she gets just as much as she gives when it comes to volunteer work, if not more.
“It’s an educational experience,” she says. “It broadens your mind.”
And besides that, it can lead to some unexpected friendships. Right before the pandemic hit, Julie recalls, she had been tutoring a young girl at Passage Community, a home for children and caregivers in Simpson’s Family Housing Program who are transitioning out of homelessness. Locking down and quarantining meant the two of them had to take a break from their weekly lessons. But once tutoring resumed and the two saw each other’s faces appear on Zoom, both broke out in big smiles.
“I don’t know who enjoyed seeing the other one more,” she says.
We’re so grateful for Julie’s hard work and her continued commitment, and to all of our volunteers. From the bottoms of our hearts – and with big smiles – thank you.
If you want to learn more about how you can get involved and give back with Simpson, check out some of our volunteer opportunities.