(file photo/meadowlakeNOW staff)
Door of Hope

Door of Hope seeking new employees, volunteers following departures

Aug 18, 2021 | 3:17 PM

For many people in the community, the Door of Hope is a source of support that provides relief through adversity and difficult times. While the organization often lends a helping hand to those in need, the non-profit is now turning to the community for assistance.

Over the last few months, the Door of Hope has seen several employees and volunteers depart from the organization to pursue other ambitions and plans in their life. This has left the community resource with multiple vacancies in both paid and volunteer positions.

Wendell Brock and his wife, Oda, are among those departures as the husband-and-wife duo is set to leave for Prince Albert at the end of the month. There, Wendell will take on a pastoral role with a church, allowing him to continue his community service through faith.

Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries Executive Director Natanis Bundschuh spoke on the impact the couple has had on the organization during their time, describing Wendell as a ‘jack-of-all-trades.’

“Wendell has been a valuable asset to Meadow Lake Outreach in every department,” she explained.

“It doesn’t matter if we need help with repairs or extra hands in the food bank, kitchen, thrift store, or Hope Center, Wendell is always willing to help out in any capacity needed. Wendell is well-liked, and has been generous with sharing all his skills and abilities with us.”

Wendell has been working with Outreach Ministries since arriving in Meadow Lake in 2015. He became a member of the board in 2018, serving in that capacity until he chose to work as an administrative assistant last November.

Reflecting on his time with Outreach Ministries, Wendell said he can easily see the crucial positive influence the organization has on the welfare of the community it serves.

“I’ve enjoyed my time working and volunteering here. I see this big need in the community, and the Door of Hope, Meadow Lake Ministries is filling that void with the food bank and soup kitchen helping out. It’s sad to leave the community, but we have enjoyed our time here,” Wendell said.

Oda recently started helping the organization at the beginning of July, working as a cook for the soup kitchen. Bundschuh characterized Oda as an individual who deeply cares about the people she serves and someone who is always ready to brighten up someone’s day with a laugh or a smile.

“Oda has been a huge help for the short term… and she has shown herself to be very versatile in the ministry,” Bundschuh said. “Oda is always willing to help in the food bank and with the thrift store donations coming in. She anticipates when her help is needed and is always willing to contribute to the work of the ministry in any capacity needed.

“We are so sad to see them leave because they have been so wonderful to work with, but we are excited to have an opportunity to bring in some new staff to help us serve our community.”

With Wendell and Oda’s departures posing a significant loss to the organization, the Door of Hope is now looking to bring in new employees and volunteers to help with day-to-day operations and services.

Bundschuh shared the Door of Hope is looking to hire a new cook, kitchen manager, and administrative assistant. People willing to assist with the food bank and thrift store will have the opportunity to fill some of the vacant volunteer positions.

The vacancies have resulted in an increased workload for the crew still employed with the organization. Bundschuh shared while the crew currently employed by Outreach Ministries is talented and versatile, bringing in new team members is necessary to avoid stretching the team thin, which could have a negative impact on services.

Having these positions filled means a great deal to the ministry as it enables everyone to focus on their work with more attention. It is particularly important that we are able to function with excellence in everything we do,” she explained.

“We are blessed with a core staff that works well together and is mindful of others to ensure all the work is getting done. All departments have displayed amazing dedication to the well-being of the soup kitchen, and we are happy to pull together to provide services as a team while we wait for the perfect people to fill these roles.”

Anyone interested in applying for an employed position or volunteer opportunity with Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries can apply by filling out an application form online.

elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp

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