Volunteer envisions community that works together
Mary and Dale Barnes of Guttenberg envision a community that works together as a team and is inclusive of all its members, and sees the future Community Resource Center as that connection. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Each year The Guttenberg Press chooses someone in the community who shares their time and talent to improve and enhance the lives of others. Our choice is often determined by who will agree to an interview, and not determined by the number of hours they volunteer – as experience has taught us those most committed to the betterment of society are quite humble and unwilling to share their story.
Such is the case with Mary and Dale Barnes of Guttenberg who reluctantly shared their story. The couple, who believes a community becomes a whole when the most vulnerable feel loved and valued, began their volunteer journey while living in Colorado.
The Warmth of Colorado
Mary and Dale have always found value in working with individuals who are marginalized by society. Dale provides Ministry to prison inmates, and Mary, who is a former high school educator, reached out to her students at Gateway High School in Colorado following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"Gateway High School had enrolled several youth from families that had lost their homes and belongings as a result of Hurricane Katrina," Mary began. "Staff members and students were concerned about their new classmates, and wanted to reach out and help them in a way that would make them feel welcome. Winter was fast approaching so the students decided to make warm fleece tie blankets."
Mary and Dale have witnessed firsthand, and maintain, that when you reach out to youth and ask for help they will rise up and make things happen. "We started putting together the blankets after school," she fondly remembered. "The student council spearheaded the project and was later joined by members of the National Honor Society, and Bible Club. They all pitched in to help, including some of the football players."
The project, that gained recognition with a local Colorado news station, and was awarded $1000 toward their cause through the Pay It 4-ward Contest, spread to foster care organizations, victims of school shootings, adoption agencies, etc. "If you give kids a chance to step up to the plate they will do it," she shared.
The project would continue to grow and include hats, scarves and mittens in addition to the warm blankets. The students used their prize money to purchase more fabric and an embroidery machine to create labels to personalize some of the blankets with the recipient's names when available, and "From Our Hearts – The Warmth of Colorado."
The Warmth of Jesus
Mary's good old-fashioned sewing bee project eventually made its way in to her church community where members joined in to create blankets, hats, scarves and mittens for vulnerable homeless individuals. "Our church group would go out on the streets in Denver at night and our Pastor would make coffee, hot cocoa, and soup to pass out," she listed. "The individuals living out on the street always expressed their heartfelt gratitude. I recall handing a man a blanket, and for one moment his eyes focused on mine and he said, 'Thank you. You made a difference.'"
Adopt a Grandparent program
Mary visualizes opportunities for similar connections here in Guttenberg. She currently volunteers at the River Living Center where her mother resides, with crafts and games that she has developed to accommodate the residents. "I would like to see a program implemented where youth would spend time with the elderly engaging in conversation, playing games, working on crafts, playing the piano, singing, sharing their talents, or other activities," she shared. "Student driven projects enhance critical thinking skills, and teach compassion. They want to give of themselves, they just need an opportunity."
Mary also volunteers at the Guttenberg Creativity Center and the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic's Family Resource Center.
"Dale and I work behind the scenes at the Family Resource Center as advocates for disadvantaged individuals who need assistance," she told The Press. "When you have a community that works together as a team, and is inclusive of all its members, that is where true compassion begins. Our future Community Resource Center is that connection. It is important to not be judgmental, but just let your heart love unconditionally – and that is how a community will grow."
