Britepaths

Whipsawing Communication with Volunteers

My experience volunteering with Britepaths was disorienting and disappointing. A program manager there initially brought me on board in January 2024 to help out with bilingual office administration 1 afternoon per week, explaining that I could use a spare office occasionally if needed, which I was grateful for because my boss at my full-time job allowed me Wednesday afternoons off to volunteer at Britepaths on the condition that I be available to jump on a call in an emergency. Across roughly 3 visits, I learned various systems and procedures to help out, and took detailed notes that ended up capturing unwritten aspects of several procedures that weren't fully documented. I received no negative feedback or comments.

After the 3rd visit, I was notified that the manager I had been working with wasn't at Britepaths any longer. A different, senior program manager, emailed me to express their appreciation for my willingness to volunteer, confirmed their understanding of my one-afternoon-per-week schedule, and asked when I could be available for a continued training session to support the transition after the old manager left. I replied to confirm for the following Thursday afternoon.

That Thursday morning, I emailed to confirm I'd be in around 1pm, and received a reply that that week's volunteer work had already been completed, and was asked to come in at my normal time next Wednesday. When I came in next Wednesday afternoon, a 3rd, different Senior Program Manager invited me to their office and explained that my Wednesday afternoon schedule wouldn't work for Britepaths, and suggested I find somewhere else to volunteer. There was no room for further discussion or explanation. I left feeling like they chewed me up and spit me out, and ultimately regret getting involved with Britepaths. The complete 180 from starting onboarding and appreciation to being shown the door, was jarring and unpleasant.

For over two years now, Our Daily Bread has been pivotal in extending financial literacy training to inmates of the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. As one of the instructors for this class, I have received top notch logistics and program support for my efforts from Our Daily Bread. Several inmates who have completed the class have commented on how the skills and concepts taught have already benefited their families and will benefit them upon release. Our Daily Bread is deserving of the thanks of our community for their efforts and their empathy in extending this class to the under-served inmate population.

Our Daily Bread has taught me that poverty and hunger exists, even in Fairfax County, one of the most wealthy counties in the US. Their mission goes to the basic human need, and fulfills it with amazing dignity, dedication, and organization. I have been fortunate to volunteer in a couple of their very successful campaigns, and I have seen first hand the amazing impact it makes, at a macro level in the community and at the micro level in each of the families they help. I have been privy of several heart breaking stories of families in need, and I have seen how this organization becomes a friendly hand that helps them in their utmost need.

For over a decade I have supported this small, quiet organization and the big impact it has the lives of adults and children in need. I have delivered donated groceries in person to individuals and families who are ever so grateful, individuals and families that live on the edge, families who struggle with the basic needs of food and shelter that I take for granted. Now, I am fortunate enough to also contribute money to Our Daily Bread's continuing need. This is one charity that I wholeheartedly support because I see their great work first hand. I urge all to give what you can to this worthy charity. Better yet, get involved personally and see for yourself what good works can achieve.