Gratitude by Wendy Eppinger
If all of you are stressing about things in your life not going well…. just sign up for the homeless shelter one time. It will show you about how grateful you should be.

Inherent Worth & Dignity by Daniel Guy
The team of SJ&A, volunteers working on behalf of RVUUF to sponsor the Ashland Winter Shelter on Thursday nights, is providing an opportunity for us to “Engage in the Work” in a meaningful way.  This dedicated and diverse group of RVUUFians are showing up to bring or serve a prepared, healthy and appetizing dinner, or breakfast, for 30 to 40 residents of our community who otherwise would very likely be hungry, as well cold!   One, John Wieczorek, may have been instrumental in persuading Ashland to make the required investment.  Others, like Mitzi Loftus, have been volunteering for years.
On Thursday night and early Friday, December 12 and 13, while serving as an Overnight Host at the shelter, I was afforded a memorable experience.  In the morning, while helping to refill the coffee and juice decanters, and wiping up some spills in the small dining area, I greeted Patricia, an older wheelchair bound woman who has a somewhat formidable reputation.
Listening to her personal story of losing her health, domicile and the opportunity for a college education, I was moved to sit down across from her and silently offer my hand.   Her expression of gratitude for a little human contact has enhanced my appreciation of the first, of seven principals, that we Covenant to affirm & promote: ‘The inherent worth and dignity of every person.’

A New Perspective by Zoe Laidlaw
Volunteering at the shelter is heartwarming. Guests are so grateful. Now when I see folks panhandling around co-op or on the streets, I look to see if they’re friends from the shelter. Volunteering changed how I look at everyone.
It’s not as difficult as it sounds. I always share the job with other RVUUFians and send one or two homemade things along with store-bought items to keep it simple.
I invited a few RVUUF friends to my house for a “no-dinner party.” Instead of serving dinner to my friends, we MADE dinner together. It made it fun and friendly.
One thing I really love about RVUUF is how easy we make it to put our principles into action. Here’s an opportunity to contribute in a very practical way to several of of our principles.