Volunteer News and Spotlight
Hello good people!
Last month was we celebrated what makes GLIDE very special, YOU – our amazing volunteers. Whether you’re chopping fruit or veggies, making PB&J sandwiches, serving meals, walk with our ambassadors, or even make hygiene kits for our community, your time energy and compassion makes all the difference. It is because of you that we are able to serve our community without fail 7 days a week 364 days a year.
This month we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness month. It’s a time to uplift those living with mental and behavioral health challenges and work together to help reduce stigma around it.
Our values of Radical Inclusivity and Loving and Hopeful create a foundation where everyone is seen supported and valued. As a volunteer, you play a vital role in fostering this environment.
Every time you sign up for a Community Ambassador Walk Along shift, you are being a part of the change of how the community perceives mental health.
Stay Involved
What: Memorial Day
When: May 26
Where: GLIDE
Many of our unhoused are veterans and one way to pay homage for their service is to
volunteer! Sign up for our breakfast shift and/or Community Ambassador Walk
Along
What: GLIDE Ensemble
How: Join our community choir – the GLIDE Ensemble and celebrate community,
unconditional love and radical inclusivity!
Email a 30 sec video to Zoe Ellis: zellis@glide.org
May Update
This month, the GLIDE’s dining room was filled with more than just a nutritious meal – it was alive with the sound of music. Our clients were honored to have students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
We had the Amaru String Quartet and a solo tubist who generously shared their gifts with our community. Their performance brought a sense of magic and celebration into our space, lifting spirits and creating moments of joy and reflection. Many clients lingered long after their meals just to soak it in!
We’re deeply grateful for the joy and connection they brought to our program.
In the spirit of one of our GLIDE Core Values – Celebration and For the People, we’d love to welcome more schools or individuals with musical talent to perform for our clients during our meals service. If you are interested or know someone who is, please reach out.
Volunteer Spotlight - It's YOU, our Volunteers
Our spotlight this month is none other than YOU but with a little twist! Volunteers are the backbone of our program. The part you play be it in the prep room, dining room, Walk in Center or with our Community Ambassadors, is an important one in the big picture of helping our community thrive!!
Meals Program: Serving about 1500 meals a day, GLIDE Meals Program started as a potluck in the 1960s. Now, thanks to you and our amazing Meals leads – James, Monique, Cristina and Curtis, we deliver not only nourishment but also compassion and unconditional love. Since then, it has grown to serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner which comes to about 1500 meals per day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year!
Your roles as servers, bussers, meal preppers, ticket takers or part of our dish washing crew are absolutely vital! You’re not just serving meals, you’re serving compassion, unconditional love, and community.
Walk in Center: This is our one-stop shop for our clients who need basic items. You help us provide essential items – socks, toothpaste, lotion, comb, shampoo, hand warmers, and more – for those in need. These everyday items we take for granted mean everything to someone experiencing homelessness.
With your help, we distribute 350 kits every week!
Community Ambassador Walk Along: Inspired by the legacy of Rev. Cecil Williams, our ambassadors spread unconditional love, and radical inclusivity throughout the Tenderloin. Your support helps continue this powerful community-driven work.
“You are all truly the heart and soul of our programs!” – Meals Shift Leads
“We love having people that care walking our routes spreading unconditional love ” – Community Ambassadors
Thank You Volunteers for Your Dedication!
Do you have a story idea or want to share your experiences? Email us at kimbukwa@glide.org with “Volunteer Newsletter Story” in the subject line. We can’t wait to hear from you!
With gratitude and excitement,
From the Volunteer Team