“Ground Level Help: Emilio’s Heart for Serving”

Before serving at Muskegon Rescue Mission, Emilio spent a lifetime serving his community. “I’m a retired police officer,” he said. “I did 25 years with the City of Muskegon as a police officer; everything from patrol to detective bureau. Previously, I served in the military. I’m a people person. I like being around people. I like helping people.”

Emilio first volunteered at the Men’s Shelter in the evenings. “I was…patting people down, getting them in, chapel, dinner, and then getting their chores done. I just felt that moving over here would give me a different facet of it.” Now he serves twice a week in Guest Services. “People come in looking for resources. I’m able to direct them. It feels good to help. As a retired police officer, this works really well for me.”

When asked why he continues to volunteer, Emilio didn’t hesitate. “I enjoy being helpful. I enjoy being a part of the community. It feels good. Sometimes I just need to get away from working on my house and come out and spend time with the community. It also helps me appreciate what I have.”

Outside the Mission, Emilio keeps himself busy. “I volunteer for different organizations. I’m also a veteran and associated with veterans court, helping veterans who get involved in the criminal justice system…trying to mentor them.”

Still, no matter how full his schedule becomes, Emilio gives eight hours a week to the Mission. Volunteering has shaped him in unexpected ways. “It helps me appreciate what I have. It keeps me grounded. Some of the folks that come through here, some of them are addicts, some of them are just in trouble economically, some of them just have some mental breakdowns or mental health issues. Being around that…it keeps me grounded.”

For anyone considering volunteering, Emilio’s message is simple and passionate:

IT’S INTERESTING. YOU’RE HELPING PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES. IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT…YOU’RE HELPING THE COMMUNITY ESSENTIALLY. IF YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN HELPING THE COMMUNITY AT THE GROUND LEVEL, THIS IS THE PLACE.”

He’s volunteered with many organizations, but the Mission stands apart. “At other places, you’re just helping the machine work. Here, you’re ground level. You’re where people need help.”

Faith plays a major role in why he stays. “It’s a Christian organization, and I’ve turned my life over to God recently. Everybody here is super nurturing, super kind, super generous, super helpful, they’re so welcoming. That’s huge. You’re not only helping people economically or socially or with products, but also with bringing them closer to God. I think that’s very important.”

Serving at the Mission has strengthened his gratitude. “It helps me realize how blessed I am. I’m truly blessed. I have a home. I have hobbies. I can give back to the community. It’s a blessing in itself.”

For Emilio, volunteering isn’t just something he does, it’s part of who he is. And through his steady, humble presence, he’s changing lives every week.

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