“I Grew a Lot”: Tashiana’s Journey From Shelter Guest to Volunteer

When you meet Tashiana Spencer, the first thing you notice is her kindness. The second is her determination. Today, she is a dedicated volunteer at the Women’s Shelter, folding laundry, cleaning refrigerators, making beds, and caring for women and children with a heart shaped by her own experiences.

“My name is Tashiana Spencer, and I am here volunteering for the women’s mission,” she said. “I love to help people, and I like to help out.”

Tashiana first learned about the Mission because she once lived here herself. She came to the shelter for the first time at just 18 years old, after a childhood marked by instability, trauma, and loss. “My first time coming to the shelter, I was 18. I kept coming back and kept coming back, but it got better.”

Three years ago, her life took a hopeful turn when she gained stable housing through the support and guidance she received at the Mission. “I actually got my house from being here. I’ve been in that house for almost three years.”

Now a mother expecting her sixth child, she finds special meaning in serving in a space dedicated to women and families. She said, “I think I could be a good role model to others and help them and motivate them.”

Through her time at the Mission, as both a guest and volunteer, she encountered staff members who helped shape her growth. “Mrs Yolanda has helped me a lot. Miss Mary, Miss Karen, even Miss Tracy,” she said.

“I GREW A LOT. I CAME HERE FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND IT LED ME TO JUST GROW ON MY OWN AND NOT NEED ANYBODY TO HELP ME, BEING INDEPENDENT FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN.” 

Her gratitude is deep and sincere. “I’m very thankful. I grew a lot.”

She credits the Mission’s community, staff, donors, and volunteers, with helping her find stability and courage. “Volunteers came in and spoke ministry, praying over us, letting us know that we’re not alone. I’m not just speaking from volunteer experience. I’m speaking from someone that was here. They [volunteers] brought food, personal needs, tissue, things people don’t always have. Just being thankful for what we have because others out here don’t have that.”

Today, she gives back in every way she can. “Cleaning out refrigerators is nothing to me, this is my everyday life,” she laughed. “I just wish people would be more thankful. You have to get up and do something. You can’t just sit there and think something is going to come to you.”

For those thinking about volunteering, she offers heartfelt advice: “Keep an open mind. Be positive. If you come here to help, it’s to help, not to sit around. Everybody isn’t perfect, but if you’re patient, you can understand where they’re coming from and help them.”

“Yeah, I’m making a change,” she said softly. “I can make a bigger change, but right now I’m just doing my best, and that’s all that matters.”

Thanks to the support, women like Tashiana are finding safety, stability, and a chance to give their families the kind of love and future they once only dreamed of.

Connect with us to get the latest news from Muskegon Rescue Mission