According to The Stewpot volunteer Debbie Johnson,
“For 48 years, The Stewpot has helped folks get back on their feet. It’s grown from a soup kitchen into a widely-known and trusted community partner, providing case management and ID recovery services; three hot meals a day 365 days a year; housing and housing support for unhoused individuals; a variety of art and other enrichment opportunities for homeless and at-risk clients; and enrichment, education and academic support opportunities for at-risk children and youth.
“I’ve been involved with The Stewpot since they became the meal provider at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center in 2008. Still today, I serve breakfast Monday through Friday and help pass out mail on Thursdays, and I love it! Most mornings you can find me busting out my favorite dance moves and telling jokes to our guests. One guest, Miss Sheila, started calling me The Spirit Lifter—and anybody who dances with me is a Stewpot Stepper, of course! I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day than trying to help folks smile.
“I volunteer because of my hero, my grandfather. He was an ENT and would always give back to the community, donating to an orphanage or offering his services for free for those who needed it. His legacy stuck with me and inspired me to volunteer at The Stewpot. My two sons, Sam Johnson and Ben Johnson, have even come to serve meals with me. They met Miss Sheila and, inspired by her, bought me a custom ‘Spirit Lifter’ apron to wear while I volunteer!
“The Stewpot is unique because it does so much, and because everyone really cares. Staff members and volunteers learn guests’ names and ask after them, and it truly is a community. My wish this year is that more of our neighbors will get involved with The Stewpot, whether through volunteering (http://www.thestewpot.org/volunteer) or giving (http://www.thestewpot.org/give).
“Homelessness is a growing issue right here in our backyard. The 2023 Point-In-Time Homelessness Count revealed that, in Dallas and Collin Counties alone, over 4,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness. The Stewpot is crucial in addressing this problem, whether by making sure folks are fed, helping them access their benefits or recover their IDs, helping them get and stay housed, providing them a creative outlet, and even educating at-risk children and youth. It is such an honor and a privilege to be a part of the solution.
“For more information, reach out to The Stewpot at http://www.thestewpot.org.”
* Graphic/photo provided by The Stewpot
Vater Williams says
Yes Miss Debbie is a blessing. We are always inspired by her presence!