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Food for the Soul

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What is Food for the Soul?

Food for the Soul seeks to provide genuine connections, soul deep, between students and the local homeless population. We provide an opportunity to foster friendships through visiting Food and Care Coalition on a weekly basis during meal times as you talk with and have a meal with friends who live outside. Our hope is that those who are living outside will learn from volunteers about the resources available to them through the Food and Care Coalition, and that those who volunteer will learn and grow from the perspectives of the new friends they make. You are welcome to come as often as you would like. We are excited for the chance for you to volunteer with us and have your soul be filled!

How do I get Involved?

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Description: Volunteers converse with homeless attendees at the shelter. The hope is that they can build a genuine connection and foster friendship with those in need. Volunteers will go to the Provo Food and Care coalition Fridays from 4:30 - 5:30 PM. Sign up at this link to join for visits! Limited to 5 volunteers per day. Once you have signed up for a slot, please send us an email at foodforthesoul@byu.edu saying what day you have signed up for and we will forward you an email with additional information you will need to know before volunteering the day of.

Volunteer Commitment: There is no commitment for this program. Feel free to come whenever you can, just follow the link above to sign up before volunteering! Please meet at the Provo Food and Care Coalition (299 E 900 S, Provo, UT 84606) at the listed event time. Please email foodforthesoul@byu.edu two weeks in advance if you are needing a ride!

BECOME A LEADER

Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Lead Program Director and Program Director. A program only has one Lead Program Director, but multiple Program Directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!

Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.

Step 1:

Apply to become a leader by completing the application below:

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Program Director Application

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Contact Info

Directors

Available by email at foodforthesoul@byu.edu

Paige Merkley, Lead Program Director

509-578-4937
Office Hour: Thursdays 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Devin McFadden

720-926-5037

Julia Chambers

720-636-6667
I love being able to listen to someone who needs a friend. It has been so cool to hear about people's accomplishments, interests, and passions, and just be someone they could share it with. I love being able to break down barriers of how our paths have been different and just connect over things that we have in common. It's been a great opportunity to see others more deeply!
Emily
I'm so grateful that I got to visit with these friends and hear their stories. It really opened my eyes and bred compassion. I was unsure of whether or not I would feel comfortable in this environment, but it was very clean, and everyone was respectful. The food was also pretty yummy!
Anonymous
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