Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Jefferson.
Hi Carolyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My volunteer relationship with the Stewpot began in February of 1997.
My dad died in the summer of 1996 and Christmas that year was really tough for me. A few days before Christmas the secretary of the church where I was worshipping at the time, ask me to take on an emergency. A grandmother who was already taking care of her seriously ill mother was taking in seven of her grandchildren from Child Protective Services. I ask our secretary if she thought I was the “Herald Angel” and she answered, “Yes”. I did not feel up to the task but her smart reply meant that I did not have a choice. I contacted family members and the members of the Disciple class that I lead, told them the story and distributed the list of needs. A couple of days later, my living room was filled with beautifully wrapped gifts that more than covered the requested items.
My sister and I delivered the gifts to a part of Dallas that I had never been into. Street lights were knocked out and house addresses were not easily seen from the street. Driving slowly, we found the one house we had been told would have the porch light on. To my surprise, it was a duplicate of my grandmother’s East Texas bungalow. The house I was born in. I was spellbound by the sight of it. All of a sudden five or six kids can running from the house giggling and full of joy at seeing all the beautiful gifts plus toys that the participants added to the list. There was even a substantial Kroger gift card for food. After unloading the car, we all gathered in a circle and prayed. The kids and grandmother gave us hugs. Just then I noticed a woman lying on a mattress on the floor in the room next to where we were gathered. The grandmother explained that her mother lived in a house behind hers but the gas had been turned off and she had to move her mom into her house. I immediately stopped feeling sorry for myself and realized that I was blessed. I was born in house just like the one I was standing in, yet my life had been so different.
As my sister and I turned the car around and headed out I could clearly see the stars in the sky. Without the street lights, the view of the stars was a lot like nights in East Texas at Big Mama’s. My heart filled and I knew that I had to stop living a self-consumed lifestyle and take time to serve others. Becoming a volunteer at the Stewpot set me on that path. I have served in several volunteer positions. Each service roll allowed me to deepen my appreciation for the work done by the Stewpot staff, service partners, and volunteers. The level of dignity given to clients rejuvenates my hope for the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success is never smooth. There have been space issues, budget issues, volunteer issues, and a sundry of other obstacles to overcome. Bruce Buchanan was associate pastor/executive director for 30 years. When I started volunteering Bruce explained to me that while the Stewpot is a faith-based ministry, the Stewpot existed for the benefit of all people who needed the service it provides. New services are constantly added as a result of Stewpot clients needs. To this day, that Spirit is the guiding light for what happens at the Stewpot through its staff, volunteers and service partner.
Note: In-house food service that was once a continental breakfast and hot lunch (Monday-Friday) became three meals a day (365 days a year) when moved to the Bridge. The volunteer health clinic opened by Dr. Elgin Ware and his wife Karen is now The Parkland Clinic. Dr. Tom Woods started an eye clinic that is now a partnership service. Pamela Nelson opened and an art program that has become not only a resource for personal expression but also a meaningful source of income for artists. The Saturday School started by member of First Presbyterian Church Dallas is an educational games changer for underserved children and youth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Stewpot supporter because as an interior designer, I have learned the true value of home. What you come home to matters. Most Stewpot clients are not privileged to have a home. At the Stewpot people are equipped to deal with housing responsibilities. They are given the help they need to manage financially, mental health issue are addressed so that clients can cope with the responsibility of a home and substance abuse support is provide to help them stay focused on a quality lifestyle. Housing for the homeless is the current (shall I say) big development program at the Stewpot. In Dallas we must address the problem of people living on the streets.
What matters most to you?
The most important task for the Stewpot is restoring a sense of value and dignity to the clients. The people who come there are suffering and many at the end of their rope. Being treated like a valued human being with basic respect, courtesy and care helps them to have hope. The Stewpot provides HOPE.
Pricing:
- As co-chairs of the “Soup’s On” 2022 fundraiser, my sister, Thella Bowens , and I set a goal of $500,000. Thanks to the support of a generous community, honorary chairs Larry and Venise Stuart, Brian Luscher’s fantastic group of chefs, a superstar speaker, Kevin Curry, and Brenda Snitzer and the committed Stewpot staff we did it. “Soup On’ 2022 is done. However, volunteering opportunities and donations to support the programs are welcomed and appreciated year round at The Stewpot.
