Olivia was the instructor that led us through insightful discussions and helped us through assignments prior to our trip. She taught each of us about searching for root causes of issues, how they play into a larger social context, and why active citizenship is important in any community. Her exceptional leadership skills continued on throughout the trip when she would make sacrifices to benefit the rest of the group. Even during times when we were feeling tired or like we had had enough, Olivia would liven the atmosphere with her up-beat and bubbly attitude. On our trip, we got to experience her engage those around her, whether they be with the DRM, part of their programs, or within our own group.

IJW was the trip leader throughout our experience in Denver. She had planned everything on our trip from the times of service to our bonding activities. She was the glue that held our group together through thoughtful and fair compromises that never left anyone feeling left out. She showed a deep understanding of the issue we were trying better to grasp, but never passed up the opportunity to ask questions that would broaden each of our understandings. Taking the time to connect with every member of the team, it was clear that IJW would be ready to help anyone in need.

Darlene was our volunteer group leader. She was able to lead and teach us about the Denver Rescue Mission throughout the week. Darlene pushed us out of our comfort zones in discussions so that we could better understand the homelessness in Denver. Darlene facilitated and organized our group discussions so that we not only could better understand homelessness, but we could see the impact the Mission was making.

While we didn’t get the chance to work much with Robbie, his leadership in and out of the kitchen became clear to us almost immediately. As a cook we could tell that he was respected by his colleagues, mostly because he took the time to respect everyone around him. He was the first person to share his story with us, and it became clear how much he cared about the Denver Rescue Mission. Through compassion and a drive to give back, he presented leadership by connecting with everyone, even if he himself was vulnerable in the process.

A chef at Denver Rescue Mission, Moe showed leadership among his coworkers and those he serves on a daily basis. We watched him help each of the volunteers through their projects and, on multiple occasions, go out of his way to help friends. Many people coming into the Denver Rescue Mission had dietary restrictions and one even had a broken jaw, meaning that these people could not eat the day’s meal. Moe would go to the back and grab something else to make sure that everyone was fed. Even among his coworkers, he is respected as someone with valuable knowledge and experience. One of the most powerful things about Moe is the fact that he is still recovering from a past of addiction and violence. The Denver Rescue Mission allows Moe to help those around him while he is still working on himself, that was something that inspired each of us.

Chaplains are individuals that mentor and coach groups of men going through the New Life Program. Through this program, men are given the resources to acquire housing, in large part thanks to Chaplains. Since Chaplains have gone through the New Life Program themselves, they are able to best understand and help others through similar experiences

The first stage of the New Life program is orientation, where the men have a set schedule for the first couple months of the program. They have a job somewhere in the Denver Rescue Mission they have to go to every day during this phase. The second phase is the transition phase where they start working on getting all of their important documents in order. They attend classes to work on resumes, cover letters and personal statements. The third phase is when they actually are able to start applying for jobs. The Denver Rescue Mission does something really special for anyone who graduates their New Life program. They are able to give them a donated car when they graduate.