How often can you say that you have truly made a difference in someone’s life? Volunteers at The Abraham Connection, a homeless shelter in Delta County, touch lives every single day. In fact, these extraordinary volunteers change lives.

The Abraham Connection offers emergency food and shelter to homeless and hungry men, women and families. The organization’s mission is to offer a hand up, not a handout, helping guests move towards self-sufficiency. A volunteer team of case managers helps guests on their individual paths. Sometimes that means helping them get a photo ID or craft a resume, or helping them find community service outlets or mental health resources.

“We really want to help the people who come through our doors,” Board President Cheryl Oeltjenbruns said. “We don’t want to be a revolving door for our guests. That’s why case management services are so important.”

There is no special education or training required to work with guests in case management. Anyone who has a heart for helping change lives can be effective in this role.

The shelter has had many guests who have been successful and are now living independently.

How to volunteer

The shelter is open from 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Volunteers man the shelter in three different shifts (6 p.m. to midnight; midnight to 6 a.m. and 6-8 a.m.). There are opportunities to provide meals, help with administrative tasks, events and fundraising and more.

Call 773-8290 or visit www.DeltaAbrahamConnection.org to learn more.