Serving with Kindness and Commitment
For the past six years, Suzanne has been a steady and compassionate presence at Kate’s Kitchen, volunteering once a week to help serve lunch to our guests. Her journey into volunteering began at a fundraising event where she first learned about the opportunity to give back. As a retired nurse, caring for others has always been second nature to her, and this role felt like a natural transition.
A longtime Holyoke resident, Suzanne wanted to stay connected to her community and support those who need it most. She says that every day at Kate’s Kitchen is memorable, bringing her great joy as she gets to know the guests, learn about their circumstances, and share in the small but meaningful act of providing a warm meal.
“Volunteering reminds me of how important it is to be kind to people,” Suzanne says. “It makes me feel good to see the gratitude from our guests. They are so appreciative, and it’s important to me to honor my time commitment and be here to help.”
For Suzanne, the mission of Providence Ministries – “to provide without judgment” – is at the heart of why she serves. She believes in treating everyone with dignity, offering care and compassion without question. But Suzanne’s contributions go beyond serving lunch. She often hands out socks and gloves to guests waiting outside and prepares peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to share. Her small gestures of kindness make a big impact on the lives of those we serve.
Jasmine, our kitchen coordinator, shares:
“Suzanne is an amazing, dedicated volunteer. The guests look forward to seeing her, and having someone so reliable allows me to focus on other tasks knowing meal service is in great hands.”
Our team couldn’t agree more. Having Suzanne’s positivity and commitment each week is a gift—not only to our guests but also to our staff. Her presence reminds us to stay connected to our mission, even on the busiest days.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your years of service, kindness, and dedication to Kate’s Kitchen. You are truly making a difference, one meal and one smile at a time.
