Volunteer Spotlight: Citylight Council Bluffs Men's Group

National Volunteer Month is going strong, and today we’re putting the Men’s Group from CityLight Council Bluffs into our Volunteer Spotlight! Last fall, CityLight Council Bluffs Men’s Group leader Julian Caldwell came to New Visions with an idea. His Men’s Group wanted to get involved in some sort of mentoring with our guests. Julian’s timing was perfect, as our leadership had recently been talking about the need for this kind of engagement. The group began showing up on Tuesday nights to play games, talk, and just be a consistent presence in the lives of our Shelter guests, and Tuesday nights quickly became a treasured time for both the Shelter guests and volunteers alike.

Chad Brown, who regularly serves with the group, says that he felt called to help build up men who might lack support systems in their lives. “A lot of us are 1 or 2 decisions away from addiction or homelessness,” says Chad. “The only differentiator is that we have the support of our family, friends, church, or faith. A lot of the guys I talk to are just like me, but they didn't have that support system. We want to show them that God loves them for who they are.” 

Reflecting on his inspiration to serve at New Visions, Cooper Bolton says, “When God pours His love/hope/joy into you through His Son Jesus, there is an overflow of love pouring through you, and there’s no better place to pour into than real people that actually think they are forgotten about, too far gone, neglected, or invisible.” Cooper’s heart for serving the most vulnerable in our society is echoed by Joe Pilus, one of the group’s coordinators. Joe says, “Some of the things that stick with me are the joy that the men have just being treated like a regular person. The laughter as we play cards and tell jokes with each other. The quietness as we pray for God’s continued guidance and support. Seeing the men get jobs and start to thrive. These things keep me coming back week after week.”  

Cooper Bolton notes the importance of consistency and honesty in the work they’re doing with the men each week. “Building connections and showing our sameness through transparency and consistency has been huge when it comes to the power of presence and just being in the moment with the gents. Meeting them where they’re at, letting God, who is light, shine into their lives and change their perspectives.”

At New Visions, we fully believe in the power of consistent, kind, and truthful engagement. We believe it’s this kind of persistent presence that brings about hope and change in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. We’re grateful for volunteers like the CityLight Council Bluffs Men’s Group who commit to joining us in transforming lives, one at a time.