Jeff first heard about Project Worthmore through an article in the newspaper. At the time, he was looking for organizations supporting Afghan newcomers arriving in Colorado. After learning more about Project Worthmore and the work happening here, he decided to get involved.

He started volunteering in our Yu Meh Food Share program.

Years later, Jeff still comes in week after week.

Over that time, volunteering has become about much more than helping distribute food. Jeff has gotten to know the people who come through Food Share, the staff who make the program possible and the other volunteers who show up alongside him. He has become a familiar face and an important part of the Food Share community.

“I see how difficult it is for immigrants and refugees, especially now, to care for their families and themselves,” Jeff shared. “All these challenges are addressed by Project Worthmore and I hope I am doing a little, tiny bit to help them.”

What keeps Jeff coming back is the people.

“The community and the staff fill my heart every time I am around them,” he said. “The clients are so thankful, friendly and want to show their appreciation by being kind.”

Over the years, those relationships have grown. Jeff has been welcomed into conversations, shared food and tea, and even been invited into people’s homes to continue getting to know one another.

He speaks just as warmly about the Project Worthmore staff.

“They are warm, caring and appreciative. They care deeply about the clients and want to help the best they can.”

For Jeff, being able to support the staff is another important part of volunteering. He sees how much they care and believes that if volunteers can help make their work a little easier, it is worth showing up.

And while Jeff originally came to Project Worthmore hoping to help others, he says the experience has changed him, too.

“My heart aches many times when I hear stories from the refugees and immigrants. I wish I could do more for them,” he said. “I come back to try and help in some small way and to support the staff at Project Worthmore.”

Then he shared something that captures his experience better than anything else:

“I never thought I could say ‘my life has changed’ but it has by working with so many wonderful and amazing people.”

Jeff’s story is a reminder that community is built through relationships and through showing up, week after week.

Food Share is made possible by the people who keep showing up to make it happen: the staff, volunteers, partners, donors and community members who bring their time, care and connection to the work.

Jeff is one of those people. And we are grateful that he continues to show up.

Be part of the community behind Project Worthmore.
Your support helps make Food Share and the relationships built through it possible. As we work toward our $425,000 year-end goal, every gift helps sustain the programs and connections that allow our community to keep showing up for one another.

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