“I decided to make Broad Street my home upon befriending two very special people: our patron saint, Mr. Elbert, and a personal saint of mine, one gentle soul who invited me to sit with her every Sunday during worship. They were the first to welcome me into this community, though they wouldn’t be the last.    

 I keep coming back to Broad Street because I’m loved and accepted here. Some days I still have trouble wrapping my mind around it. Honestly, I have enjoyed so much privilege in my life that it wouldn’t surprise me if most of our guests wanted nothing to do with me. But by grace this community has embraced me, and I can no longer envision a future without Broad Street. I’ve found my people. I wish everyone had what I have here.”

It comes to no surprise that what Lauren loves about volunteering are our guests!

Nowadays, you can find Lauren volunteering in our Mail Service or with Meal Distribution. Outside of BSM and covid times, Lauren performs the Rocky Horror Picture Show alongside other fans of the film.

Thank you, Lauren, for being such a wonderful volunteer and presence in this space. We are constantly amazed by the generosity, kindness, and compassion our volunteers bring to BSM every day.

“I feel that every moment of connection is in its own way impactful. These are the moments in which I know and am known: for instance, when I ask a guest how their day is going, and they ask me how mine is going, and it comes from a place of genuine care. Words are inadequate to describe the feeling.”