Volunteer Spotlight: Sal and Mary

March 15, 2020

The Volunteer Department lives for the moments when we get to hear about how practicing radical hospitality kindles meaningful connections between guests and volunteers.  It is extra special, however, when we get to hear about how radical hospitality also strengthens the bonds between those you already know and love!

Sal and Mary have been married for 48 years, and with retirement, they found BSM to be a place where they can deepen both their friendship and working relationship with one another.  You can regularly find this dynamic duo volunteering at BSM’s Mail Service or Clothing Closet.  Together, they have volunteered over 760 hours!

“Being able to participate in various services and in so many different ways keeps us stimulated.  The guests are part of our family of humanity; treated with friendship, dignity and radical hospitality.”

Having backgrounds in medicine and pastoral care, both Sal and Mary come from a rich history of helping others.  When it was time to retire, they moved from Scranton, PA to Philadelphia and were looking to get involved in volunteer work.  The Friends of the Avenue of the Arts recommended BSM, and they have been volunteering ever since!  Their time at BSM has enabled them to witness the varying journeys of our guests, not just in a day, but over the course of years.

For the past several years, in lieu of accepting any birthday presents, Mary and Sal have asked their friends and family (which includes 10 grandchildren!) to make donations to BSM.  The generosity and dedication they have shown fills us with gratitude and inspiration.