Introduce yourself and tell us what you do as a volunteer at Christ House?
My name is Gaia Yun and I am a volunteer at Christ’s House since this past November. I’m at the nurses station, I’ve done a few cooking shifts, and I also do movie nights. One other thing that I’ve really loved doing is holding a bi-weekly art class for the patients. We’ve been working on drawing, sketching, still life, and portraiture. I minored in studio art back in college. Then I graduated and there was nowhere to share that with and no one that was interested, so I am really excited and grateful to be able to share my skills and be involved in art in that capacity. I really love it. Patients have told me that it has been insightful and a good time and that is really the part that brings so much fulfillment for me. I hope to continue to do something art and education related in the future, so it’s huge for me, learning how to lead a little class or session, however informal it may be.
I work at NIH, doing clinical and lab research. I am originally from Seattle. I came to Washington, DC back in July and I was working at a private clinic. I wanted to get involved- not just walk around and get good food and be a tourist but also be actually involved in DC and it’s people. I just love DC so much. This was a way to meet people. I have a space in DC now that I can call a community and that I am actively a part of, which I am really grateful for that.
It brings a lot of meaning and purpose as well, using off time to serve other people, it’s kind of stereotypical but that’s a feeling that can’t be replaced. I wanted a chance to commit to one institution and make sure my time there left some kind of mark.
How did you first heard about Christ House and why did you choose to volunteer here?
I was in Adam’s Morgan a lot, and I was walking past this street and saw Christ House and that’s why I got interested in it. I was looking for a mission that was medical, in a sense. Something that really struck me about this place was the in-patient care. It’s not just a one time service – obviously those are really important, food services and whatever. But the fact that people can come here and do intake for a long-term treatment and they can stay here and grow to be a part of the group and get the resources and help they need, that was what was most impactful to me.
I am originally from Seattle, I moved here after I finished college. Being part of a community is sometimes difficult. Being in a city full of so many transplants, it also might be difficult. Getting to know people as you volunteer – getting to know the staff, other volunteers and the patients themselves. I’ll see people from Christ House on the street sometimes and we will say hello – that might seem small but it’s really grounding. I hope to continue volunteering here during my time here in DC.
Was there a moment or encounter that has been meaningful?
Art class is not always popular- it can be a bit stressful because we are learning new skills and putting them to the test, but I really appreciate that patients show up for me and the lesson I’ve prepared. Patients will come every time there is a class and let me know that they appreciate it and they like learning new stuff. It means so much for me because it’s like we are both showing up for each other. The mutuality of that really has moved me, even if it’s a few patients or just one. Even just one person being willing to participate really makes my day and my week.
Volunteering at the Nurse’s Station
Being on the nurses station, it’s just providing support for the nurses. Answering calls – often calls about whether there is space in our program. Then you explain how Christ House is a medical respite, not just a shelter – I think that’s one of the big misconceptions that people have. We will direct people to the shelter hotline or other locations in DC. Also opening the front door for patients, answering patient inquiries if the nurses aren’t available, just communicating with the nurses that someone is here and needs your help. At the nurses station I get to see how providers are able to help patients on a daily basis, how healthcase is working at an inpatient level, hour by hour.
Personal impact
Maybe this is TMI, but when I first started volunteering here, I was actually unemployed. So I had nowhere to go, but would show up to Christ House. So, I hope that I have made a positive impact, but I can’t stress enough how having somewhere to go, something to do and some people to serve has been really important for me when I didn’t have anything else going on. I think it’s always made my day, even in some not ideal situations, just to come here and be comforted by everyone here and working together to build something meaningful. Time was the only thing I had on my hands!
We are so grateful for all our volunteers and the impact they have at Christ House – we couldn’t do it without you! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, check out this page for more information.
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