Hi everyone! My name is Megan, I was the Activities Coordinator and the Unit Clerk for 2024-2025. I planned events for patients and supported the nurses by scheduling appointments and transcribing medical content.
What motivated you to volunteer for a year, and why Christ House?
It’s kind of crazy, and definitely a God-thing. I knew I wanted to spend a year serving in some way. I texted one of my friends from college, who was always going somewhere cool, and I asked her, ‘How are you doing this?’ She told me about this great program called Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS).
Christ House’s mission statement about helping patients, specifically helping the underserved, was a huge part of what led me to BVS and this project. I saw the need, and it was such a great opportunity. I’m really grateful I ended up at Christ House.
How would you describe your past year here?
Every year, I feel like God gives me a word or an attribute to become more of and grow into. This year, the word He taught me and that I have seen throughout Christ House is flexibility. I would not say I’m the most flexible person, I’m more Type-A, kind of rigid, wanting things to be done at the right moment. At Christ House, you can’t do that- and in the best sense.
I truly see Jesus Christ through here, through the service and love and compassion shared for our patients, and I love that. Through this journey, I’ve learned how to be flexible like Jesus, how to meet people where they are at and not try to force things in your manner. I think that’s the best lesson you can learn here and something I’m very grateful to grow into.
What was one of your favorite activities that you facilitated for patients this year?
It’s hard to choose just one! My favorite overall was bringing patients to PorchFest, here in Adams Morgan- we got to see several bands and it was just so fun.
Another time, I bought a bunch of thermoses and sports stickers to decorate them. I thought, ‘Most guys don’t like arts and crafts, but let’s see what happens.’ It ended up being a big success. A lot of patients came and sat and listened to one another and hung out. A lot of people got really intense about their sports teams not being represented by the stickers available to them for the activity: ‘These are second-tier, Megan! Where are the first-tier teams?’
I also loved going to the zoo with patients and Kairos Members. It was an opportunity to get fresh air, have good conversations, and everyone was in a happy mood. These outings help patients to feel part of the greater community and get to know one another out and about while living at Christ House together.
I also started partnering with Kairos Members in our permanent residential community. They have such huge hearts and were here at Christ House as patients and then moved to Kairos. They understand the patients here on a deeper level that we will never understand. I want to encourage patients at Christ House to lean on them: the Kairos guys are excited, passionate and care about creating a broader community for themselves and a better stay for everyone at Christ House.
What were some of the challenges you faced this past year and how did you overcome them?
It was rough in the beginning. I was so overwhelmed. Emma (the last Activities Coordinator) did such a great job, you could tell she really loved the patients. I wondered, “How do I honor this job well and the former activities coordinators? How do I make it my own and use my own strengths?”
It’s crazy to reflect on the past year. I would take the time to listen to patients and ask good questions. One patient later told me, as he was being discharged, ‘That conversation we had together in the TV room really impacted my stay.’ That was another thing I learned at Christ House- each encounter really does have an impact on health and emotional well-being. At the final weekly community meeting I held, all the guys said they appreciated everything I did and even gave me a round of applause. That was impactful for me. You don’t always think about the significance of all those encounters- but you should!
What is next for you?
I extended my service with Brethren Volunteer Ministries for another year – I’m off to Northern Ireland! I’ll be working at a day camp through the YMCA. I’m so excited to use the skills I learned here and apply them in a different way there. I’m excited for the coming year!
Why is Christ House important and why should someone volunteer with us?
Christ House is essential for D.C.
When you walk down the street, you’ll see a mix of everything. But I think people don’t see, or they ignore, how many people here are experiencing homelessness. Yet SO many people are affected by it. The men at Christ House are all dealing with acute medical issues. They won’t heal on the street or in the shelter. It’s just not possible. Dr. Janelle Goetcheus recognized that huge need and had the vision to meet it. It is amazing to see that after 40 years, Christ House STILL meets that need- it’s beautiful to see that.
Janelle’s charge to meet patients “where they are” and help them to recover is still honored at Christ House today. No matter who you talk to at Christ House, no matter what activity or task you’re given, it’s all intended to better serve our men, and I think that’s amazing. You don’t get that passion and drive from every staff member at all organizations. I 100% encourage people to volunteer at Christ House.
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