Greetings! I am Kathryn, and I am participating in the Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps (Cap Corps) for this year. Through Cap Corps, I live, eat, and pray in community, and we are supported by nearby Capuchin brothers. Cap Corps assigned me to Christ House as a Year Long Volunteer for 2025-26, and I work as the Activities Coordinator and Case Manager Intern.
In my role as Activities Coordinator, I direct community meetings and organize events for the men, such as patient birthday parties or trips outside of Christ House (including to sports games). In my work with Case Management, I have verified the eligibility of patients regarding their insurance, accompanied two patients to the bank, maintained digital and physical files, and updated records in an online community services database.
I have been blessed at Christ House during the beginning of my time here by getting to know the patients. For instance, I accompanied a patient to the hospital twice, and I learned about him, including his travels and his interest in flight-simulation video games. I am grateful to have had extended conversations with patients- they have been through so much, and it is humbling that they have shared parts of their stories with me.
One great way I’ve interacted with patients has been through collecting food surveys for the kitchen. Recently, a gentleman shared that he likes red or white clam chowder. When I commented that I did not know that there was more than one type, I learned that he spent a good amount of time in New York. From there, I learned more of his story.
I have several memories from my time here that stand out to me. A fun memory I have is laughing during an improv workshop through a partnership with Washington Improv Theater. It also was cool to see professional barbers serving the men here in September through a partnership with the Saint Paul Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Plus, I played “Tonk” for the first time here and then taught it to my community members. Another wonderful memory was when two Capuchin brothers came here to play music (mostly, but not exclusively, Christian). It was great to connect the Capuchins with my job here in Christ House.
I am thankful that God has brought me here to Christ House so that I can grow and get to know Him in the patients. I am also thankful for the supportive and dedicated staff.
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