SOOP volunteers offer experiences
by Hannah HeinzekehrPrint Article Email to a Friend
Plates clinked and conversation flew in the fellowship hall of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix. It was a Monday night, and participants in the SOOP (Service Opportunities for Older People) program gathered to share a meal with members of the Goldensun community, a faith-based organization that provides supportive living communities for adults with developmental disabilities.
Anna Klitzke, left, a resident in the Goldensun community, visits with Roland Yoder, a volunteer with SOOP. Photo by Cara Rufenacht.
Members of the program live in three houses within walking distance of the SOOP house and Trinity Mennonite Church.
About 15 SOOP participants gather each week to share a potluck meal with all the Goldensun households. After eating, the groups sometimes spend time singing and worshiping together.
“The SOOPers and Goldensun residents are such a natural fit,” said Aaron Gouldthorpe, director of Goldensun. “The SOOPers bring a wealth of life experience and a deep spirituality to our community, but it goes both ways. Our Goldensun guys bring so much life and help to bring other people’s gifts out.”
SOOP, a joint Christian service program through Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Association of Retired Persons and Mennonite Central Committee Canada, gives adults of all ages a chance to use their gifts to help others. In Phoenix, volunteers come to serve for varying lengths of time, ranging from several weeks to several months.—Hannah Heinzekehr for Mennonite Mission Network
The SOOP program allows participants to choose their own location, time and length of service. For more information or to apply, visit Service.MennoniteMission.net.
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The SOOP program allows participants to choose their own location, time and length of service. For more information or to apply, visit Service.MennoniteMission.net.
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