“There’s nothing but love here.” – Leroy

01.4.14 | Food for the Soul, Guest Stories

Voice of a Volunteer: Leroy

“The volunteers inspire me,” says Leroy, who has been coming to the soup kitchen long enough to be inspired to become a volunteer himself. “I watched the volunteers for a whole year and they are always polite, very curious.”

And, recalling how he was able to get new clothes here when he came in soaking wet after a rainy day living on the streets, Leroy praises the counseling staff. “Rich – I call him Superman. Theres’ nothing he can’t do. And if he can’t do it, he’ll point me in the right direction,” Leroy says. “And Lillian and Brooke, they’re great too.”

“They treat you the same no matter how you look. You can show up looking dirty, without a shower or clean clothes and they’ll treat you the same way as they do when you are clean. They treat you well no matter what.  And they don’t discriminate. If you need clothes they’ll help you out. There’s nothing but love here and I wake up in the morning looking forward to coming here. It’s different than outside. “

Leroy loves to learn too. He was a college student at TCI when financial circumstances forced him to stop out of school. But he still had student loans to pay off, only without a degree to get a decent paying job, and his financial situation continued to spiral downward.  So Leroy’s planning on joining the next Writer’s Workshop this fall to keep his mind active. After stating that he’s poet, he recites this one:

“Afraid of the fear
from before which was done
It was I yet I cry
But still here.
Quiet was the meadows
Without winds to stream
Peaceless echoes from the angles…
Surrounding me in walls
made of shattered glass
Encaptured in freedom
but still here
Diamond mines crossed my path
From a thought or two
Priceless to nature
But yet still unable to grasp
As visions fade fast
I debate no more
On why I’m still here
Everything becomes clear
Because I”m still here.”

Today, Leroy is meeting with one of the volunteer trainers to discuss how he can give back as a volunteer next week.

Editor’s Note, Fall, 2017: Since this piece was first written, Leroy has continued to offer many hours of service as a volunteer.

Nick

Nick

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.

Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

LEARN MORE

For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

LEARN MORE
Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

LEARN MORE
SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

LEARN MORE
Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

VIEW ALL
Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.