For more than a decade, Margaret Taylor has been volunteering at A New Leaf, a Valley nonprofit devoted to helping families, children and adults overcome challenges from homelessness to domestic violence to mental health issues. Taylor’s work centers around scheduling meals at East Valley Men’s Center, a homeless shelter in Mesa that houses about 110 men each night. Recently, Taylor hit a milestone in her volunteer work: Scheduling 1 million meals for the center. Here’s what she has to say about her volunteer work with A New Leaf.
How did you become involved with A New Leaf?
In January 2009, my husband died. The same day, I had put in my retirement papers. So all the plans that my husband and I had made were of course gone. Then, I worked for AmeriCorps for two years, and at the end of the two years I was assigned to East Valley Men’s Center scheduling. I just kept volunteering and I’m still doing it. I’ve scheduled 1 million meals.
How has your volunteer work impacted you personally?
It gives me such a sense of worth, it’s unbelievable. It makes me feel like I am actually making a difference in the world. I’ve raised my five kids. They’re successful. I taught school here in Mesa for 37 years and before, different places, but as soon as you quit working, that’s all gone.
Can you tell me about a moment that touched you?
A man who was a resident said coming home (the shelter) to a hot meal made him feel wanted, made him feel ready to go on, just having that hot meal. The men are here to reestablish their work worthiness and self-confidence so they can go out and try to get a job. A counselor once told me, we’re all one crisis away from needing these services. That has stuck with me.
How can the community help?
Some people who can’t serve offer to drive. We have a man who picks up donations from Costco and brings them here every week. It’s a small thing that saves so much time. Groups will volunteer to deep clean the center. Some will volunteer to cook. We have church groups, an auto dealer, restaurant owners, an automobile collision repair group and individuals – all sorts of different people are willing to come in and feed these homeless men and it’s just an awesome thing to see.
What would you like people to know about A New Leaf?
This organization has been in operation for more than 50 years now and it has grown and developed. Come and volunteer, we will find a place for you. There are many, many ways to help. If you’re interested, we want you, and the people you’re helping here need you.
