I was an advocate from October 2007 to February 2020, when Covid-19 made it impossible for me to continue. I was recruited by 90+ year-old retired Bishop Wayne Clymer, a volunteer at The Dignity Center. He invited me out to lunch. During lunch, he said, "You know, Jim, there's no such thing as a free lunch." Then, he made his pitch, and I was hooked!

At the time, participants gathered in the first-floor hallway of the education wing of HAUMC. The advocates were crowded at tables in the Sunday School rooms. We helped poor and homeless people find jobs. Housing was almost impossible. We also gave out bags of food, toiletries, hats, gloves, and underwear.

The move from the church to the Ministry House, the former parsonage, was exciting for participants and staff alike.

I have a fond memory of when I conducted the wedding service in the church's chapel for a couple, who were Dignity Center participants.

I volunteered at the Dignity Center in 2008-2016 as an advocate in the church education wing. We provided onsite resources such as food, clothing, backpacks etc. On Fridays we would move our meeting dividers so the rooms would be ready for Sunday. I also served on several committees and helped with fundraising and communication for many years.

I remember when we went paperless in 2013, and we all got iPads. We had lots of training on procedures and record keeping. Then we moved to the former parish house with our iPads. The lovely dining room was a place where participants enjoyed meals and fellowship. The program has been providing stability and ongoing relationship support. Housing, employment, and education formed the foundation of sustained stability. At times the Wilder foundation reported 14,000 people experiencing homelessness in MN.

Congratulations for staying open during COVID. It’s impressive that The Dignity Center continues to expand its reach with additional churches, new partnerships, and internships. The quality of the staff and volunteers will always be key to success.

I volunteered at The Dignity Center from 2009 until 2020. It was a pleasure to know and work with so many fine people there all those years! I remember several advocates from years ago who helped us learn to be advocates. I remember that we toured referral agencies and shelters, and when we discontinued the food shelf and started serving lunch.

The Dignity Center’s work continues to be targeted and useful, and serves as a community gathering place, without an institutional feel. Guests are graciously welcomed and given one-on-one time with advocates. The Dignity Center is a vibrant place for those needing assistance in their life journey. It has been agile over years, adapting to current needs.

I have learned much from the people I’ve met at The Dignity Center, especially Covac Lester and Nate Green. I laughed with them, I cried with them, and I grew with them. They expand our life experience.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church can be proud of this amazing and unique community ministry. As a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, I am happy to be a part of this outstanding outreach ministry.

Open House Birthday Party on Wednesday, March 30th from 12 pm - 1pm. We will celebrate with participants, staff, volunteers past and present, and YOU at The Dignity Center, and you are welcome to stay for the entire event or drop in and out as your schedule allows!

We will share stories, have a photo slideshow, and cake at The Dignity Center!