A Volunteer Moment I’ll Never Forget

Hi! I’m Jenn, one of the long-time volunteers here at SPECO, and I wanted to share the best thing that has happened to me in a long time, all thanks to SPECO. 

On Monday, June 16th, 2025, we hosted the United Way to pack period supplies for our unhoused neighbors. I went to help out, and it turns out, there was a volunteer there who was a great friend to my mom, Constance (another long-time volunteer). Mom and her friend, Tina, hadn’t seen each other in many years, but worked together for a long time. They were really good friends and supported each other through a lot of very difficult experiences. Eventually, Tina moved to a new company, and Mom retired. Life has a way of speeding by, and although they kept in touch on social media, they hadn’t actually seen each other for many years.

When I saw Tina, I knew that I just had to get my mom to the event for a reunion. I hopped in my car and called Mom. “Get dressed,” I told her. “I am taking you for a fantastic surprise.” All I told her was that I was bringing her to see an old friend she hadn’t seen in ages. She couldn’t wait!

When they first saw each other, there was such joy in both their faces. Their giant hug can’t be described in words, and it brought tears to my eyes. I am grateful for all that SPECO has given me. It’s far more than I could ever say in one post, but this will always be one of my favorite SPECO memories.

Our organization is so much more than serving meals and passing out harm reduction supplies. It’s about bringing people together. Yesterday, it brought together two people who needed to be together more than any of us realized. Their smiles say it all.

Thank you, friends. - Jenn