Volunteer Quote

Many years ago I sat talking to friends about all the problems that happen in the inner-city, and how we could make a change in that area. I believed that if one family could just adopt a family in need, we could change things, one person at a time. That is what Epiphany has done, but what I didn’t understand was that when people with differences, race, income, values, get together, everyone changes. Like the ripples spread in the water when you cast in a stone, the change spreads to parents, grandparents, families and community. When people begin to know each other and understand each other, the differences fade and love begins to happen. That is when miracles take place.

When I am cooking dinner with the parents, we share similar worries about our children, we laugh and work together and we are a team, we are part of a big family. Two years ago I helped teach guided reading to the incoming 5th graders. They were angry, hostile and defiant. They have been loved for two years now, and I see miracles walking down the halls of Epiphany, as they sing or dance or giggle. My first tutor student was a Cape Verdean girl who needed help with reading and comprehension. I helped her with her reading, and she helped me understand another culture, and gave me and my family an extended family.

Faith happens there every day too. I remember the very first days of the school which started in the basement of All Saint’s Church in Ashmont. There was a skeleton group of dedicated teachers, Jennifer and John. There were many discussions that would end with, “Well, we just need…..”. In a short amount of time, the needs were met as people came, and caught the desire to help by cooking, teaching art, tutoring, etc. There were lots of prayers offered up and faith that they would be answered, and they were answered. People came and offered their time and talents, and as they fed the school, they were fed as well.

I believe that faith and lots of prayers built this school and love makes it spread and change the lives of each person who is lucky enough to enter the doors. I also believe that people are called to service, and if their ears are open, they will answer the call. I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to share in the lives of the very special people at Epiphany.

Carol Dildine, Volunteer