Reflecting on PHFS' History
Hear from long-time volunteers about our past and its impact on today
In PHFS' early days at Goose Hollow, we were 100% volunteer run. Since then, PHFS has been supported by thousands of generous volunteers. We value our rich history and the many community members who have helped shaped PHFS into the organization we are today. Hear from some of our long-term volunteers as they reflect on our past and what inspires them to stay involved.
John and Pat representing PHFS at a community tabling event
Pat (left) and three friends provide dinner at Goose Hollow.
John and Pat laughing with PHFS Director of Community Engagement, Bethany, at a Volunteer Appreciation party
Name: John & Pat Gruher
Length of Involvement: 12+ years
How have you seen PHFS evolve and change over the years? When we started, PHFS was a cold weather night shelter (November to April) only with Brandi and two part time managers. It is amazing to see what it has grown into. The initial focus was on shelter and food. Now it continues to address those concerns, but has grown to include housing support, personal support, and preventing homelessness from happening.
Do you have any specific memories of Goose Hollow or Thirteen Salmon? We remember families that had been living in their car and were so grateful for a warm place to stay. We remember the families that thanked us for dinner (and came back for second and third helpings). We remember a woman who kept saying over and over how thankful she was to feel safe again. We remember the small children that ate breakfast in their pajamas. And we especially remember the kindness and patience of the staff working to help these families.
Name: Phyllis Leonard
Phyllis presenting at our annual Family Reunion Fundraiser in 2016
Length of Involvement: 10 years
What inspired you to get involved? I love cooking, and after my kids grew up, I wanted to offer my food to others who might appreciate some comfort, and thought that the Goose Hollow Shelter would be a perfect place to share my food and make connections with other families. Soon after that, I joined the board!
Phyllis and PHFS Executive Director, Brandi, at the Family Reunion
What inspires you to stay involved? PHFS continues to evolve! PHFS has met many challenges and found ways to create new programs that better meet the needs of the families. PHFS continues to listen carefully to families we serve, and then innovate to better support the dignity and autonomy of each family unit. Attending to equitable care and opportunity if paramount, and the PHFS team continues to grow in all of these life-giving ways.
Do you have any specific memories of Goose Hollow or Thirteen Salmon? One of my mealtimes at Goose Hollow, I sat down with a single mom who surprised me. She was finishing up a Fisheries Professional Program at PCC. She had two school-age boys with her in the shelter. Finances became short as she was in the last term of her college work, and they lost their home. She hoped this time would be short, as she would have a certificate for a job in several months. We have plenty to learn from our families, and our team listens carefully! I've always been impressed with our very skilled and caring staff.
