February Volunteer of the Month: Ken

Ken has been a volunteer at Midtown Assistance Center for nearly twenty years. When asked why he has been at MAC so long, Ken says, “We are providing a service that I hope would be there if I were ever in need.”

He started out working in the food pantry, and he picked up bread donations from Kroger every week. After seeing a frustrated client leave because he wasn’t able to get a service he wanted, Ken wanted to do more. The Executive Director and Jesuit Volunteer, the only full-time staff at the time, needed help answering the assistance line and screening clients. On the phones, Ken could help ensure clients knew exactly what MAC could provide and how clients could best be prepared for their appointment.

Ken faithfully answers dozens calls each Wednesday, listening to client stories and connecting them to services. If the caller needs a service we provide, Ken screens them to see if they are eligible. If the caller isn’t eligible, or if they need a service MAC does not provide, he refers them to other resources. He is always gentle and patient with clients, spending time getting all the details and making sure he gives back correct information. Now, we have six full-time staff members, but Ken’s knowledge and passion for service makes him an invaluable part of the team. With his help, MAC answers over 1,000 assistance calls each month.

In addition to volunteering at MAC, Ken also volunteers at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Tissue Culture Lab. He is also an active member at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, a MAC partner congregation.