Toward the end of June, we had the pleasure of gathering our Care Community (our group of volunteers who pray for and encourage our mentors, mentees & staff) for a time of fellowship and prayer, as well as writing encouraging notes and assembling care packages for people in our programs. Kara Ranieri, who was recently named Allies’ Volunteer of the Year, graciously hosted at her beautiful home. Not only were Care Community volunteers and staff present at the gathering, but also several of Kara’s friends attended, helping her host, learning more about Allies, and praying for Allies.

Hearing the thoughtful questions they asked, seeing them spring into action to assemble care packages, and enjoying their fellowship really lit a spark of what making an impact means. Kara’s generosity and heart for mentorship has overflowed into many areas of her life. So much so, that her friends are familiar with Allies, are connected to Allies, and are coming alongside the mission of Allies.

Countless people, including Kara, in the Allies community have brought more people into the fold just by being themselves, sharing their heart for helping girls who have experienced trafficking & exploitation, and living into their values in their every day lives. It wasn’t a staff person at a structured event who brought this wonderful group of women together to become aware of Allies and our mission. It was Kara, being a mentor at heart and sharing her passion. In addition to the women who came to the gathering, a young woman who Kara has been mentoring for years through her church heard that we all were getting together and decided to bake individually wrapped cookies to give to our mentees and mentors the next time we see them. Because of Kara, this young woman was empowered to make her own impact.

You don’t have to formally be part of our programs or have a certain title at Allies to make an impact. We — all of us! — are building a community that invests in the flourishing of survivors to impact generations. And YOU can be a community builder right where you are today!

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering at Allies, visit allies-inc.org/volunteer