serving with sister's visitor center

In November of 2021, the Equality and Justice committee had the opportunity to volunteer with Migration and Refugee Services of Catholic Charities of Louisville. Catholic Charities of Louisville is a non-profit organization that serves to help those in need around the West End. There are many other branches under this organization which include, but are not limited to, Sister’s Visitor Center which is an emergency assistance program that provides basic needs such as food, and financial aid, Common Table which is an 8-week program that works to reduce poverty by providing job training in the culinary arts, and Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) which help find refugee clients with suitable housing and stocking the home with food and furniture. 
When the Equality and Justice committee visited the Migration and Refugees Center with MRS leader, Lauren Goldener, we were able to organize their donations by separating each item into their assigned category for a few hours. However, when I first got to that site, I felt a wave of emotions come over me, mainly the feeling of being overwhelmed, because they were so many donations. But in that moment, I wondered what the people receiving the donations must have felt all along. 
At the end of one of our committee meetings, we were able to reflect on that service. Whenever we serve others, not only are we impacting their lives, but we’re also making a difference in ours. We can only leave with a little bit more knowledge about topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about, but we have to get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. We must understand that it is so important for everyone to not only serve their community, but also welcome them with open arms, especially those who have experienced oppression much of their lives, and help them restore their sense of dignity.