“You can easily judge the character of an individual by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.”
When you think of Labor Day, what traditional activities usually jump into your mind? It’s pretty safe to say that the first couple of ideas most likely include something along the lines of rest, food and family fun. This year, however, an excited group of Life Leadership members in Green Bay, Wisconsin, decided to dedicate their “day off” to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The Life on Life Initiative is not only raising awareness for so many worthy causes around the world, but it’s inspiring individuals and communities to go out personally to make a difference alongside friends and family. Check out what this Band of Brothers team was able to do in just a few hours at a homeless shelter in the north-central United States. Nicholas Nighbor, one of the participating Life Leadership members, gives us a closer look…
Life on Life Labor Day Outreach
The Life Leadership group in Green Bay, Wisconsin, gave back to the NEW Community Shelter by preparing and serving lunch to people needing a meal on Labor Day. The NEW Community Shelter is the only emergency shelter in Brown County open year-round that serves homeless adult men and women. In addition to the emergency shelter program, the NEW Shelter has provided a transitional living program and a community meal since 1994. The shelter also provides supportive services to empower the residents to access other community resources necessary for achieving self-sufficiency.
“Helping prep and serve the meals for the people living in the emergency shelter was very eye-opening. We are truly blessed with all that we have, and I think we take it for granted. It felt good to give to the people, and it made us want to do more for those in need.” -Dennis and Barb Nighbor (Life Members)
The Life on Life Initiative, a program recently launched by Life Leadership, is dedicated to helping people gain functional freedom through literacy and other necessary life skills. The program involves three levels of contribution from both corporate employees and Life Members. The first is financial contribution, the second awareness campaigns and finally ‘Life on Life’ volunteerism–where we give of our time directly to those in need.
The Life on Life Initiative is a great way to give back to the local community to help those truly in need that might not necessarily be able to help themselves. By partnering with the NEW Community Shelter, these Life Leadership members were able to give back and serve 191 people over lunch.
When asked what it meant to serve the community, Life member Scott Heinrich said, “We took the time to serve people that are, for the most part, invisible to the rest of society. The people that many would like to think don’t exist–but they’re everywhere. I was deeply moved by the appreciation many of them showed today–we weren’t judging them–we served them with a smile and filled an urgent need.”
Serving lunch today was just a small example of the impact Life Leadership wants to make in its communities. Take a look at what one of the members of our group, JB Thompson, had to say:
“It’s amazing that there are people that have such a great need–and we never see them. Poverty is hidden in our country and in our day-to-day, and many times we don’t recognize it. Life on Life is an amazing initiative that we can use to impact people that may have otherwise been forgotten by many others. The struggles are real for many North Americans due to the bad information that they may have been exposed to growing up…
“We were able to witness and assist some of these people in Green Bay, WI, when we helped serve a community meal at the NEW community shelter. The fellowship with our teammates and the staff at NEW was awesome. It was great to see the generosity of the community and the local businesses that donated food and beverages. Life on Life supplied the people power to serve the meal. It was funny how the personalities started to divide the roles in the kitchen. Everyone was able to pitch in–either preparing or serving–and always visiting with the guests. Breaking bread with people is always a great way to connect and share time together.
“We were also given a tour of the rest of the facilities. It was amazing to see that there is a place where people can go to get help…Our Life on Life was an amazing initiative that brought two sections of our society together–that normally wouldn’t meet each other–under an umbrella of service to others. Under the leadership of Nick and De Nighbor, we were able to share in this great experience. Thank you.”
As more and more Life Leadership members catch the bug to serve those who need help, the potential impact around the world is mind-blowing! This Band of Brothers team did a great job of representing the Life on Life Initiative, and Life Leadership is proud of the difference that they made in Wisconsin.
Lloyd Weiler says
Amazing, I love it!! Band of brother lead the way!!
Rob Eddy says
Awesome job, Cheeseheads! Serving in the name of Jesus!
Lou Ann Cook says
Wonderful to see the Band of Brothers love-in-action. Its neat to know this will continue with Life Leadership teams far and wide.
Deanna says
This was truly a great experience. This facility is literally walking distance from my home and I never knew everything they did to serve to community. Can’t wait to go back and serve in the future!
Robby Palmer says
Great idea! Great job guys!!
Brandon Arakaki says
Fantastic work folks! Glad to be part of an organization empowering those who CAN help TO help, and affecting our local communities in positive ways!
Jim Storhok says
Great way to serve the community! Love LIFE Leadership!
JB Thompson says
It was a great honor to serve.
Elizabeth Sieracki says
Great job!! Awesome work!
Cathy K says
Way to go, Band of Brothers! The teams are just amazing in the creative and fun ways they are coming up with to serve peoples’ needs.
Tom Moris says
Service to others always makes you feel better about yourself and makes you truly count your blessings. Life on Life is making a difference in local communities. Great job BOB’s you rock! Tom
jamienkim vanslembrouck says
Awesome!
Jody says
Spreading servant leadership and setting people free!