Volunteers: The Heart of Our Community in Benton Harbor
National Volunteer Appreciation Week offers an excellent chance to celebrate the incredible contributions of our volunteers at The Salvation Army—Benton Harbor Corps. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in our mission, whether lending a hand at the men's shelter, engaging with the community during outreach events, packing toys for children, or ringing bells at our Red Kettle locations. Each act of volunteerism is a powerful step toward fostering positive change in our community. Two of our outstanding volunteers are highlighted, honoring their commitment and the impact of their service.
In our vibrant community, Nate Inboden and Bernice Mason stand out as beacons of generosity and inspiration. They wholeheartedly embrace the idea that volunteering is not just an activity but a vital ingredient that enriches lives. Their dedication to helping others serves as a reminder that true fulfillment lies in lifting one another up.
Nate is a remarkable individual with an inspiring journey marked by three years of dedicated service in the non-profit sector and a proud history as an Honorable US Veteran. His life is driven by his deep-seated passions for sobriety, family, and faith—values that guide his endeavors and commitments. With a background in the food industry, Nate is a trained butcher and has extensive knowledge of food service, production, and sales.
Demonstrating a profound commitment to giving back, Nate volunteers his time preparing delicious, home-cooked meals for men in the shelter, dedicating over 15 hours each week across three days. His motivations are heartfelt: "I'm a believer in service, and I can only keep what I have by giving it away. I was granted salvation, and I believe I should also be part of supplying it."
Humility, serving people, and having men eat his food motivate him the most, and his faith in God keeps him going.
Bernice has dedicated nearly six decades to volunteering in Southwest Michigan, sharing her compassionate spirit with The Salvation Army - Benton Harbor Corps since 1996. Her motivation stems from a profound desire to serve, as she expresses, "I truly care to serve. Listening to the people, sharing their experiences and aspirations, and witnessing the needs within our community inspires me to get involved and help make a difference." Bernice brings others joy each Christmas by distributing toys through the Angel Tree Program. Additionally, she participates in outreach events that spread hope and kindness during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Through her commitment, she uplifts those around her and ignites a sense of hope for a brighter future.
Despite her many hours of volunteering, Bernice finds joy in her part-time role as the nursery director and teacher at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the coordinator and volunteer teacher at First Church of God, where her heart is fully invested. To her, her work and her volunteer efforts reflect her faith and a way to contribute to the greater good, bringing light and love to her community.
She loves the opportunity to connect with others, make a difference, seek positive change, and give back, which is a personal fulfillment of community involvement.
It's people like Nate and Bernice who make our programs possible by volunteering their time. By joining our devoted team of volunteers, you play a vital role in shaping vibrant communities in West Berrien and Van Buren Counties —where lives are changed and hope is found. Our volunteers are not just participants; they are the heart and soul of our efforts, making it possible for us to meet the diverse needs of our community with compassion and dedication.