Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Thompson

My name is Steve Thompson. I have been a regular volunteer with Rock House Kids for about four years. My first involvement at Rock House resulted when a staff member visited First Free Rockford and shared an ongoing need for volunteers to provide a meal as part of evening programming. She provided a sample menu, and along with the help of a friend and family support, we prepared and delivered a meal for the teens. Eventually, we enlisted support from the Cornerstone class at First Free Rockford, and members made it possible, not only to supply the meal, but also to serve it.

About four years ago, I inquired about becoming a regular volunteer during the day at Rock House Kids. Ms. Dee and the program coordinator met with me, and they assigned me to help put together the kid-friendly food bags which each child receives at the end of their evening. Since it is a significant undertaking to get these bags ready for every child who comes, it was a blessing when volunteers from a local church came forward to help. Unknown to them, God used them to push me out of a comfort zone. He knew it was time to start working with children on Monday evenings. I was placed as a helper with the first and second graders in Pebbles. I made a weekly commitment to serve in Pebbles and I truly have experienced God’s provision for my life. In following God’s call to be His servant of love to His precious children, God gave my life new purpose that I needed following the loss of my wife, Loretta, three years ago. I currently work with teens on Tuesday nights and younger children on Wednesdays.

I know responsibilities press in. My “Why” of serving at RHK is inspired by giftedness with mercy inspired by Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:3). As I speak of my experience, I know it would never have been possible without staff and fellow volunteers. More volunteers are needed, and there are numerous needs including people who will ride or drive vans and mentors to spend time with teenage youth. Please reach out so you can find out how God will use you at RHK!