Clean of Heart Stories- Part 4

Over the past week we have shared Clean of Heart client stories. Today we will conclude this spotlight series. To read earlier posts containing client stories or to read what our volunteers said about serving at Clean of Heart, please go here.

“I've been coming to Clean of Heart for 5 glorious months! My friend told me about Clean of Heart. These are the most caring, loving, and truly unselfish people I have met while being homeless. They have truly lifted my spirits and state of mind.”

“I found out about Clean of Heart online. I've been coming for 19 months since it first opened. Even if I just get cleaned up once a week that’s a big help to me.”

Clean of Heart is located in Columbia, SC and offers showers and laundry services to homeless individuals, like this client, in the Midlands area.

“I started coming to Clean of Heart about 3 months ago. I heard about it through word of mouth. It feels good to be clean and have clean clothes to wear. Thanks!”

Thanks for following along with these stories! If you are interested in volunteering or donating to Clean of Heart or would like to learn more about Clean of Heart and other Catholic Charities ministries, please visit our website here.

Clean of Heart Stories- Part 3

Today we continue our Clean of Heart client stories. Clean of Heart is located in Columbia, SC and provides laundry and shower services to the homeless. To catch up and read the previous posts of client stories or to read Clean of Heart volunteer stories, please go here. If you would like to learn more about this ministry opportunity or donating your time or resources, please visit our website here.

“I stopped by a church for clothes and hygiene kits and they told me about Clean of Heart. I've been coming for 17 months now. It has been one of the best things that has happened to me since I started living on the street. It is such a joy to stop here and clean up and the kindness from the helpers is such a blessing.”

“I've been coming to the Catholic Charities Clothing Closet for a while. They told me about Clean of Heart opening and I've been coming since then. It’s nice to have clean clothes to wear.”

Clean of Heart clients enjoying a break from the Columbia heat while their clothes get cleaned.

“I have been in Columbia for 3 years now and even though the clothing give away has been a very good program, we can’t always get our size. The laundry facility allows us to wash the clothes that we like and wear the most. It is a luxury as well as a necessity. We are truly grateful for all that you have done for us. Thank you.”

We’ll be back tomorrow to hear the last of the Clean of Heart client stories!

Clean of Heart Stories- Part 2

On Wednesday we shared what some of the Clean of Heart clients had to say about their experiences in this program. The post may be found here. Today we bring you stories from more of our Clean of Heart Clients. To learn more about Clean of Heart and how you can donate or volunteer to this wonderful program, please go here.

“I heard about Clean of Heart from St. Peter's and started coming 4 months ago. Clean clothes and shower are a blessing. Oh yeah, and the good coffee and snacks!”

Clean of Heart clients enjoying coffee and conversation while their clothes are being washed.

“I stopped by a Catholic Church in downtown Columbia to get help with clothing. Someone told me what they were planning to do so I signed up. I have been coming for 18 months since it opened. I am thankful for the help they have been to me. Not just the help with laundry but also the Christian witness to me and how Clean of Heart shows compassion on the poor. Through them I see the true character of Christ and also how we should treat each other. Since I've been coming to Clean of Heart I've come back to Christ. I know that God put these folks into my life for a reason and I’ll be forever grateful.”

“I've been coming to Clean of Heart for 2 months. I heard about it from a friend. It’s wonderful and the people are nice and loving.”

Don’t forget to check back on Monday for more client stories!

Clean of Heart Stories- Part 1

We recently featured stories from some of our Clean of Heart volunteers. Clean of Heart is a Columbia, SC, ministry that exists to provide laundry services and showers to the homeless population. Over the next few days we are featuring stories from some of the Clean of Heart clients. If you would like to learn more about donating your time or resources to this wonderful program, please visit our website here. To hear from our volunteers, you may read past blog posts here.

“I have been coming to Clean of Heart for ten months and first heard about it from a sponsoring church. Coming here has given me hope that there are still a few people left who care. It’s nice to, at least, have the ‘outside of the cup’ clean.”

Clean of Heart not only gives clients a chance to shower and get clean clothes but also lets volunteers and clients get to know one another.

“I saw a sign on a church door about 13 months ago about Clean of Heart. I’m much happier now. I love having clean clothes.”

 “I found out about this program from a MACH pamphlet. I have been coming for 4 months now. Coming to Clean of Hear has helped me maintain dignity in difficult circumstances. You get dirty sleeping outside. I mean ‘dirt’ dirty. That is why people on the street look rough. By washing regularly I don’t have to look or feel dirty. I haven’t become hopeless like so many on the street. Clean of Heart saved me from despair.”

Come back tomorrow to hear more stories from Clean of Heart clients!

Volunteer Spotlight: Paulette Campbell

“Clean of Heart was one of the best ideas I have ever heard of” said Paulette Campbell, who has been volunteering since May 2011. She is a member of Saint Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter’s and volunteers at Clean of Heart twice a month. When volunteering, Paulette also likes to bring little things for the people that come in, like new underwear, socks, Gatorade, and Pop Tarts. For Paulette, one of the best things about volunteering being able to both help meet basic needs while also showing she cares by doing little things like adding fabric softener or dryer sheets to make clothes softer and give them a fresh, clean scent. She has also enjoyed meeting other volunteers and becoming friends with “some of the most wonderful, kind, caring volunteers.” Paulette said that she thinks Clean of Heart is a wonderful organization because everyone appreciates the opportunity to take a good shower and put on clean clothes after the shower. Her favorite experiences at Clean of Heart involve seeing the transformation that occurs in the lives of people that regularly come in. When people come in for the first time they are often withdrawn, with few smiles and are not interested in having many conversations. As they keep coming in, she says they begin to open up, engage in conversations, and smile and laugh more. Paulette enjoys seeing these people blossom into new members of the Clean of Heart family.

Paulette, thanks for volunteering and adding those little touches to show people that you care about them!

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Moore

Soon after Clean of Heart opened, Mary Moore began volunteering once a month. Mary attends Our Lady of the Hills and first heard about Clean of Heart while attending Mass there. She also volunteers at Christ Central, serves on the bereavement committee at Our Lady of the Hills, and has volunteered for the past 2 years with SC Mission. When asked about her experiences at Clean of Heart, Mary said “The most rewarding aspect of volunteering at Clean of Heart is realizing that there are so many with true hardships and needs. I hope that our efforts and actions help those that come in for clean clothes and a feeling of safety. I have been emotionally rewarded every time I volunteer.”

Outside of volunteering, Mary enjoys gardening, baking, reading, attending spin classes, and working at Irmo Urgent Care part-time. This month Mary and her husband celebrated 22 years of marriage! Thanks for serving at Clean of Heart, Mary, and congratulations!

Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Escobar

Jessica Escobar is a PhD Candidate at the University of South Carolina where she is studying sustainability of food security policies in developing countries. 5 months ago she began volunteering with Clean of Heart on a monthly basis or when substitutes are needed. She says “I think it is important that we join the works of our Church to bring God’s love to others and to help others to believe and to seek eternal life.” For Jessica, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing people happy when they are treated with dignity, enjoying a snack, and getting clean clothes. She also enjoys sharing the morning work with other volunteers because she can feel God’s presence with them. Through volunteering with Clean of Heart, Jessica has been challenged to overcome her own needs and instead be available for God to use her to love others. 

When she isn’t volunteering with Clean of Heart or working on her studies, Jessica enjoys sports, reading history books and biographies of the saints, and watching movies. Thanks for all you do Jessica and good luck with your studies as the new school year begins!

Volunteer Spotlight: Gwen Skipper

When Gwen Skipper retired, she promised to no longer work for money. Instead she began looking for new ways to donate her time and energy and, luck for us, chose to do so at Catholic Charities!  In the past Gwen has worked with Catholic Charities on other projects and now works in both the Catholic Charities Clothing Closet and Clean of Heart. She has been volunteering at the Clothing Closet since 2001 and began also volunteering at Clean of Heart when it opened. Gwen volunteers monthly and enjoys spending time with the people that come in, getting to know them, and seeing that they’re just like her with a few more challenges. One of her favorite things about volunteering is working with clients and seeing the change in their demeanor. She admits that sometimes individuals come in that are withdrawn or do not seem appreciative, however she also says that you learn to accept them as imperfect people and remember that God loves us all, even when we are being difficult.

When she isn’t volunteering, Gwen likes to garden and read. She also enjoys spending time with her family- her mother, husband, children, and grandchildren. Thanks for your years of service with Catholic Charities, Gwen, and for sharing about your experiences!

Volunteer Spotlight: Claire Wagner

Claire Wagner is one of Catholic Charities of the Midland's longest serving volunteers. For more than 10 years she has volunteered with the clothing closet operated by Catholic Charities. When Clean of Heart opened in 2011, Claire also began volunteering there. She thought this was a great opportunity for the clients of the clothing closet because they can wash their clothes instead of throwing them away when they get dirty. Claire volunteers at least once a month and gets satisfaction from seeing people leave the facility feeling so much better about themselves. 

Claire attends St. Joseph Church in Columbia and enjoys being involved with her church. She also likes to spend time with her family and relax at home. Thanks for your service with Catholic Charities, Claire!