Ellen Olefsky’s Story
Ellen has been generously giving to Mel Trotter Ministries for over 20 years and is now a part of The Community—our monthly donor program. She has fond memories of her mom going down to the Mission to volunteer each week, so MTM was always a part of her life growing up. According to Ellen, her mom “volunteered here when they had the men’s clothing room back in the day, and she would assist men to find the right size, the right clothes for when they were looking for a job.”
Because of her mother’s great example of demonstrating compassion to individuals experiencing homelessness and dedication to serving, Ellen felt compelled to give back too. “If it weren’t for the grace of God, I could be any one of these individuals here. I just felt led by the Lord…doing his work,” she said.
Ellen said she continually gives month after month because she sees what’s happening at the Mission. She said, “It’s just an amazing transformation of lives. Again, feeling led. This is a good purpose to share.”
Recently, Ellen decided to carry on her mom’s tradition and signed up to volunteer too. She said, “I’ve been donating all along, but felt you know what? I can do can more than that.”
Giving not only impacts the individuals we serve but also impacts those who give. Ellen said, “I think more than anything, just feeling blessed that I have this opportunity because not everyone does. I can wake up in my own home and have all the material blessings that others don’t have. In a tiny way, I can make somewhat of an impact.”
