MONROE — She’s more than a volunteer.
Teri Baca not only gives her time, helping out at a local nonprofit, she also makes it possible for others to serve the community.
Baca, 63, is among about 200 people who volunteer at Take the Next Step in Monroe. It provides services, support and a safe place to go for those who face homelessness and poverty.
“We offer friendship, help and hope. That’s our mission,” said Sarah Lunstrum, the nonprofit’s spokeswoman.
Take the Next Step has a drop-in center where people can get help finding the resources they need. The nonprofit also puts on community dinners and runs a cold-weather shelter. It has programs for kids from low-income families, homeless youth and teen moms.
“Take the Next Step is home to the homeless in the Sky Valley,” said Janos Kendall, the drop-in center director. “We walk along with them, helping them through the system so they don’t give up.”
With Baca’s help, Mary Nalty, 79, was able to continue volunteering at the drop-in center after her husband died last year. Nalty fills small bags with granola, raisins and $2 to pass out to panhandlers encountered on the drive to the nonprofit.
“I don’t think anyone can get into too much trouble” with $2, she said.
Nalty used to send out the email prayers for the faith-based nonprofit. She isn’t able to do that anymore because of a health condition but she’s found a new way to help.
“I can still pass out the lunches, that’s for sure,” she said.
Nalty welcomes people to the drop-in center on Sam Street. It is her smile that greets them when they come in, Baca said.
“The more time you spend with people here, the more your heart is pulled to help,” she said. “Once you see the need, you can’t turn a blind eye to that.”
Baca, a 10-year veteran volunteer, has gone beyond her duties at the nonprofit. She helps a homeless teen, who before her intervention, had been wandering the streets in the cold because his family was unable to care for him.
He has Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that can cause behavioral problems and issues with social interaction.
At Take the Next Step, Baca and Kendall arranged for the teen to stay in a motel while he finished high school. They paired him with a homeless veteran who moved into the motel room to make sure the teen got to school and people weren’t taking advantage of him.
Baca researched programs and advocated for the teen.
“When things were falling apart, Teri was there to glue it all together,” Kendall said.
The teen now has his diploma, a home, medical care and an aide to help him with various tasks, such as hygiene, grocery shopping and making meals.
Baca also takes on a number of other duties to help Take the Next Step.
“Whatever need there is, she’s willing to find a way to fill it,” Kendall said.
Take the Next Step estimates that volunteers like Baca make it possible for the nonprofit to offer clients almost $7 worth of services for every $1 donated. It expects 8,000 visits this year.
“Volunteering isn’t just something you do for others,” Baca said. “I have been more blessed than I’ve managed to bless anyone else.”
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
Help out
To volunteer, donate or find out more about Take the Next Step, go to ttns.org, call 360-794-1022 or stop by the drop-in center at 202 S. Sams St. in Monroe.
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