October 2020 Volunteer of the Month: Amanda Worley

Amanda Worley heats up pizzas in the Soup Kitchen.

Over the last several years, Amanda Worley has been involved with Project Host in a variety of capacities. In 2019, she attended the CC Pearce Culinary School for her ServSafe Manager certification through Project Host’s partnership with Jasmine Road. Since graduating, Amanda has been volunteering on a regular basis. Currently, she comes three days a week, dedicating her time and energy to Project Host.

Now that she’s graduating from the Jasmine Road program, however, Amanda will be working full time and won’t be able to spend quite as much time here at Project Host. To thank her for her steadfast service, we’ve chosen her as our October Volunteer of the Month. Below are just a few reflections from Amanda on her time serving in our Soup Kitchen.

Why do you volunteer at Project Host? What’s your favorite part about volunteering?

I love to give back to my community because I know what it feels like to be homeless.

Debra Wray, Amanda Worley, and Chef Marianne Harris work the HostMobile food truck as a part of Amanda’s internship as a culinary student.

My favorite part about volunteering is when guests come through the line, know my name, and talk to me like they know me and have conversations—that human connection is encouraging.

Congratulations on your recent graduation from Jasmine Road! We know that means we won’t be seeing you here as often, but do you think you’ll still stay engaged with Project Host?

Even though I’ll be working at Jasmine Kitchen now that I’m graduating from the Jasmine Road program, I’m not going to abandon Project Host. I love Project Host and everything about it. I love the people, and I feel like I’m a part of everything here.

Every day is a memory to take with me. Every day that I’m here, every second, every hour, I’m going to take it with me. Even when I’m 70, I want to be one of those little old ladies still coming to Project Host!