The Power of Service: How Volunteers Turn Compassion into Impact

“SignUpGenius was the first tool that we found that people could figure out very easily. It really helped us get the word out.”

In a world where many people struggling with homelessness often feelinvisible, Pathway of Hope is determined to remind them they are seen and loved. This all-volunteer nonprofit provides food, hot meals, blankets, flashlights, and other essentials to help neighbors facing hard times survive — and to remind them they are not forgotten.

“We seek to share hope with our neighbors and our community by giving them practical things that they need,” said Executive Director Tanja Freestone.

Tanja Freestone, Executive Director, Pathway of Hope

When Passion Outweighs Resources

With no paid staff, Pathway of Hope operates entirely on volunteer power. The group channels its limited budget directly into programs; from food pantries to meal preparation and outreach efforts. For Tanja, who leads the organization as a volunteer herself, the passion comes from a simple yet powerful vision: meeting real needs with compassion.

“Our biggest challenge is me wearing too many hats,”she explained. “Everybody else who volunteers with us has a full-time job and is only able to give a small amount of time. But we all share the same goal — to bring hope to those who need it most.”

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Simplifying Service with SignUpGenius

That shared goal means every moment of volunteer time matters. When Pathway of Hope needed a tool to organize its outreach efforts, SignUpGenius made it simple to create sign ups with slots for different tasks.

“SignUpGenius was the first tool that we found that people could figure out very easily. Most people had seen it before,” Tanja said. “It really helped us get the word out. We can put it on social media, in newsletters, and even post QR codes in our building.”

Leaders can quickly check which slots are filled, send reminders, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. That means volunteers spend less time on logistics and more time giving meals, supplies, and encouragement to those in need.

Hope in Action

From delivering food to offering warm clothing on cold nights, every act of kindness is a reminder to the community that someone cares. For Tanja and her team, it’s about more than just meeting physical needs — it’s about sharing love and dignity with people who may feel forgotten.

“It really works for the way we operate,” she said. “It helps us make sure our volunteers know exactly what’s needed and when.”

With SignUpGenius helping them stay organized, Pathway of Hope can keep doing what they do best: showing up for their neighbors with open hands, open hearts, and the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

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