Volunteer Stories: James and Prisma

"Prisma Garcia and James Krings have been working at Emmaus Greenwich as part of their studies abroad at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.

James says, 'As with any completely new work experience, particularly in a different country, it is difficult to know what to expect. I was excited, if a bit apprehensive.
However, since I began my work at Emmaus Greenwich back in August of this year, I have been nothing but encouraged by the work a place like Emmaus is doing for the Plumstead community.

Emmaus seems to be a place about stability, trust, self-sufficiency, and helping one another. It's good to see people who are really working together and the other thing which strikes me is the sense of community: everybody eats together, everybody works together and they're all working for the same goal.'

Prisma writes, 'I first became interested in Emmaus because of my previous work with disadvantaged communities. However, the work of the Companions exceeded my preconceived ideas and thoughts about the subject of homelessness and shelters.

The overall concept of Emmaus is really challenging but it's also very inspiring. I was left in awe when I saw the store and its operation. Emmaus has fulfilled its mission and given me a reason to 'get out of bed' every Tuesday morning this semester."

"Emmaus has helped me look at myself. It's given me a purpose, stability and shelter. Before I came here I never quite knew where I was staying for a night, where I could go."