Volunteer Spotlight: Serving with Compassion and Purpose
Some people volunteer because they want to give back. Others find that, along the way, volunteering changes them.
For this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, we’re recognizing John Callaghan whose commitment to serving others is rooted in a lifelong dedication to public service, compassion, and faithfulness.
John’s journey with the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition began after being encouraged to get involved by Rita Canfield, one of the founding members of BCHC. The two attended the same church, and that connection opened the door to becoming part of the Coalition’s mission.
Today, John serves on the board and as the Secretary, preparing meeting minutes, handling correspondence, and making sure donors receive thoughtful acknowledgements for their support. John has also taken on the important work of writing grant applications on behalf of BCHC—helping provide resources that make the Coalition’s work possible. Members are so grateful for this task he is willing to take on.
John’s desire to serve the community comes naturally from his professional background. Before retirement, his career centered largely around public service, first as a teacher and later in public administration with county government in Northern Virginia. Continuing to serve through volunteering was a natural extension of that commitment.
John stated “The problem of homelessness was one I cared about and one I wanted to help remedy.”
When asked what keeps him coming back to serve, his answer is rooted in faith. The words of Matthew 25:35–40 guide his efforts, reminding us of the importance of caring for others and recognizing the dignity of those in need.
But perhaps one of the most powerful parts of his experience has been what he claims to have received in return…
Working alongside the many dedicated volunteers who care deeply about their community and their neighbors has been “incredibly inspiring.” John explains that through that experience, volunteering has also changed my own perspective on those experiencing hardship.
He believes he has become less judgmental about those in need, recognizing that circumstances can affect anyone and that compassion should come before assumptions.
When asked what John wished more people understood about the individuals BCHC serves, his response was simple and powerful:
“The people we serve are no different than we are.”
He believes everyone deserves compassion and all the help we can provide to give them the opportunity to have a good life.
For someone considering volunteering but unsure where to begin, John’s advice is encouraging: start with what you care about. Think about what you enjoy, start small, and consider helping with just one event to get a feel for volunteering. There is no need to have a particular set of “special skills.” Simply being present and being willing to help can make a difference.
And if the first opportunity isn’t the right fit, keep looking.
“You can always find one that works for you.”
Ultimately, their message to the community is one that reflects the heart of the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition:
“Simply put, we are all in this together. We can all play a part in making this a better world.”
We are grateful for volunteers who give their time, talents, and hearts to our community. Their service reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t always begin with something big—it begins when someone is willing to show up, care, and help.
Thank you, John, for being part of the BCHC family and for helping make our community a better place.
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Brunswick County Homeless Coalition: Treasurer — Job Description
Role summary
The Treasurer maintains the nonprofit’s cash-basis bookkeeping using a spreadsheet, manages banking and payments, tracks restricted grants balances (while keeping all funds in one bank account), produces a simple monthly report of grant and general fund balances, and and reports to the Board of Directors, with a commitment to responsible stewardship. The Treasurer is a board member/officer and a member of the executive committee.
Key responsibilities
1) Cash-basis bookkeeping in spreadsheet (primary)
– Maintain the nonprofit’s accounting workbook(s): income, expenses, and transaction log.
2) Banking, deposits, reconciliation (single bank account)
– Maintain day-to-day oversight of the single bank account (online banking access, recording deposits, write and mail checks as authorized).
– Reconcile the spreadsheet cash balance to the bank statement monthly and investigate/reconcile differences.
3) Restricted grant tracking using spreadsheets (lump-sum received; 3–4 active)
Because restricted funds share one bank account, the Treasurer tracks restrictions outside the bank account using separate spreadsheets:
– Monitor the grant spreadsheets (e.g., Grant A/B/C/D) that show:
– lump sum received, grant expenses paid to date, and restricted balance remaining
4) Monthly financial reporting
Prepare a simple monthly report (examples provided) including:
– Cash summary (beginning cash, receipts, payments, ending cash)
– Restricted grant status (by grant)
5) Budgeting & cash planning
– Record and monitor annual budget (template and examples provided)
6) Year-end close & tax preparation support
– Complete year-end reconciliation and finalize the spreadsheet books.
– Organize documentation and export/compile the year-end summary information needed for the NC Secretary of State office, charitable solicitation division.
– File the (postcard) form 990
Time commitment
– Meetings: Attend monthly meetings, the second Tuesday of the month in the evening
– Ongoing: about 10–20 hours/month (bookkeeping + writing/mailing checks + reconciliation + grant tracking + monthly report)
– Year-end: 20–40 hours depending on grant documentation and reporting needs
Qualifications
– Ability to maintain cash-basis books in a spreadsheet and prepare reports
– Ability to accurately track restricted grants separately while using the single bank account
– Commitment to the mission and values of Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
Preferred qualifications
– Experience with nonprofit bookkeeping and/or spreadsheet accounting systems
– Familiarity with grant documentation requirements and restricted vs. unrestricted distinctions
Next steps: Visit the Volunteer Page for information on how to volunteer or for more information.
Brunswick County Homeless Coalition Call-Taker job description:
- Works from home utilizing RingCentral telephone app to answer and
return calls. - Identifying callers needs and coordinating services (rent,power,
shelter,etc.) on their behalf. - Provide funds and offer referral services to assist clients.
- Documentation of calls and expenditures as required.
- Compassion, listening skills,and exercising good judgement are
necessary as BCHC clients are normally in immediate need of
assistance. - Weekly client calls: 25-35.
- Time required :20-30 hours one week per month.
Next steps: Visit the Volunteer Page for information on how to volunteer or for more information.
Volunteer Spotlight
This month, we’re honored to shine a light on one of the compassionate hearts behind the
Brunswick County Homeless Coalition, Bobby Brown. (pictured below)
Bobby’s journey with the coalition began through an unexpected connection while volunteering
at Lord’s Miracle Acre harvesting collards. There, they met one of our founders, Rita, who
invited them to attend one of the coalition’s soup outreach events. That simple invitation became
the beginning of a meaningful ministry of serving neighbors in need.
Today, Bobby faithfully serves as one of our call-takers, answering calls from individuals and
families seeking assistance. Whether connecting someone with available resources, offering
financial assistance when possible, or simply taking time to pray with and for those who call,
they are often one of the first voices of hope someone hears during a difficult season.
When asked what inspired him to serve, Bobby’s answer is simple and powerful: his faith.
Believing that Jesus Christ calls His followers to serve others, he has embraced this season of
life after retirement as an opportunity to give their time to helping those in need.
Bobby stated that one of the most meaningful parts of volunteering has been the privilege of
speaking with people facing incredibly difficult circumstances and having the opportunity to offer
practical help, encouragement, and prayer. Those moments are a reminder that sometimes
hope begins with someone simply answering the phone and caring enough to listen.
For anyone considering volunteering, Bobby encourages you to take that first step. Serving as
a call-taker is a meaningful way to show compassion and make an immediate difference in
someone’s life. While it does require a commitment of time, the opportunity to serve others in
such a personal way is incredibly rewarding.
We are deeply grateful for volunteers like Bobby whose faith, compassion, and willingness to
serve make a lasting impact in our community. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus
and for helping bring hope to those who need it most.
