SJC Volunteer Appreciation Month: Yvette Coleman

As St. Joseph Center recognizes Volunteer Appreciation Month, Yvette Coleman’s story highlights the power of showing up, building community, and creating spaces where every person is met with warmth and dignity.

“People give money, people give food, but you also need somebody to cook it, you need somebody to serve it, you need somebody to clean up after all of that.”

For Yvette Coleman, a member of the Thursday volunteer crew at Bread & Roses Café, those words capture why volunteerism matters now more than ever.

A Thursday Shift That Became a Routine

At 80 years old, Coleman has been volunteering at Bread & Roses Café for the past year and a half. What began as a one-time favor soon became a meaningful part of her weekly routine. A friend who regularly volunteered needed someone to cover a Thursday shift, so Coleman stepped in to help and never looked back.

“I came to sub and I never left.”

Yvette is no stranger to service. Over the years, she has volunteered in many ways, including supporting her children’s school and helping with Meals on Wheels. After retiring, she thought that chapter of life might be behind her. Instead, Bread & Roses Café opened a new one.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Since then, Thursdays have become something she looks forward to each week, not only because of the work itself, but because of the people who make Bread & Roses feel like home.

She describes the volunteers, chefs, kitchen staff and security team as a close-knit group, with everyone playing a part in creating a welcoming space for guests. The longtime volunteer crew brings experience, teamwork and a spirit of joy and service. The chefs and staff lead with warmth and care, while security helps everyone feel safe so volunteers can focus on serving meals and connecting with guests.

Occasionally, students from St. Joseph Center Bread & Roses Training Kitchen join the team. Coleman says they quickly embrace the same culture of care, stepping in wherever needed, noticing what needs to be done and helping without being asked.

Connection, Perspective, and Joy

For Coleman, volunteering has not only been a way to give back. It has also given her something meaningful in return: connection, perspective and joy.

Over time, the experience has deepened her understanding of the challenges many unhoused neighbors face, and it has reminded her of the importance of seeing every person with compassion and humanity.

That sense of connection is what brings her back week after week. She treasures the conversations she shares with guests, from catching up on family updates to discussing books with one regular visitor who loves to read.

Serving With Purpose

The experience is so meaningful that she often wishes she could volunteer more than once a week.

“I want to do this until I can’t move. I think it keeps me. It’s part of my exercise too.”

As St. Joseph Center celebrates 50 years of service, Coleman hopes to see even more spaces like Bread & Roses Café in the future, where nourishment, compassion and community come together.

For Coleman, volunteering is not simply about helping others. It is also about the joy, purpose and connection that service can bring to everyone involved.