Meet A Dominican Volunteer- Shani Toor

Shani Toor ministers with Siena House in the Bronx. She builds community with the women and their babies who are living at the shelter. She shares community in the Bronx Lay Community. As her volunteer year comes to end, she answered our questions about her year in Dominican Volunteers program.

Why did you decide to become a Dominican Volunteer?

I loved the fact that I would be serving a grossly under served population. I have always wanted to work with mothers and babies so it seemed that dedicating a year of service with DVUSA would give me that opportunity as well as the structure and security of community living.

What was the most surprising thing during your volunteer time?

The most surprising thing for me during my volunteer time was how much I fell in love with the women and children I work with. They bring me so much joy, As I am writing this response I find myself fighting back tears by the thought of leaving them but they will forever be in my heart and I will always remember them.

What was the one thing you wish you could change?

Community life was very difficult for me in the beginning because I didn't fully understand it but now that it is so close to the end I am really enjoying the time that I spend within community.

What was the most important lesson you learned in your volunteer time with DV?

I have learned to accept all things in the form that they come to you because although it may not come in the way you want it to, every lesson is important.

Do you have any special moments you would like to share with us?

Recently, this year my mother was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. It is by far the most devastating news that I have ever received but this program and all of its affiliates have been so unbelievably supportive throughout the whole process. I have felt loved.

How this year changed you?

I am sure it has but I wont know in what ways until I leave NYC and get a chance to look at this year through from an aerial prospective.

 What would you say to volunteers of 2015-16?

Enjoy yourself and go with what is in your heart

Meet A Dominican Volunteer-David Gayes

David Gayes currently serves as an English Language teacher at the Tolton Center in Chicago. He also serves at Casa Juan Diego, an after school program. At the end of his first year of service as a Dominican Volunteer we asked him to share with us his experience with the program.

Why did you decide to become a Dominican Volunteer?

I attended Dominican University in River Forest Illinois. My major was in Spanish Studies and my two miners were Theology and Social Justice & Civic Engagement. At my university, I was shaped by the importance of service, social justice, and the Dominican way of life. I knew I wanted to put them into practice and serve my community. Dominican Volunteers USA offered a way to do that and a way to grow.

What was the most surprising thing during your volunteer time?

When I came to my ministry to teach English as a second language With the Tolton Center in Chicago I didn't know what to expect. The people that surprised me most were my students. I was surprised at how welcoming they were to me as a new teacher. I was moved by their willingness to share their powerful and profound life experiences. And I was impressed by their strong desire to learn and embrace United States culture. 

One story illustrates my students’ generosity. After teaching for only a few weeks, one of my students gave me an apple, a symbol for a teacher. I was moved by this simple gesture of love, and appreciation from my students.

What was the one thing you wish you could change?

 As an English as a Second Language teaching assistant, I serve many immigrants and people who are undocumented. Through their stories and experiences, I receive a firsthand look of the injustices of the United States immigration system, as well as the many obstacles my students must overcome. I wish that I could do more to fix this unjust and broken system. I remind myself that teaching English is a needed service that makes a substantial difference in in the lives of my students.

How this year changed you?

 One year into the program, I now have a better understanding of struggles people go through in learning English and American culture. I have cultivated long-lasting relationships and friendships with people different than myself both in my community, and in my ministry. I have learned so much from Sister Beth Murphy, and Sister Martha Marie Kirbach, two sisters who dedicate their lives to serving others.

 What would you say to volunteers of 2015-16?

I would say keep an open mind. You are embarking on a life-changing journey in your community and your ministry. Be open to wherever that journey may lead you.