Hope, Joy, and Resilience

In our latest blog post, we talk to 2014-15 Dominican Volunteer Sarah Hammel. Sarah served as a Refugee Resettlement Specialist at Catholic Charities Atlanta and was recently appointed to the Dominican Volunteers USA board. Thank you for your service and continued Dominican witness, Sarah! 

1. Give us some background. How have you been shaped by the Dominican mission and Dominican life? Why do you feel called to serve on the DVUSA board?

Sarah Hammel, 2014-15 Dominican Volunteer

"What comes to mind immediately is that I wouldn’t be where I am today without being introduced to Dominican life and DVUSA. I currently work as the Membership Coordinator of Catholic Volunteer Network and am a huge believer that faith-based service can change the world.

My introduction to Dominican life came in the mail one day in the form of a postcard from Dominican University. As a girl living in a small rural farming town in Michigan, my daydreams always involved traveling and exploring what the world had to offer. So, I was immediately struck and drawn in to the mission statement of Dominican University: “Dominican University prepares students to pursue truth, give compassionate service and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.”

My first year at DU, I was introduced to DVUSA through my involvement with University Ministry. Someone handed me a RESPONSE directory and opened my eyes to all the various service programs that existed. My mom served in the Peace Corps in the 70’s so I knew about secular service organizations but wow there a lot of amazing faith-based programs!

I dove deeper when I went on my first service learning trip with MaDonna Thelen to Cuernavaca, Mexico. That immersion experience changed everything for me and put me on the path to studying social justice and civic engagement. My entire college career was spent working alongside MaDonna in the Community-based Learning Office helping provide volunteer and service opportunities for my peers. As the years went on more inspiring mentors (Shannon Green, Ann Hillman, Professor Calabrese, Michael Chapuran, Sr. Melissa Waters) entered my life and helped guide me towards a year of service with Dominican Volunteers USA after college.

So you see it has all come full circle for me. My time as a student at a Dominican sponsored institution surrounded by the Dominican Sisters their charisms shaped me into the person I am today. I now coordinate and oversee the creation of the RESPONSE directory that I first picked up all those years ago at DU’s University Ministry Center. Now, looking forward, I wish to give back to the Dominican community by serving on the Board of Trustees for DVUSA."

2. The mission statement of Dominican Volunteers USA to “respond to the injustices of our day by ministering with our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor and marginalized.” What does serving with our brothers and sisters who are marginalized mean to you? Why is serving with others who are marginalized so important and life-giving?

“Our lives preach God’s great compassion for all, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us. Our preaching is always on the side of Justice, peace and reconciliation.” This core value of DVUSA inspired me during my year as a volunteer. I lived in the Penn Community in Atlanta, GA and worked as a Case Worker for Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Department. I spent my days listening and accompanying refugees who fled their homes in search of a better life in America. It broke my heart to hear their struggles and know that many America’s did/do not want them here in our country. 

The 2014-15 Penn Community of Atlanta

My year as a DV offered me the privilege to enter into the lives of many beautiful souls. I found myself feeling very grateful and honored to learn about my client’s cultures and recognize God in each of them. How powerful it is to witness the transformation of someone’s life. True I helped take my clients to doctor’s appointments, taught them to navigate public transit and encouraged them to be self-sufficient but the greatest gift was how much I learned from each of them. That no matter what life throws at you there can still be profound hope and joy and resilience. "

The 2014-15 Dominican Volunteers with DVUSA  founders Sisters Marcela Conley and Mary Kremer

3. Tell us about your life outside of DVUSA. What do you like to do for fun?

I live in Maryland in-between Washington D.C. and Baltimore! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we celebrated our 2^nd wedding anniversary this past June. The two of us started indoor rock climbing this year. It’s a really fun way for us to spend time together while also challenging our bodies and minds!

I also love to knit! Many years back, my grandma taught me and to this day it’s one of my favorite things to do. When I travel, I try to find a local yarn shop to support their business and stock up on new yarn!"

4. Please share a quote that hasbeen particularly impactful in your ministry, life of service, and faith journey?

"I think this quote was in the University Ministry Office at DU and it’s one of my favorites.  "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."― St. Catherine of Siena 

5. As you begin your tenure on the DVUSA board, what are your hopes for the future of DVUSA? How would you like to see our ministry grow and develop?

             "My hopes for DVUSA are for it to be sustainable and also diversify. Look at where the volunteers are not coming from and consider going there. How can DVUSA be accessible for more young adults and individuals wishing to serve others and grow in their faith?"

6. Any final thoughts you wish to share?

            Fun fact: My great aunt, Evelyn Rogers, was an Adrian Dominican Sister! She taught music at Siena Heights and Barry University. I found her in a photo on the history wall at Siena Heights when we were there for our DVUSA Closing Retreat!

Sarah's great aunt Sister Evelyn Rogers, second row from top, third in from right