Since 1955, the San Diego Rescue Mission has been working toward “ending homelessness one life at a time.” The faith-based organization provides resources, including meals, shelter, clothing, and job training to San Diegans experiencing homelessness. A big part of that mission is education. Longtime educators John and Margie Dykema launched an eight-week course called You-Turn that focuses on skills like making healthy choices, building relationships, developing perseverance, and more.
They share how they created a program tailored both to their unique skill sets and the needs of SDRM’s clients, and why one of their mottos is “Don’t be afraid to say yes.”
What made you want to become a volunteer for the San Diego Rescue Mission?
Margie Dykema (MD): We found that finding a place to serve in a large community like San Diego could be daunting, so our story of serving at the San Diego Rescue Mission begins with prayer. Then, we learned about the need for volunteers at the [organization] through our church. We had served those experiencing homelessness back in Michigan and wanted to learn more about how we could get involved here in San Diego.
We explored the website, attended what’s called, “a huddle” to learn more, and signed up to volunteer. The volunteer director sat down with us and we talked about our skill sets and areas of interest, and then we created a plan on how best we could get involved.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
John Dykema (JD): Our intention was just to work in the kitchen, but our prayer was “Lord, where do you want us to go?” So here we go. We started out teaching a life skills class from a video presentation. We didn’t feel it was meeting the needs of the students, and in the back of our heads from the start, we thought that maybe we could make a difference in that curriculum. We also led exercise activities. I worked with students and we assisted graduating students with writing their testimonies.
We trained as Community Life Advocates, Margie did morning devotions, we refurbished two pastoral rooms, and we’ve served at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. But we kept thinking about the life skills class and developed a curriculum for that.
We named it “You-Turn” because all of us can make positive changes and improve our lives. Margie and I also do a “Walk With Me” program, which is one-on-one to help students as they transition back into society.
MD: So, the big umbrella is: Don’t be afraid to say yes when a job is offered to you, because that’s how we learn more. We started going to meetings with San Diego Rescue Mission staff to learn more about the needs of the students and that’s how we were able to start putting together the You-Turn class. One of our biggest gifts is when we have students who go, “Where was this stuff when I was in school?”
What do you like best about volunteering at San Diego Rescue Mission?
JD: The relationships that we develop with our students and experiencing the change that takes place. We hope that we can be a small piece of the puzzle toward their success. Part of what we really love is going to the graduations—they have two graduations, spring and fall, and about 40 to 50 students successfully complete the San Diego Rescue Mission Academy program. We’re so proud to see the positive changes they made. At that graduation, you see them with a job, with housing, making healthy connections with their family again—that’s big.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
MD: The limitations on the budget. San Diego Rescue Mission doesn’t receive state or federal government funding. They’re funded through private donations, whether it’s individuals, businesses, churches, or foundations that help out. That puts them in a challenging situation, but if you remove that [faith-based] component, you are short changing students because it’s not just physical and mental healing, it’s also a spiritual rebirth in many ways.
JD: For me it’s seeing how many people are still experiencing homelessness. I’m sure some of them are wanting help. And the biggest issue we have is funding of our program.
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?
MD: I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago, as we were teaching the class. We have such lovely students. They grow so much after those eight weeks, and we really do build real, positive relationships with them. A group of our students got together when they found out I was going in for surgery and they went out and bought me flowers and a card, and they presented it to me just before I went into surgery. That was our last class together, and it just tells you this family that we build—talk about a loving community.
And also serving with my children, my spouse, and my grandchildren. This legacy of love and service, it’s powerful stuff.
JD: We have three daughters and 11 grandkids, all in the area. All of their families have become involved with the San Diego Rescue Mission. It’s really joyous to see our kids and grandkids developing a mindset of service.
PARTNER CONTENT
Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?
MD: Don’t be afraid to ask God to help you find a way to give back to your community. Get your kids involved and consider making it a family opportunity so that you can build a legacy of giving back.
JD: Pray about it, take a chance, try out different opportunities. I’m absolutely positive you’ll receive more blessings from serving than the individuals you are wanting to bless.
