Serving My Lord and Savior

by Jená Hartman, Birthline Coordinator

When I began to volunteer for Birthline nine years ago, it was a “nice” thing to do, meeting delightful people and assisting those in need.  Six years ago, when this permanent position of Birthline Coordinator was created and offered to me, I began to realize the impact this ministry has for the community and for the Archdiocese.

It has taken many people, in various capacities, to help the 1,200+ families during this past year.

• The phone volunteers who schedule client appointments.
• The volunteers at the Catholic Center who receive donations, sort the donations, clean equipment, replace batteries in donated toys, and escort the Birthline clients to their cars or bus stop with their layettes and items received. 
• The parishes that keep “donation bassinets” in their churches to gather weekly donations from their members. 
• The parishes that have annual donation drives for Birthline. 
• The school children who sponsor diaper drives or “birthday parties for Baby Jesus.”
• The retail stores that donate clothes and baby items. 
• The gracious people who send financial gifts to Birthline.

During these past six years, I have had the privilege of meeting many social workers representing several social service agencies, homeless shelters, healthcare providers and legal offices.  These entities have learned about Birthline, send their clients to us and know that we attempt to share and provide for the needy families in the best way possible -- in a spirit of caring and love for a precious Baby who was born in a stable in Bethlehem many years ago.  Professionally, this would be termed “networking.” 

Personally, I call it “serving and loving my Savior.”  This position, as Birthline Coordinator, is a far cry from my educational background as well as my professional experience of being a food technologist.  However, managing this ministry has been more fulfilling than a fancy title, company travel and generous paychecks.  Each day, Our Lord uses me.  He uses all of the volunteers.  He uses the various other departments here at the Catholic Center who assist Birthline in many ways.  He uses my director and administrative assistant to give this ministry new ideas and support.  If we really think about it, Birthline and the families whom we help is more-encompassing than we realize – we (the many working together) are serving our Lord.  In turn we receive His blessings. Scripture tells us “in giving, you shall receive.”  I receive every day.  The Lord uses me every day.  We help people every day.  Isn’t it wonderful? 

Feel called to give gently used or new baby items to Birthline?  Find at out more here.  For more information about Birthline, including volunteer opportunities, please visit the Birthline webpage.