Volunteer Spotlight: Britney

Britney_pic_1 (1)Meet Britney — she may be new to Colorado, but she is no stranger at Mercy Housing’s Francis Heights in Denver where she is regularly greeted with big hugs and warm smiles by residents. Francis Heights is a 383-home senior apartment building that offers low-income residents a safe, accessible place to call home and Britney can be found volunteering there every Friday morning.

Living in a new state away from family can be difficult. Britney moved from Lakeland, Florida in fall of 2017, to continue her education at the University of Colorado Denver campus. She is currently a junior studying biology with hopes of becoming a vascular surgeon in the future. In addition to school and volunteering, Britney also supports herself and her dreams by working full-time; sometimes up to 50 hours per week.

One of Britney’s primary responsibilities at Francis Heights is tracking and distributing meals to residents through the Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels is a national nonprofit organization that provides daily meals to low-income seniors and is just one of many resources available to Mercy Housing residents. Britney works closely with the Resident Services Coordinator at Francis Heights, Katie, to ensure all 36 meals get to the participating seniors.

When Britney is asked about what she likes most about her time at Francis Heights, there is no hesitation, “The residents. Many of them give me a hug every time they see me.”

She enjoys watching the relationships many of the residents have with each other and values how some have opened up to her over the last several months since she started. Additionally, Britney is inspired by Katie’s work and her commitment to the residents.

“Katie is amazing and does way more than what might be expected. She is constantly giving.”

The feeling is mutual. Katie appreciates everything Britney does and will always welcome her at Francis Heights.

“Britney is the best! I don’t know what we’d do without her, I want her to stay forever!”

Although forever is a long time, it’s certain you’ll find Britney there greeting residents every Friday morning for some time to come.