Sense of Belonging

by Juli Minchey, ATLYM 2026 Intern

Matthew 5:14-15 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

As I start my third week here in Atlanta the most impactful and meaningful moments have been at MAC, also known as Midtown Assistance Center, which is a food and rent assistance center. I have had the opportunity to attend and serve at MAC four times so far since being in Atlanta, and, as I go and pack food for families, adults, and children, it has shown me the ways in which one person who has light has so much impact and light upon those around them. For example when I first went to MAC, I didn’t know how to pack orders, so I followed around Dr. Paul and Edward — the fellow volunteers — and after two visits I was able to show our group how to pack food orders.

Today, I was able to deliver the food directly to the client, meaning I packed the cold stuff and helped them take it to their car. This small assistance center on the same block as the All-Saints Episcopal, where Atlanta Youth Mission students are housed during the week, has such a major impact for local families, unhoused friends, and adults. I have met only three workers and two volunteers at MAC, but through their daily devotion to those who are struggling with finances, food insecurity, and daily meals, they are changing lives. In this way of serving at Midtown Assistance Center one person's light becomes brighter every morning when full time workers like Savannah, Liz, and Nellie hand sandwiches out the door for two hours. A person is fed and is able to go and tell others and so in this way the service that MAC provides the community shines brighter everyday as they feed and keep housing for families who may be facing a financial struggle whether it be with rent, utilities, or car troubles.

When we are willing to be shared and not hidden by stepping into volunteer opportunities such as MAC our light is spread throughout those we show human-like qualities to like asking whether they prefer turkey, ham, or chicken salad sandwiches from whole foods. Knowing people's names and what they love, whether it be food, the people they care for, or which sandwich is their favorite, we notice them in a way that makes them feel valued.

​Through ATLYM’s volunteer opportunities we share our light in ways that show up through remembering the names and faces of people we meet at agencies. When a person is noticed and respected it creates a sense of belonging and value to their lives through recognition of one another.