Meet the Interns!

Bri – Housing Services Intern

Bri is a housing services intern. She is working with single parents and seniors who are facing houselessness and connecting them with our programs and providing financial aid towards their first month’s rent and security deposits. Brianna found Denver Rescue Mission through a family friend because of her interest in long-term housing solutions.    

“The Mission doesn’t just put a band aid on the issue, they want to find long-term solutions.”  

“So far, my internship with Denver Rescue Mission has grown me. It has had some extremely challenging situations as we work with applicants and try to find them long-term solutions. But it is also so rewarding when you get to see them sign a lease and hear stories of them being in safe housing for over a year. Knowing that we are making lasting changes in their lives and potentially reversing generations of homelessness makes it all worthwhile. To know that I have helped get at least one person off the streets is the reason I am doing this.

I pray that by the end of this internship I continue to have eyes to see the need, a heart to fulfill it and a passion to help the hurting even more than I originally did. I want to learn more about the ins and outs of homelessness response, as I one day hope to be the CEO or co-owner of an organization just like Denver Rescue Mission.”

Alaina – Human Resources Intern

Alaina is a human resources intern. She is working with the department updating job descriptions and learning more about the administrative work of non-profits. Alaina was also an intern during the summer and fall of 2022. Her experience working with guests directly and seeing those experiencing homelessness in her own hometown led her to interning again with human resources to learn about the administrative side of things.  

“The Mission doesn’t just put a band aid on the issue, they want to find long-term solutions.”

“When I came to Denver Rescue Mission in the summer of 2022, I had a very skewed perspective of the homeless population. I viewed getting out of homelessness as an easy task. Now, I recognize that it is not a simple task to get off the streets. The traumas and addictions that come with homelessness make it nearly impossible for one to get off the streets without support. Many of those coming out of homelessness at the Mission are some of the wisest people I have met. However, they often lack the courage and confidence to utilize their wisdom until they find a solid support system.   

While at the Mission, I hope to not only assist participants but the staff who help make this amazing non-profit run. In terms of personal growth, I hope to gain the knowledge of an HR position and obtain skills that I can take into any future career. I hope to make a positive impact on the staff and participants, making them feel appreciated, heard and cared for. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be shown dignity and respect, no matter their life history. I want to leave a positive impact on everyone I encounter.” 

Hannah – Housing Services Intern

Hannah is interning with housing services. She is working with seniors, single-parent families and refugees to pay their first month’s rent and security deposit. While looking at placement options for the semester, Hannah felt a pull in her heart towards Denver Rescue Mission.

“I have learned a new way of interacting with individuals that I might not have been comfortable with in the past, which helps me step out of my comfort zone.”

“Over the past couple weeks, I have found this internship to be a new experience. It provides the opportunity to grow and make the uncomfortable more comfortable. I have learned a new way of interacting with individuals that I might not have been comfortable with in the past, which helps me step out of my comfort zone. Now, seeing individuals who are currently houseless has given me a better understanding of the struggles that they go through. I hope to take away a new sense of kindness. A lot of individuals I talk with are stressed and have had their final straw cut, which has taught me a new type of patience—patience that focuses on the understanding that not every situation is the same and you never truly know what someone is going through.” 

Campbell – Case Management Intern

Campbell is a case management intern at Harvest Farm. She is assisting with check-ins, writing day passes for participants to leave the farm and data entry. Campbell chose to intern with Denver Rescue Mission because of her heart for the homeless population and the desire to help individuals find stability for their lives. With this internship specifically, she can help cultivate the unshakeable joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Working with the men at Harvest Farm, I have seen how a second chance can change the entire trajectory of someone’s future.” 

“I’ve come to appreciate all the ins and outs of working at a facility like this. Some days I’ll sit in on check-ins or needs-assessments and celebrate accomplishments with the guys. One participant is so ecstatic when he makes progress in the program, and it warms my heart whenever he bursts through my supervisor’s door shouting for joy. Other days I’ll witness hard conversations and difficult circumstances that need navigating. Some men who come here don’t end up fitting the program and that’s difficult to see, but I love how the Farm emphasizes finding other resources to keep them moving towards their new life. This facility is unique. There is a lot of opportunity to get to know the participants and I’ve gotten to see a new perspective of life from each one of the men I have interacted with. I have begun to learn what it looks like to support folks to grow new habits, pursue sobriety and build their new life in Christ.  

The staff here is like a family. I’ve learned more about God through the staff and the participants, and I’ve personally witnessed the countless hours invested by staff who have a genuine love for this kind of work. That dedication means so much to the guys here on the Farm. I have learned about how people approach adversity and the ways that God meets them there. Working with the men at Harvest Farm, I have seen how a second chance can change the entire trajectory of someone’s future. Moving forward, I hope to gain more hands-on learning in the case management position. At the end of my internship, I would like to walk away having a wider knowledge of non-profit organizations, how to best care for individuals in need and how to spur others on to do the same.”