ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - As the holidays are fast approaching, we often try our best to think of others in need and to give what we can. How wonderful and inspiring it is to hear about young people who dedicate their life in service to others not just now, but year round"'especially when it’s one from our own community!  One such person is Rachael Beilgard, a Bella Vista Class of 2015 graduate. Rachel, 24, daughter of Jim and Sarah Beilgard, grew up in Orangevale, and attended Folsom Lake College before transferring to Salve Regina University in Rhode Island to pursue a degree in social work. It was during those years she felt a calling to dedicate her life in service to others. She learned about the “Mercy Tradition” and about the Sisters of Mercy and knew this was what she wanted to do. From there she started her journey as a volunteer with the Mercy Volunteer Corps.

“What I found unique about the Sisters of Mercy was their vow of service and vows of poverty, chastity and obedience,” said Rachel, “The sisters take action by going out into the community to create change focusing on social justice issues surrounding their five Critical Concerns of Mercy; Women, Non-violence, Immigration, Racism, and the Earth.”

As a Mercy Volunteer, Rachel is working with an organization called Project HOME doing homeless outreach. This organization offers many services for individuals in Philadelphia who are experiencing homelessness. Rachel works in the Outreach Coordination Center with their 24-hour homeless services hotline. 

During her time at Project HOME, Rachel had a few opportunities to go out in the field where she was able to shadow different outreach workers. 

“They truly are the ones that make a difference,” she shared, “Its real boots-on-the-ground work. Homeless outreach workers meet people where they are, building relationships, to help individuals get placed into shelters and get the resources they need.”

When asked what the best parts of being in the Mercy Volunteer Corps are, Rachel said, their core tenets of compassionate service, simple living, spiritual growth, and communal living are what she loves.

“I live with three other Mercy Volunteers,” Rachel shared, “They are such great support to me"'especially after a stressful day at work. We make dinner together most nights and just have a lot of fun together.”

Volunteers not only work together but support each other, and Rachel admits the simple living aspect is challenging. They all receive small stipends for food/household supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. Rachel and her roommates collaborate on best to spend their communal food stipend. 

Although there are challenges in living “a life of simplicity”, Rachel believes she may have found a place to call home. Rachel is grateful for finding the Mercy Volunteer Corp and the work they do in making a difference in the world.

“It is the small acts that bring hope to the people I work with, being present, listening to their stories, and treating them as a fellow human being.”

May we all follow this model of kindness, compassion and caring in our community in every small act that we do and with every person that we encounter. Happy Holidays!

If you’d like to make a donation to the Mercy Volunteer Corps, go to www.mercyvolunteers.org/rachelbeilgard/