Volunteer Spotlight | Ed Wehling
Making a Difference: The Inspiring Journey of Volunteer Ed Wehling
In a world where kind gestures often go unnoticed, people like Ed Wehling shine as beacons of hope and change. For Ed, his journey with Alexandra House started from a deeply personal place, rooted in his desire to honor his late wife’s memory and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. In 2009, Ed’s wife, who had endured childhood trauma similar to many of Alexandra House’s clients, passed away. Ed reached out to Alexandra House in 2012, stating, “I wanted to do something to help people like my wife have a better life.”
When Ed first came to Alexandra House, he was struck by its size and vital role in the community. “Alexandra House is so much more than an emergency shelter,” he emphasizes. While working in the kitchen, he quickly recognized the importance of simple acts, like providing nourishing meals, in fostering a sense of comfort and normalcy for those residing in the shelter.
Despite Alexandra House’s vital role, Ed acknowledges the challenge of Alexandra House’s relative obscurity within the community. Raising awareness is a continual struggle, one he is determined to address. For Ed, combating domestic and sexual violence goes beyond providing immediate support. He advocates for increased visibility and recognition of organizations like Alexandra House, urging everyone to take a stand against these pervasive issues.
Ed began volunteering by working in the kitchen and serving dinners every Friday. He shared that the participants were always cheerful when they received their meals. His most memorable moment came when the Director of Housing and Support Services informed him that several mothers had mentioned how wonderful it was for their children to have a positive male role model. Ed commented, “The best part for me was realizing that even the smallest things I did were making a difference in people’s lives.”
Ed wishes that people realized how common violence and abuse are. He shared, “Unless you have a friend or family member who is or has been in a violent and abusive situation, it’s easy to think that the victims are ‘other people.’ The reality is that the participants at Alexandra House are your neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends, and they need our help.”
“When I started volunteering, I did it to help people like my wife. After several years, I realized I was doing it even more to help people like me. Domestic and sexual violence affects the lives of many, many people.”
Through Ed Wehling’s volunteer journey, we find a testament to the transformative power of empathy and action. Through his tireless dedication, he embodies the spirit of compassion, leaving an indelible mark on those he serves and inspiring us all to do our part in creating a safer, more inclusive society.
