Raising Resources, Raising Hope: Bryan’s Story
Bryan first came to the FOCUS Breakfast Club to volunteer. Like many people, he started by simply showing up. He greeted guests, helped them find their way, and made sure everyone felt welcome as they arrived for a hot meal. He was surprised by how quickly he felt connected to both the people and the program.
“It’s more than a meal,” Bryan said. “People come for the food, but they also come for the warmth and the interaction. You see people week after week. You notice when someone does not show up. You worry about them.”
As Bryan became more involved, he helped out wherever he was needed. Some mornings, he worked in the kitchen, making toast or filling in for cooks. Staff encouraged him to share ideas for improvements. With his background in food service, facilities management, and the building trades, Bryan paid close attention to the details.
“One thing I kept noticing was the toast,” he said. “I really wanted it to be hot when it reached people. It seems small, but those details matter.”
Seeing all the work that went into making mornings welcoming and organized made Bryan think about how he could help the Breakfast Club beyond volunteering on Wednesdays.
Turning Care Into Action
As time went on, Bryan saw that there were bigger needs too. Near the end of the season, the dishwasher broke, and fixing it cost several thousand dollars. Bryan had already talked with staff about smaller equipment needs and had offered to help raise money by asking his friends.
That moment pushed him to act.
“I just said, I’ll ask my friends,” he explained. “I’ll tell them what’s going on and see what happens.”
Bryan started telling people he knew about the Breakfast Club. He shared stories about the guests, the sense of dignity and community, and why the program was important to him. These conversations led to something he didn’t expect.
People wanted to help.
“Some gave twenty dollars. Some gave more,” Bryan said. “What mattered was that they understood why it was important.”
He credits former WAMC Northeast Public Radio CEO Alan Chartock with shaping his approach to fundraising. Bryan admired Chartock’s ability to break big needs into manageable pieces and invite many people to be part of the solution.
“He was a master fundraiser,” Bryan said. “It’s about breaking it down. A big challenge feels possible when everyone does a little.”
Bryan realized that fundraising didn’t have to be formal or complicated. It was personal and happened one conversation at a time. Every gift, big or small, helped keep the Breakfast Club running.
Learn more about the facilities improvements that were made in this article: A Huge Thank You! New Kitchen Equipment Funded by Generous Donors
Using Skills Where They Matter Most
Bryan also uses his experience in facilities management and the trades when he volunteers. He notices when things could work better and offers ideas or help. For him, using his skills at FOCUS feels meaningful.
“I would rather volunteer my time and experience in a place like this,” he explained. “I can run my business and then bring what I know here, where it really makes a difference.”
Service and Support Go Hand-in-Hand
Bryan’s story is a reminder that volunteering and donating go hand-in-hand. They can strengthen each other. Showing up builds connection. Sharing that experience builds understanding and that understanding often inspires generosity.
“You do not have to do everything,” Bryan said. “You just have to do something.”
By serving at the Breakfast Club and inviting others to give, Bryan has found a way to extend his impact beyond his own presence. His efforts help ensure that the doors stay open, the coffee stays hot, and the sense of welcome remains strong.
Get Involved
Not everyone can volunteer on weekday mornings, and not everyone feels comfortable asking for donations. But everyone can help in some way.
If you cannot volunteer right now, a donation helps keep programs like the FOCUS Breakfast Club running and provides food, supplies, and a welcoming space for neighbors.
Learn more about how you can support FOCUS Churches of Albany and help bring resources and hope to our community.