Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Serve at Jubilee

By Avery Johnson, Communications & Marketing Manager at Jubilee Park

It doesn’t always take grand gestures to change the world. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up with a smile and a helping hand.

Whether you are stocking pantry shelves, helping residents fill their carts with nutritious foods, or chatting with seniors over a meal, at Jubilee Park & Community Center in Southeast Dallas, every act of service is part of something much bigger than all of us.

Your presence alone can turn someone’s day around—or even alter the course of their life. That’s the quiet magic of volunteering. And here’s the beautiful part: when you give to others, you spark something bigger. Your actions cause a chain reaction, inspiring others to do the same.

A “HIDDEN GEM” IN SOUTHEAST DALLAS

Founded in 1997 by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church with community partners and residents, Jubilee Park & Community Center set out to revitalize a 62-block Southeast Dallas neighborhood once marked by the city’s highest crime rate and limited access to resources. Its name honors Saint Michael’s 50-year “Jubilee” anniversary, symbolizing a new beginning after decades of economic decline and isolation.

What began with a park—offering children a safe place to play—has grown into a vibrant community home serving over 4,000 neighbors each year through five key impact areas: Education, Opportunity, Housing & Workforce, Health, and Safety.

For nearly 30 years, Jubilee has not only been built by volunteers but also powered by their compassion, commitment, and belief in what’s possible together. This fall, we invite you to serve and become a part of that impact.

SERVE AT SENIOR MEALS

In Jubilee’s 62-block service area, due to health inequities, generations of limited resources, and shorter lifespans, seniors are classified at age 55+. Jubilee brings seniors together through health education, fitness classes such as Zumba and yoga, field trips, and special events. In addition, hot meals are served twice a week, year-round, to support longer, healthier lives and improve quality of life.

At senior meals, volunteers assist with setup, serving, and cleanup, while also providing much-needed companionship to our eldest neighbors, lending a helping hand or a listening ear. Senior meals take place from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and all volunteers 18 or older must complete a background check before serving.

SERVE AND STOCK SHELVES AT THE PANTRY

The neighborhood of Jubilee Park is a food desert and classified as a “dead zone” for food bank access. Without any walkable grocery stores or even stores within a few miles, the need for improved food access for residents was clear, leading to opening the doors of the Jubilee Park Food Pantry in 2023. In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and other providers, we’ve made significant strides in bridging the food insecurity gap, distributing 215,000 pounds of food in 2024 alone—25,000 more than the previous year—and on track to reach a record 400 households in 2025.

Volunteers stock shelves on Tuesday mornings (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.), helping display staple items and seasonal fruits and vegetables. A crucial piece in our operations, what may seem like a simple act of kindness is a huge step in getting our pantry ready for community members to “shop” for what they need with dignity.

SERVE AND HELP NEIGHBORS SHOP AT THE PANTRY

On shopping days, volunteers aren’t just handing out groceries, they’re giving neighbors the chance to choose what works best for their families. You might help someone select fresh produce they’ve never tried, show a parent a new recipe idea, or simply chat as you roll their cart down the aisle. Each interaction reminds shoppers they are valued, respected, and part of a caring community.

Residents visit the pantry by appointment on Wednesdays, so volunteers can choose from multiple shifts to help with shopping (9 a.m. – Noon, Noon – 3 p.m., and every third Wednesday from 3 – 6 p.m.).

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

A loyal friend, churchgoer, and supporter of Saint Michael, Jeanne Snead has been with Jubilee since its beginning. She spends her time both stocking shelves and helping shoppers go through the different aisles—having volunteered a total of 189 hours in 2024 and 168 so far in 2025! Jeanne is a wonderful example of what it means to give back. A retired nurse, she works closely with nursing students that volunteer at Jubilee, often reminding them, “Remember the people you are going to see and interact with are someone’s mom, someone’s brother, someone’s friend … they are people.”

Join one of these highlighted volunteer opportunities through Saint Michael’s SERVE program this fall!

If you’re interested in signing up to give back and volunteer your time and talents at Jubilee through one of these specific programs, please contact Allison Nors, Coordinator for Mission and Outreach, via email at anors@saintmichael.org or by phone at 214-692-3010. From there, you will need to register through Jubilee to complete an application and sign a waiver to confirm your shift(s).

Every hour served makes a difference, and every volunteer is part of Jubilee’s legacy of neighbors helping neighbors.

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER!

Read With a Student: Become a “Book Buddy”

Share the joy of reading and inspire a student at Jubilee! Dedicate just 30 minutes a week to sitting with a child and reading together (preferably a commitment for the full academic year, with some flexibility). Choose a weekday between 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and make a lasting impact—one story at a time!

Give Back to Jubilee’s Afterschool Program

Help students grow academically and personally! Support Jubilee’s afterschool program by assisting with homework, tutoring, guided reading, and enrichment activities. Volunteer Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and become a mentor who truly makes a difference.

Coach Young Athletes in Our Youth Sports Program

Jubilee offers K–12 flag football, soccer, and basketball, giving young athletes a safe, fun space to focus on teamwork, make friends, and stay active. Games, practices, and equipment are all provided at no cost. Volunteers work alongside our head coaches to teach sports (during their respective seasons) Monday through Thursday, from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.

For more information on Afterschool and Youth Sports opportunities, please visit www.jubileecenter.org/volunteer or contact Katelyn Morris at kmorris@jubileecenter.org.

**This article was written by Avery Johnson and was featured in the 2025–26 Winter Archangel.