During National Volunteer Week, we’re taking time to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy, and hearts to support survivors at REST.
Volunteers are woven into nearly every part of our mission. They help prepare meals, serve at events, support projects around our offices and shelter spaces, and stand beside survivors in tangible, meaningful ways.
This week, we’re honored to spotlight one of those dedicated volunteers whose steady commitment has been making an impact for more than two years.
Meet Brian Coon
What started as a simple invitation at church became a meaningful monthly commitment.
When someone at his church announced an opportunity to help make dinner for survivors staying at the REST shelter, Brian Coon signed up right away. He loves to cook, believes deeply in REST’s mission, and saw a chance to help. That was more than two years ago.
Since then, Brian has been making or contributing a meal once a month for the women staying in shelter, usually on the last Thursday of each month. And if you ask around, you may hear he’s become known for his homemade mac and cheese!
But his involvement doesn’t stop there. Brian is a monthly donor, regularly attends volunteer days at REST, and volunteered at last fall’s A Night of REST gala at the Meydenbauer Center, with plans to help again this year.
When the Mission Hits Home
As a longtime high school teacher with 31 years at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Brian has dedicated much of his life to helping young people. But one experience through REST changed his perspective forever.
He attended a H.O.P.E. training for community members at his church. During the training, a survivor shared part of her story. She was a former Nathan Hale student. Suddenly, the issue of sex trafficking became deeply personal.
Brian’s heart was profoundly moved. He was struck by her bravery, perseverance, humor, and light. He saw even more clearly the life changing work REST does to help women find healing and learn to live with, and in, hope.
Finding a Way to Help
Brian grew up just one block off Aurora Avenue, south of Woodland Park in Seattle. Back then, he remembers the motels, the prostitution, and the visible signs of exploitation in the area.
As a young man, he didn’t know what to do. He wanted to help, but he felt paralyzed. REST gave him a way to turn compassion into action. A way to stand beside courageous women doing the hard work of changing their lives.
“Jump In!!!”
When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering, his answer was immediate: “Jump in!!!”
He describes the REST staff as kind, helpful, informative, and fun. He says volunteer days at REST are especially energizing, full of good people banding together to make good things happen for survivors.
A Meaningful. Joyful. Experience.
If Brian could describe his volunteer experience in one word? Actually, he chose two: Meaningful. Joyful. And the mantra that keeps him motivated is simple and powerful: “Everyone is worthy of love.” We couldn’t agree more.
This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are deeply grateful for volunteers like Brian who remind survivors they are seen, valued, and loved. Because of volunteers, meals are served, events happen, spaces are prepared, and hope is made tangible.
To every REST volunteer: thank you. You are making a difference.
Interested in volunteering with REST? Reach out to volunteer@iwantrest.org.