Dawn Vallee

For Dawn Vallee, service is for everyone. From the faint of heart to the strong of will, there are no prototypes.

"All you have to have is a heart for the people," said Vallee, president of Crossover Downtown Outreach and a member of First Presbyterian of Flint for more than 30 years. "Some people are uncomfortable in certain areas, and I understand that...so I say to them, find a place where you are comfortable."

There are few places in the world where Vallee would be more comfortable.Crossover, which began as a needs-based ministry of three downtown churches 16 years ago, has become a fixture in downtown Flint.

Vallee says she's learned a lot about herself and the world around her while working at Crossover, 414 W. Court St.

She's blessed, for one, and like servants, need never manifests itself in exactly the same way.

"You can't be down here working, being involved in the whole ministry, without realizing how blessed you are," she said. "You meet some interesting people who come in. Not everyone is strictly the always poor street people. Sometimes they are just people who have fallen through the cracks, as they say.

"I'm just always more aware of all the blessings that I've been given. I'm a firm believer that to whom much is given, much is expected."

And while Vallee understands that true service is accomplished without expectation of return, she has no doubt that the ministry is making a difference in the lives of people in need.

"The majority of the people who come in are truly needy people, and they're very appreciative," said Vallee, who especially enjoys Crossover's youth camp program. "Sometimes we get some very touching notes from people just thanking us for helping them out of a pinch. It's little things like that, they let you know you're doing a good thing."

Vallee doesn't believe in patting herself on the back, though; quite to the contrary, service isn't something that's over and above the call of duty - it's commanded of us.

"It's my duty as a Christian, first...it's what's expected of us," she said. "But there is a reward. It gives you a good feeling when you do right by others."

Vallee says there are plenty of opportunities available to anyone who wants to get involved.

"We always can use volunteers," she said.
For more information, contact Crossover Outreach Ministries at (810) 234-2479 or go to www.crossoverministriesflint.org/