Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Boyle and Mother of God Parish

Through monthly meals and years of hands-on service, Dave Boyle has helped care for guests of the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky while strengthening connections within his parish community.

Dave’s connection to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky began in 2008, when the organization started operating on Scott Street in Covington. He was first introduced to ESNKY and then-Executive Director, Rachael Winters, through a friend of his late wife, Nan, and they began volunteering weekly to assist with laundry, making sure each guest had a clean bed to sleep in.

In January 2022, ESNKY CEO Kim Webb reached out to Dave and the Rev. Michael Comer, pastor of Mother of God Parish, with a new need. ESNKY needed a temporary overflow location because its new facility on 13th Street was not yet ready.

“Fr. Comer allowed us to use the church’s undercroft as a place to populate with cots for the guests. PeeWee’s Place agreed to provide the evening meals, served by members of PeeWee’s Saturday morning prayer group,” says Dave.

Since the shelter’s move to its current location on 13th Street, Dave and his fellow parishioners at Mother of God Parish provide monthly dinners to the guests of ESNKY. For Dave, working side by side with his fellow parishioners turns an act of care into a shared experience of service.

His years with ESNKY have also sharpened his understanding of the resources required to meet community needs.

“Kim and the ESNKY staff are doing a heroic job.  But the needs can’t be totally met with just private resources. The resources of St Elizabeth Healthcare and the local city/county government provide a great contribution. Their involvement is vital,” says Dave.

For Dave, the greatest reward is simple: making a meaningful difference alongside people who share the same commitment.

“I like the opportunity to make a difference, and to be involved with other people who also want to make a difference,” says Dave.

Dave’s story shows how one introduction can grow into years of sustained service—and how neighbors, faith communities, businesses, and local government can work together to care for people in need.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, like Dave and the Mother of God Parish Council, contact Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator at maya.mintu@esnky.net or (859) 291 – 4555.