Volunteer Spotlight: Marjorie DePuy

At Calvary, yoga breathing comes up in conversation almost daily: Are you scared of escalators and have to travel to the Dupont Circle Metro? Yoga breath! Do you have a stressful doctor’s appointment? Yoga breath! Marjorie has been an excellent ambassador for the yoga breath and so much more since she took over Calvary’s yoga class in September 2014. Her combination of enthusiasm and respect for each woman is perfect for the student who comes to class for the first time. Marjorie smiles, listens, breathes, and before you know it a calm settles over the room and everyone else is breathing, too. Read more about what Marjorie brings to Calvary – and what she receives in return – in this month’s Volunteer Spotlight.

Where are you from?
I’m from Washington, DC!  I was born at Sibley Hospital and grew up on Capitol Hill.

How are you involved at Calvary Women’s Services?
I lead a yoga class for LEAP on Friday afternoons. We focus on conscious breathing and gentle movements.

How did you first hear about Calvary?
Years ago a friend invited me to join her for BINGO night at Calvary at its old location. We were so moved by the experience that we ended up organizing a panel discussion about housing needs and homelessness issues with DC-elected officials. Then last fall, this yoga opportunity popped up and I knew it was a sign of synchronicity to come back!

Why do you volunteer at Calvary?
The women at Calvary are faced with numerous challenges every day and I’d like to remind them of ways to tap into their strengths, one breath at a time.

What do you like best about your work with Calvary?
It gives me perspective and connection to something much larger than myself, and honestly, I am motivated by each and every woman who shows up to see what it’s all about.

What has been your most memorable experience at Calvary?
Recently we decided to do a balance circle, all supporting each other and playing with losing our balance and finding it again. It was pure joy.

What has surprised you most about volunteering at Calvary?
I am absolutely surprised by how much the experience gives me. I started volunteering because I wanted to contribute and make a meaningful difference somehow. That pales in comparison to the sense of meaning and purpose this experience gives me. No matter how many times I have heard this about volunteering, it didn’t sink in until my time with Calvary.

What would you tell someone considering getting involved at Calvary?
Share your talents and time in whatever way you are able – Calvary is a place of beauty and hope, and healing and participating is a gift.

If you had to choose one word to describe Calvary, what would it be?
Welcoming

Share a fun fact about yourself!
I’m a novice gardener, expert weed puller, amateur guitar player and songbird.

Watch Marjorie in a new video for Do More 24, happening Thursday, June 4.