Tremayne Sirmons
At significant times in our lives, we experience great triumphs or troubles that can be defined as truly life-changing. For University of Central Florida student Tremayne Sirmons, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last winter was one of those moments. At the age of 25, his aspiration to become a successful civil engineer became less important, and he began taking a serious look at his life.
"I went through this phase where I felt like life went downhill…I ended up taking two weeks off of work and in those two weeks I decided to do a lot of volunteer work," Tremayne explains.
His new commitment to community service brought the aspiring volunteer to Coalition for the Homeless with Concord Street Church of Christ, which serves a meal once a month in the Center for Women and Families. Tremayne quickly became enthralled with the organization and knew that serving once a month was not enough to satisfy him. He began seeking ways to become more involved, the first step of which was attending a volunteer orientation.
"After the orientation, I was hooked," Tremayne remembers. "I still had no idea what I could actually do here; I only have so much money and so much time…so I decided to just start coming on Saturdays."
Tremayne quickly discovered that Saturdays at the Coalition are often bustling with activities, from monthly birthday parties for the children and a program called "Reading Buddies" (both of which are sponsored by Hands On Orlando), to pick-up games of basketball. This dedicated volunteer has been at the Coalition nearly every Saturday and has found ways to entertain the children even when no events are scheduled, such as bringing a movie and snacks.
Looking back at how his life has changed since being diagnosed with diabetes nearly a year ago, Tremayne marvels at the difference in his perspective.
"Once you come in and start volunteering, it just becomes a habit," he explains with a grin. "You get to know some of the kids and their families, and it just becomes second nature to come in, hang out, and see what you can do to help out."
Tremayne is certain that he will continue volunteering in the future, and hopes to be able to convince many others in his community to give of their time as well. In particular, he hopes that experiencing the Coalition as a volunteer will show others that homelessness is not what they expect.
"Sometimes we forget that homelessness is just a label…that it doesn't define anyone…You can't sit back and say 'I will never be that person' because there are just some things in life that will cause you to realize anything can happen," he admonishes. "That's how I look at my illness."
Although Tremayne is modest about his involvement at the Coalition, he does express hope that the small acts of service he commits will help the lives of Coalition clients. He credits family and friends with aiding him through a difficult time in his life, and he hopes that, through volunteering, he can provide that shelter of support for another neighbor in need.
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