Meet PORCH Volunteer, Sean O’Mahony

Volunteers are the foundation of PORCH’s work. Whether they are collecting food in the community, helping to run our market, or engaging with us during group events, volunteers bring our mission to life every day. We’re so fortunate to have a vibrant and diverse community of people who give their time, energy, and heart to support our neighbors!

One of those incredible volunteers is Sean, who has served in many roles with PORCH starting before we opened the PORCH Community Hub. From behind-the-scenes logistics to front-line service at our free market, Sean is a steady, welcoming presence and a valued part of the PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro family. Volunteer Manager Sofia Edelman asked Sean to share a bit about his experience and what keeps him coming back.

Question: How did you first get involved with PORCH?

Answer: I was looking for a way to get involved with my community, so I searched online for groups that did community service in the area. PORCH was the first one that popped up!

Question: What is your connection to the Chapelborro community?

Answer: I’ve lived in and around the Chapelborro area my whole life, so I’ve always been familiar with the area. It wasn’t until about four years ago now that I moved to Carrboro, and I’m so glad that I did. Carrboro has such a wonderful, open, and welcoming community, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

Question: What was it like being a volunteer during the transition to our new model?

Answer: I was really excited for the transition. When I first heard that we would be opening a community hub, I immediately knew it was going to be a wonderful change for everyone involved. Market models of food distribution have been shown to lead to healthier outcomes for those who use them, and improved health is such an important aspect to improving quality of life.

Question: What is your favorite shift to volunteer for?

Answer: Definitely market floater—it’s amazing to see all that food fly off the shelves knowing it will feed families. One of the most exciting parts of the market model has been the huge variety of foods that we’re able to offer participants, particularly fresh produce and meats. There’s always something that needs restocking during market days, so there’s never a dull moment!

Question: Why do you take time out of your schedule to volunteer in your community?

Answer: I take time out of my schedule because I know it’s the best use of my time. Volunteering is therapeutic for me not just because it gets me out of the house and around others, but also because I can feel good about what I’m doing. I know that every little bit that I contribute helps because they add up with the contributions of every other person working and volunteering.

Question: While volunteering with PORCH, have you gained any skills that will help you in your social work career?

Answer: While volunteering at PORCH hasn’t directly helped me with my goal to work with children with chronic illnesses, it has tremendously helped me with another goal I have for my social work career: macro-level policy work to address the powerful inequalities in our society. PORCH has helped me to understand the intricacies of problems like food insecurity, and how people can work together as a community to overcome what feel like insurmountable odds.

Question: Is there anything else that you’ve particularly enjoyed as a PORCH volunteer?

Answer: Working together with people who have a common goal of helping make our community a better place for all has been a wonderful experience for me, and it is something I look forward to every time I volunteer!