When Dean Alvarez first stepped into the Crosslines Food Pantry two years ago, it was under very different circumstances than the ones that brought him back today. Sentenced to “Court Appointed Service” as part of his probation for a minor offense, Dean didn’t expect to find much meaning in the hours he would spend sorting food and stocking shelves. But something unexpected happened during his time there—something that would change the course of his life.
At first, the 58-year-old Springfield resident saw the court-ordered service as just a way to get the job done and clear his record. “I wasn’t really sure what I was going to get out of it,” Dean admits. “I thought, ‘I just have to do my hours and move on with my life.’”
What he didn’t anticipate was the profound impact that giving back would have on him. Dean’s first day at Crosslines was spent helping to organize donated food, a simple task, but one that opened his eyes to a new perspective on life. “At first, it felt like just another thing I had to do, but then I started to see the faces of people coming in. The families, the elderly, people just like me who were going through hard times. It made me think—this is real. This is something I can be part of.”
Over the course of his sentence, Dean found himself returning to Crosslines day after day, eager to help. He met other volunteers, many of whom were also seeking redemption or simply trying to give back in a meaningful way. Dean started to feel a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced in a long time. “When you’re helping people, you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself,” he says. “It made me feel good, like I was doing something right for a change.”
By the time he had completed his court requirements, something had shifted in Dean. No longer was volunteering just a way to fulfill an obligation—it had become a calling.
“I loved the work, but more than that, I loved how it made me feel,” Dean reflects. “Every time I walked into the pantry, I felt like I was making a difference. And it wasn’t just about the food—it was about the people. When you see someone walk in, looking worried or hungry, and then you see the relief on their face when they leave with a bag of groceries, that’s something you can’t ignore.”
Since fulfilling his court-mandated service, Dean has continued to volunteer at Crosslines every week. He now works alongside a dedicated team of volunteers to sort donations, prepare emergency food boxes, and assist clients with their needs. “I just can’t stop,” he laughs. “I feel like I’m needed here, and I don’t want to walk away from that.”
His transformation from a court-appointed volunteer to a passionate advocate for others has made him a local inspiration. The Crosslines team, who had witnessed Dean’s story firsthand, applauds his dedication. “Dean came to us under tough circumstances, but he truly embraced the spirit of service,” says Bambie Wurzburger, Volunteer Coordinator for the Crosslines Food Pantry. “He’s not just helping to meet the immediate needs of our clients, but he’s also building relationships with them. His journey has been one of real growth, and we’re proud to have him as a part of our team.”
Dean’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of volunteerism. It shows that giving back isn’t just about helping others—it can also heal the giver. “I came here to serve my time, but what I found was a chance to heal myself,” Dean says. “I was looking for redemption in the wrong places. But I found it here, by serving others.”
As for his future, Dean is uncertain where life will take him, but one thing is clear: his volunteer work at Crosslines will continue to be a part of his journey. He’s even considering taking on more leadership responsibilities within the organization. “I want to do more, give more,” Dean says with a smile. “It feels good to help people. And I’ll keep coming back as long as they’ll let me.”
Dean Alvarez story is a testament to the power of second chances and the life-changing impact that even the smallest acts of service can have. For him, what started as a court-ordered task has evolved into a life’s calling—a calling that not only benefits those in need but also gives him a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. And in a world that often feels divided, that sense of community is something Dean holds dear.
Crosslines Food Pantry, a program of Council of Churches, continues to provide vital food assistance to families and individuals in need throughout the Ozarks. Dean’s story is one of many that highlight the profound ways in which service can change lives—both for those who receive help and those who offer it.