Catholic Charities operates three soup kitchens in Flint that serve 400-600 meals a day, according to John Manse, Community Services Director. On the first Friday of every month, you will find Helen Bade volunteering at the North End Soup Kitchen. “I make the coffee there, and keep the coffee station stocked with sugars and cream,” she said with a giant smile. This doesn’t sound like a big job, but Helen is 98 years old and has been volunteering at the soup kitchen and at St. John Vianney for well over 40 years. The soup kitchen serves lunch and dinner to the needy at their Stewart Avenue location on Flint’s north side. They also serve big Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to make the holidays brighter for many. My City Magazine visited with Helen and her son Richard Bade at her residence at the Woodhaven Senior Community where she talked about her childhood and her volunteerism.
Born and raised in Flint, Helen grew up in a house on Stevens Street. She graduated from Central High School in 1933 and went to work for two Flint attorneys. She met her husband, Al, who worked at a drug store across the street from the law office. When they were introduced, Helen asked Al to indicate with a nod or a shake of his head whether or not he wanted to go out on a date – yes or no. “He nodded yes,” laughed Richard, “and the rest is history.” Volunteering has been an integral part of the Bade family’s activities and lifestyle. The couple was actively involved with their church, St. John Vianney, where Al was in charge of the Boosters. “We grew up volunteering as a family,” Richard remembers.
Al passed away in 1984 and Helen continued to volunteer with a variety of church groups and nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, the Women’s Shelter, Carriage Town Ministries, and Kith Haven, where she transported elderly residents to mass. “I sure have a lot of good memories,” she says, “and I enjoy giving back. I love to help people.” Helen remained very active after she retired and volunteering continues to be a big part of her life today, even though she no longer drives. “I do miss that,” she laments. Her son or her daughter, Barbara, drive her to the North End Soup Kitchen where they all help make the salads and food that will be served that day. “All three of us make sandwiches that go to different locations in the city,” Helen explained.
“I think everyone should volunteer,” Helen said of her passion. “These great organizations sure can use extra help.” John Manse says that Helen is the oldest volunteer at the soup kitchen and that she is friendly to everyone she meets. “She is pretty inspirational around here,” he says. “You would never know her age.” ♦
Photography by Mike Naddeo
