Mom is the reason why many in the Baylor College of Medicine community wanted to volunteer at Santa Maria Hostel, a longtime Houston facility that serves women, including many who are mothers with children.

This May, more than 20 people volunteered at the shelter by sorting through donations, rearranging the facility’s store and helping with landscaping projects on the grounds.

The hostel serves women who have experienced trauma, addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and housing instability. It’s one of the few Houston-area shelters where children are welcomed and cared for by staff while the mothers attend classes or receive other types of help.

In honor of Mother’s Day on May 12, we asked Baylor volunteers to share something their own mother passed to them that they want to give to the world. Many said the spirit of volunteerism runs deep in the family.

Susan Pietropaolo, senior research coordinator, Endocrinology

I think women are often not supported enough, and I wanted to help women and their families who are struggling right now. And my mom brought me up in that way. My mom was a member of what is called the Secular Order of Franciscans. The focus is to follow the teachings of St. Francis, who took a vow of poverty, and to help those who are less fortunate and those who are poor. She was a member of the Order for 61 years. So that is something my mom instilled in me and something I want to try and continue living in honor of her. She passed in November of last year. That is why I am here. She was 96.

I have two boys and that is also part of my drive – to get them involved. We did some volunteer work prior to moving here. Now we’ve had life changes, and the kids are getting more involved with volunteering, as well.

Megan Cruse, licensed audiology assistant, Otolaryngology

I have three kids: a 10-year-old, 4-year-old and newly turned 3-year-old. Hands are full.

(My mom’s legacy is) just being loving and caring and always making a way out of no way. She helped me through postpartum depression; helped me when I wasn’t able to return to work after the birth of my last child. I was out of work a year after my last child was born due to health issues. She was there, always willing to help with the kids. Just a mom that’s there; that’s caring; that’s loving; and who is willing to give.

She’s still like that. I was with her this morning, I went by her house before I came here. We talk every day if I don’t see her. She even allowed me and my children to stay with her that year that I was out of work. She didn’t ask for much; she was just there.

(I volunteered at Santa Maria Hostel because) I worked at LBJ Hospital for more than nine years, at the front desk of the Ob-Gyn clinic. I would see most of the ladies coming in so I always wondered about (the hostel). I had a chance to sign up for the volunteer day at the rodeo, but I didn’t think the rodeo was for me. And this popped up, I said “let me go.’ That’s why I chose here.

Salma Nassef, associate program director for Genetic Counseling Program and assistant professor of molecular and human genetics

I have a 5-month-old and 2-year-old; a very busy full family.

I just love giving back to the community and when I read about the mission here, it resonated with me. I wanted to come out and support them.

My mom is a diehard volunteer at heart, as well. I think she definitely instilled that in us. She started her own nonprofit organization to help refugee women here in Houston. Any opportunity that I get to work with her, I do. And then it translates (to other volunteer areas).

Joe Governali, director of IT governance

(My mom instilled in me) the value of hard work; earning your way through life; that nothing is given. And you have to work for what it is you want to achieve and that you actually can achieve if you work hard. That’s the biggest thing I got from my mom.

(I volunteered here today because) it’s a chance to realize what is all around us in the community, but you don’t see it because you’re not in the system.

Dr. Dharani Narendra, assistant professor of pulmonary medicine and sleep section; program director of Critical Care Medicine Fellowship

My mom is a housewife; she taught me everything in my life, from kindergarten to where I am right now. What I would say is she is a great inspiration. She took care of many people back home, caring for everyone and being inclusive – not only her children but other children. I want to do the same in terms of being very kind and loving to others. Also being resilient.

She was the biggest inspiration to me during COVID time. I was struggling as a lung doctor, taking care of sick patients. I always remember the strength my mom gave, and every day, her prayers really meant a lot to me. I think our mom is the biggest person in our lives. I have two kids, and I want to pass the same thing to them that she shared with me: caring, inclusivity, kindness, being there for everyone and not being afraid of life.

Moms are the biggest inspiration for all, and women are the most abused and neglected, I feel. Being a woman, being there for other women and being supportive is how I want to help the community, and it’s why I took this time to help women who need that support and caring.

By Julie Garcia