I've been asked to help run a drop-in centre, for the Salvation Army.
A bit of background: I used to work for them, in Crisis Care and Housing, and they paid for me to do a variety of relevant, and expensive, courses, Prof' Assault Response , First Aid, Self-defence, others relating to dealing with the mentally challenged, the elderly, the dying, drug-affected etc etc. I worked my heart out for them, literally, I was doing 80-100hrs per week, till my heart had a little word with me, and I was ordered to quit, by my quacks.
I still do a bit for them as a volunteer, and I'm also involved in some other non-religious volunteering as well, plus I work part-time.
Now the Sallies are having prob's with their drop-in centre, can't find willing volunteers, violent people causing problems etc, and they've asked if I'd be willing to sort it out for them. I know I could, without too much violence, lol, but I'm hesitating.
I owe them, I have the training, and the experience, and I could make the time, but should I? It nearly killed me last time, and the danger of ending up doing too many hours is always there. I was stabbed and otherwise attacked in my time with them before, and it will possibly happen again, do I want to face that? On the other hand, there's people there I can help, others I can steer to more appropriate places, and at the same time, help the Sallies.
I don't have a lot of years left in me, and I've accepted that, so should I hoard them, or hand them out to those left behind, leave at least a small legacy of better outcomes for some people?
I'm torn, can't make a decision, and I need to as soon as possible, dammit!

dont envy you one bit.. goodluck

Never watch that rubbish!

Marcus - if they appreciate you, then yes.

If they don't appreciate you then don't.

A productive hero is one thing but a senseless sacrifice is another.

You make the Salvation Army sound terrible, maybe it's the location of yours. My husband is deeply involved with them as a counselor for Drug Addiction. He's never really had a problem. He worked at the livein shelter in Philadelphia. You can't get in if you don't pass the drug test. You're going to find trouble anywhere, but the Sal Army he works for (volunteer) is very nice and spotlessly clean. They've gotten very fussy as to what they will even take as donations.
They do have many paid workers. Are you giving your time? If you are doing it to make the world better, go ahead. To make a legacy for yourself
My husband never talks about it other than to direct people in need of a good place to get help.
You sound pretty negative, or perhaps I'm reading this wrong. You should be appreciated, but that's not why you do this kind of work. JMO.
More appropriate places?

I guess it's the location, this is a tropical town with a huge Indigenous population, and all the problems associated with that. I offer no comment on the reasons for this, that's another discussion, it's just the way it is.
Don't get me wrong, I was a paid employee, and an avid supporter, still am. The Salvo's themselves, individually and as a group, were brilliant, supportive and helpful, and very appreciative! It's just that in this town volunteers are thin on the ground, and it's a thankless job (From the recipients), with many dangers and difficulties.
My negativity applies to myself, not the Sallies. The drop-in centre is a support place for the "long-grassers", all races, many mental-health patients, alcoholics, and druggies, and the just plain homeless, this is an expensive and fussy town. It gives them access to the Net, support places, and other things, it's more a referral place with coffee and biscuits, books, tv, and computers, somewhere to stay out of trouble during the day.
Ive been volunteering for 30yrs, making up for old sins, and not only with the Sallies, and I've decided, I'm turning them down, it's time for me to think of myself for once. I wanna see my grandkids! And they haven't even been conceived yet, as far as I know, lol.
Thanks for all the responses, they've helped me decide, and I appreciate the spirit in which they were offered.

Marcus I can understand you wanting to help,because of what the Sallies did for you in the past,but as you said,your Ticker gave you a wake up call and from what I've been informed,there's no Snooze button on the ticker.

Your life is important to your family,just as it is to you,so honestly you've made the right decision,by saying no to them.

G'donya Mate.

I think give it a miss this time round hun, your health is more important.

You wanna be here to nurse those grandkids dont ya?
You did your bit already, i dont think its worth it.


Readsalot, i would have thought you of all ppl would know what a mentaly ill drunk person was capable of, f*** yeah its dangerous

If you worked off your debt, them paying for your courses, you owe them nothing.

I had to stop working at the office because it got to me after time. I know what you are going through. It gets at your head and heart.

I'd never go back to the office.

Oh so true DS, and well put.
They understood my decision, they're nice people. If I might just correct one thing said earlier though, they weren't the ones I used to solve my own problems, I came to them later as a volunteer, ages before I ended up as an employee.
I owe them nothing now in monetary terms, but they were incredibly supportive and usefully helpful when I "hit the wall", I have no family here, and not many close friends, it's a transients town unfortunately. Either way, I gave till I bled, literally, lol, so I'm done with all that now.
Thanks All, it's appreciated.