Hello, my name is Gabriel Cote, and I am a junior Accounting Major and currently a meal coordinator at The Warming House. My journey with the Franciscan Center for Social Concern and The Warming House started before I even came to St. Bonaventure University. St. Bonaventure was not my first choice for higher education, but in a time of illness and uncertainty, I was unable to tour my top choice. Alice Miller Nation a family friend invited me to tour St. Bonaventure and The Warming House. While on the tour, I felt a strong pull to this university, which is what numerous Bonnies will say, but what finally sealed the deal was my tour of The Warming House. As soon as the first week of school started, I started my first shift at Warming House the Sunday following. I will say, I was quite shy, working my first shift, but soon I came out of my shell and got to know so many of The Warming guests and volunteers. To this day, I am friends with many of our guests and love to have conversations with them. Having conversations with our guests is what sets us apart from other soup kitchens. The Warming House is not just about getting a warm meal, it’s about warming the soul.

Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about my story, and I hope that you will consider helping in any way you can! As always, GO BONAS!