Second Helpings Stories

Since 2003, Hal Cole has served Second Helpings and the greater Indianapolis community, making a positive difference in the world. He’s our model for servant leadership in action.

Before Hal took the role as Second Helpings’ tilt-skillet operator extraordinaire, he spent 41 years as an educator, administrator and principal on the south side of Indianapolis. After his retirement and the passing of his wife of 48 years, Hal felt listless and experienced an urgency to be productive. Faced with this challenge, Hal found himself asking, “Now what do I do?”

In 2003, friend and long-time volunteer Dick Bender invited him to lunch at Second Helpings. Hal quickly became a staple of the Friday morning kitchen crew and later added on Wednesdays, too. “What I like best,” he says, “is that it gives me purpose.”

Hal’s investment in his community isn’t limited to Second Helpings. Hal has started a new teaching gig. He’s helping other retirees discover a passion for their community and staying active and engaged in their own lives. He’s an advocate for what seniors can bring to the table. He serves on a board, he’s active in his church, he teaches Sunday School and participates in a myriad of other activities — he’s connected.

Hal is an invaluable asset to our mission and he’s a model for servant leadership. We are inspired just by being around him every week. Hal has challenged himself to make the most of his life. He would challenge you to do the same: follow your passion and find your purpose.