Volunteering: changing your life while helping others

Joanna, one of our amazing volunteers,  wrote this blog- her experience in becoming a Calvary volunteer.  Interested in joining our team as well? Email us at volunteers@calvaryservices.org

I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Overnight Volunteer training presented by Kelly Myers, Calvary’s Community Outreach Coordinator. Kelly presented each of us with training handbooks. Kelly engaged all of us so that we were able to both learn and apply the volunteer procedures. We were able to meet one another and interact through exercises that related the volunteer regulations with real life experiences. Through role playing and group discussion, we learned what to do in situations that may arise during our shifts at Calvary.

Kelly’s training brought to the forefront the importance of understanding the very specific and personal situations of the women. As volunteers, we first need to understand what the women have been through and where they are emotionally when they come into the program.

All of the Calvary clients deserve privacy and respect, and as volunteers, our role is so ensure that their safety is protected. Each of us expressed that we wanted to see the women at Calvary succeed with their personal goals, and we all want to do our share to help in that success. We provide friendly faces and follow procedures that offer structure for both safety and success!

After the training, I felt ready for my overnight at Pathways! When I arrived, the women were eager to meet me. As I continued to volunteer, it was really exciting when the women would anticipate my arrival. I love knowing that they look forward to spending time with me as much as I look forward to spending time with them!

I feel lucky to have found Calvary, and I look forward to my overnight shifts with the women! There is no better way to start a day than to hear someone say, “Thank you for being here with me.”