Volunteer Spotlight: Junior League of Washington
The ongoing success of Calvary Women’s Services programs would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers who have supported us from our founding to the present day! During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are spotlighting individuals whose impact empowers women ending their homelessness for good at Calvary’s programs 365 days a year!
We’re proud to highlight one of our remarkable long-time volunteer partners, Junior League of Washington (JLW), a network of more than 2,300 highly skilled female volunteers dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training in the DC Metro area.
JLW’s focus is on providing pathways to opportunities across the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, including educational, professional, and financial programming and resources for children, adolescents, young adults, adults, as well as capacity building for community organizations. They are also helping to transform the DC community by supporting the Community Roundtable, which convenes nonprofit, civic, and commercial stakeholders to discuss timely needs.
JLW has contributed to Calvary for over 10 years in a variety of meaningful ways, including organizing donation drives, participating in fundraising events, and frequently providing nutritious meals through our meal volunteer program. We recently had the opportunity to ask Kisha Anderson, Committee Chair for Calvary Women’s Services at JLW, about her experience volunteering with our programs.
Kisha began volunteering with Calvary through JLW in 2022. “Several years ago, I became increasingly aware of the homelessness crisis affecting women in our city, especially with children. Witnessing the struggles faced by women without stable housing deeply impacted me, and I felt compelled to take action and I chose Calvary at the top of my list to volunteer for.”
When asked about what inspired her to volunteer at Calvary, Kisha shared, “Calvary’s commitment to fostering hope, resilience, and empowerment among the women they serve continues to inspire me every day. As I became more deeply immersed in the work of Calvary Women’s Service, I developed a profound appreciation for the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who tirelessly work to create a safe and welcoming environment for women experiencing homelessness.”
After recently being nominated for Committee Chair for Calvary Women’s Service with JLW, Kisha accepted the role with honor. As Committee Chair at JLW, Kisha connects members of JLW with in-kind donations, fundraising drives, and meal volunteer opportunities at Calvary. “This role has challenged me in ways of really seeing the depth of our community and how we come together as one, especially after Calvary’s January 18th gas explosion.”
“Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of Calvary’s programs in providing women with the resources, support, and sense of community they need to rebuild their lives.”
Reflecting on her favorite experience volunteering at Calvary, Kisha noted, “It was during JLW Thanksgiving luncheon in November 2023 for Calvary. It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of togetherness that permeated the entire space.”
“Women from diverse backgrounds came together to share stories, participate in activities, and support one another in a way that was both heartwarming and empowering. As JLW committee members mingled with the residents and engaged in conversations, I was struck by the resilience and strength of the women we met. Despite the challenges they had faced and the obstacles they continued to overcome, there was an undeniable sense of hope and determination shining through,” Kisha remembered fondly.
To Kisha, volunteering is a “source of fulfillment and purpose and serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.”
“It’s a chance to step outside of my own bubble of existence, broaden my perspective, and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges that shape the world we live in.”
We are incredibly thankful for amazing volunteers like Kisha and the entire JLW team for the many ways they empower women at Calvary throughout the year! Are you interested in making an impact in your community? Visit the volunteer page of our website to find more exciting opportunities to serve the women at Calvary!