The Value in Volunteering

Written By: Vanessa Garnica-Barker, NFNL Community & Engagement Manager

When working with volunteers, I typically hear about how they find fulfillment through service and being able to make a difference when volunteering at New Friends New Life (NFNL). According to HelpGuide.org, volunteering helps bring a healthier and happier life. Four different benefits they highlighted were,

“Volunteering connects you to others.
Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
Volunteering can advance your career.
Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.”

As someone who has actively volunteered throughout my life, I can confidently say that volunteering has brought these four components into my life and ignited a passion for service.

Working in the volunteer program has allowed me to gain an entirely new perspective. While volunteers experience this immense joy, I want them to know there is a much deeper impact and value that they are leaving on the opposite end. The value of their volunteerism is priceless in the way they’ve impacted the members at New Friends New Life.

There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing genuine connections and rapport built among members and volunteers. So often the women and girls served at NFNL only knew transactional relationships and now they are experiencing a sincerity through the agency of unconditional love and kindness that is so freely given to them with nothing expected in return.

As a bystander in these interactions, I’ve witnessed hundreds of little moments that leave major impacts in the lives of those served. Whether it’s a volunteer bringing laughter to a baby in childcare, building a member’s confidence during Fashion Friday, empowering members in our GED classes, serving them a warm, homecooked meal, or just being a listening ear. These moments can leave a lasting impact and restore faith in humanity.

As some of our members have stated, “I find much encouragement in coming here. I feel cared for as well as a renewed hope.”

“Thank you for making life more fun. I appreciate all of the time, laughs and smiles you bring.”

Specifically, one of our youth member’s interactions with a male volunteer after receiving roses at our Valentine’s Day Celebration, “This is the first time I’ve ever received flowers from anyone” with the biggest smile on her face and a sense of safety.

These moments bring significant value into so many lives served at NFNL. Thank you volunteers for playing such an essential role in bringing love, kindness, and joy into the lives of those served.

In addition to the impact made on members, volunteers significantly benefitted NFNL through the gift of their time. Last year alone, NFNL Volunteers logged 2,723 hours of service equaling more than $81,000 in payroll savings. Volunteers also donated more than $185,000 in in-kind items, our most essential needs. So often traffickers lure in the most vulnerable through these very real, basic human needs. Every hygiene kit, pantry item, snack, and feminine product serves a purpose far deeper than you can imagine.

Each minute served and every person served is deeply cherished. Thank you for each little moment that fills their hearts. To learn how you can volunteer at NFNL, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org/volunteer.