Finding New Strength through Volunteering
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Finding New Strength through Volunteering

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March 18, 2016

Written by Theresa Griesbach, La Causa

Volunteers often benefit more from helping others, than those they actually serve. That statement never felt truer until after I took two of my clients, Linda and Trudy, to volunteer at United Way’s My Very Own Library Book Fair at Riley Elementary.

In my experience as a Peer Recovery Specialist for La Causa, my clients are often isolated in lonely apartments and have burned numerous bridges along their journey because of their mental health issues. As they regain their balance, they often yearn for the camaraderie and friendships that they once had. As you know those are often hard to find. Volunteering provides an opportunity to not only serve others, but meet new people. It also helps our clients escape the pressures of their internal thoughts and instead focus that energy on helping others.

At the book fair Linda and Trudy got to help students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade pick out free books. Linda shared with me how she helped a kindergartner pick out a sticker book. A simple task for most, but for Linda it meant much more. It gave her so much pleasure just to see the child’s eyes grow wide with amazement at having this new book. Trudy too had a similar experience.  She enjoyed seeing the warm smiles and simple joy in the students’ faces. For three hours my clients were taken from their own thoughts and able to focus on the students. They engaged with others, socialized with them and felt a sense of service that made them feel more engaged with the community than ever before. Both of them left the volunteer experience energized and excited to come back.

For me, I know that regaining social connections is one of the most difficult parts in the recovery process. It takes time to develop confidence to talk and engage with others. I’m so happy United Way was able to provide Trudy and Linda with this opportunity to volunteer. It was a great way for them to start rebuilding those connections and I have a feeling they’ll be back! 

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