By Wendi Dressen, Director of Volunteer Engagement

I ran across an article with the top 10 reasons to volunteer.  There were lots of great reasons on the list, like saving resources, gaining professional experience, learning a lot, and improving your health, but my favorites focus on strengthening the community and the relationship of those volunteering together. Volunteering unites people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal; it helps to build camaraderie and teamwork. Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our communities and the people who live in them.

Volunteering Brings People Together

Let’s be honest – the last two years have really difficult.  We all know this. With a devastating global pandemic, civil unrest, economic hardships and now the potential of another war, what we need now is the ability to come together. We need something positive and selfless. We need something that makes us and the others around us feel good. We need our volunteers. After all, volunteering is a great reason to work with others toward a common good.

A New Day for Volunteers

Cassia is proud to work with hundreds of volunteers each year toward the common goal of improving the lives of the residents we serve.  April 17-23, 2022 celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation Week.  As COVID restrictions have lessened and allowed our volunteers to return to their posts at Cassia, many of our sites are still being cautious about big gatherings, including a typical volunteer appreciation event. But you can be sure that each of our volunteers are appreciated, not just for the things that do, but for who they are.  Our volunteers have come to serve during a pandemic, masked and goggled, screened and tested, all because they want to help.  They took action during a scary time, knowing others were in need. We are so thankful for our volunteers’ dedication and diligence. 

Our Volunteers Make a Difference

You often hear that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  This has never been more true than it is today.  Volunteerism is one of the most beneficial actions we can take as humans.  Volunteering can make an immense difference in the communities we reside and the world around us.  Not only do our Cassia volunteers make the lives of our residents and clients better, but they impact the staff, the organization and improve their own lives by donating their time and talents to Cassia. So THANK YOU CASSIA VOLUNTEERS, not only for your act of volunteering, but for showing the world how to come together during a difficult time.  You have shown others how to be motivated solely by your heart and to put others needs before your own.  And I believe this is exactly what the world needs right now.