July 7, 2015
Memorable Moments: Volunteering at Hopewell
Volunteers are vital to many nonprofit organizations, but not many organizations offer the unique opportunities that may be found at Hopewell. There are many ways to become engaged as a Hopewell volunteer, from occasionally joining daily work crews on the farm to helping the fundraising office plan our annual Summer Solstice benefit. It is also possible to live at the farm while you volunteer.
Hopewell welcomes residential volunteers who live and work at the farm, full-time, for up to two years. These volunteers are given a small stipend as well as room and board. They work side-by-side with the residents (residential clients) and staff to keep the 300-acre working farm functioning well. And they may choose to return later for a second tenure.
Richard is one of Hopewell’s favorite volunteers. He previously volunteered from 2006 to 2008, returned for a second stint beginning In March 2013, and is just about to depart again. Richard has been a true asset to Hopewell. His caring and loving presence definitely will be missed.
Richard has managed a wide variety of tasks during his time with us. He has transported residents to and from medical appointments, run errands for our nursing staff, transferred supplies and mail, and helped with many other aspects of running the farm.
Richard had his own setbacks in life. Once on his feet again, he decided it was time to “give back.” That is when he started giving his time and energy as a volunteer at Hopewell.
Richard enjoys watching the residents come out of their shells and begin to heal. He notices this while spending time with them, especially while transporting them to and from medical appointments. This is often a scary time for residents because they are leaving the sanctuary of the farm to face the stress of medical procedures. Richard is always very caring and thoughtful as he helps residents relax before and after their appointments.
Richard loves Hopewell’s beautiful farm setting, and especially the livestock. He enjoys watching the pigs in their pen and as they run around chasing the lambs. But the thing he likes most is watching residents helping themselves. Richard is a major advocate of allowing residents to work to their full potential, and of pushing them to better themselves every day. He has a wonderful way of helping residents when they struggle, and of leading them to personal success.
Richard’s favorite memory of his time with Hopewell dates to first stay as a residential volunteer. He had the opportunity to take a resident to New York State. The resident had a wonderful time, and Richard was overwhelmed as he experienced the resident’s growth first-hand. According to Richard, joy and wonder described the trip. Richard said it best when he said he has had “a lot of memorable moments” at Hopewell.
We cannot thank Richard enough for all he has done for Hopewell. He will be sorely missed, and we hope he will visit with us often.
While volunteers are extremely valuable to Hopewell, the act of volunteering may provide important benefits to the volunteer, as well. Here are a few of the benefits of volunteering at Hopewell:
- Connect with people, every day
- Improve social skills
- Expand your network
- Share your professional experiences
- Gain new career experiences
- Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
- Experience personal satisfaction
- Combat depression
- Elevate physical health
- Enjoy opportunities for fun and fulfillment
Please consider becoming a Hopewell volunteer. The experience may help your own mental health! Call 440.426.2000 or apply at www.hopewellcommunity.org.
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