Testimonials

Erin My most memorable experience will the Junior Volunteers so far was talking to a man who was HIV positive about the virus and then visiting the Rainbow Center, a day care for children either infected or affected with HIV. Meeting Al opened up my eyes to the harsh reality of living with the disease and the stereotypes that accompany it. Spending the afternoon with the kids was loads of fun because they were so excited to play with us. At the same time it broke my heart to know that these innocent kids had to live with this illness, whether they or their family had the virus.
Joel Spending several hours at the Sunset Park Senior Center opened up my eyes as to what volunteering is all about. Despite the loud environment with its auditory distractions, I was able to have a lengthy conversation with an elderly woman regarding her life experiences. I learned just how valuable the elderly can be in learning about life. I was pleased with the fact that simply by being present, I was making a difference in her life. Were it not for the volunteer opportunities with Volunteers of America, I never would have had that experience.
Sean The most amazing experience I had through the Junior Volunteer Program was visiting the Rainbow House. The Rainbow House is a free daycare for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. I found it very powerful to spend time with them because I realized their innocence and learned that many of them don’t know about their situation. Eating lunch with them and playing on the playground with them made it seem to me that they were just “normal” kids eating lunch and having a good time. Looking back on this experience, I’ve discovered that I made a difference in these kids’ lives through accepting them for who they really are, no matter what their situation is.
Tiffany The experience that stood out the most was visiting the senior center. It was fun dancing with them and listening to them talk about themselves and their lives. They also seemed interested in and appreciated what we were doing, and that made the experience even better. It also was amazing watching the seniors dance, they had so much energy, and looked like they were really enjoying themselves. A couple of days ago, I saw the man I danced with, and he still remembered me and we chatted for a few minutes. Activities like visiting the senior center hardly seem to be considered “work,” and are also really fun.
Kari I first heard of Volunteers of America through mentioning from a friend. When I called I was told about the newly formed Junior Volunteer Program and immediately I wanted to help out. The first activity that I participated in was to help dig up a garden at the VOA Sunset Park senior center. I worked with about 15 other people, doing basic yard work. We dug up weeds, turned over the soil, added new soil, and got all the ground ready to plant flowers in a month. After all the dirty work was done we played a game with the seniors that had come out to see what was going on, and got to know them a little bit. We served a mid-morning snack and enjoyed the music of an African drum team that had come as entertainment. This experience opened up my eyes and showed me how much fun it was to volunteer.
Kelsey The volunteer opportunity that stood out to me through the Junior Volunteer Program was working at the mission. We worked at the mission a couple of times, serving food and sorting clothes. It wasn’t really difficult work, but it was so appreciated, both by the workers and the people we were serving. Being able to touch people’s lives was incredible. It was an experience I will not ever forget and I am so thankful that I had that opportunity.
Nick My greatest experience in the Junior Volunteer Program was going to the senior dance at The Sunset Park Senior Center. I had the chance to sit down and talk to a few of the seniors who were there. It was fun to see them get so excited after only talking to them for only a few minutes. I really enjoyed the way they danced, and I hope to do it again someday.
Claire My favorite experience during my time with the Jr. Volunteer Program was working at the Mission. While I was there I helped sort clothing donations that were to be sorted into bags to give to families. During the short amount of time I was there, my group and I sorted all the clothes the staff had stored. Also, we loaded extra food donations into a van to be sent to another donation facility. We had so much fun goofing off, laughing and throwing clothes around that it hardly seemed like work.