Community Impact
At ImmaCare, we appreciate our volunteers greatly. Due to COVID-19, many of the usual opportunities involving client interaction have had to pause, and we look forward to slowly being able to more regularly welcome volunteers.
Though agencies such as ImmaCare benefit greatly from individuals who choose to sit on a board, prepare and serve a meal, or coordinate a fundraiser, the person volunteering experiences great benefits as well. One of the most well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows one to connect to their community and make it a better place. Even assisting with what seems like a small task can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need.
For nearly three decades, Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, has been holding week-long Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) Service Trips to our agency. The organization believes that “doing well” and “doing good” aren’t mutually exclusive and it encourages students to draw compassion, education and advocacy by giving them opportunities through service trips to go outside their comfort zones to help others, working together in meaningful ways. Last month, ImmaCare had the privilege to host a MOVE service trip. St. Michael’s student Nadia Racz had this to say about her time at ImmaCare:
Five students and one faculty member from Saint Michael’s College volunteered their time at ImmaCare the week of March 13. We helped serve dinner and played card games with the residents. As a student, I enjoyed the experience very much. Our time at ImmaCare was unique. It was clear that the residents appreciated not only our help, but also our presence. I learned that a simple “How are you today?” or “Have a great night” could make a difference in someone’s day.
We served three meals a day at three locations. The appreciation was evident. After eating, many clients came up to us and said, “Thank you.” That simple gesture made a huge difference in our long days. Meaningful interactions with the people we were serving were sometimes difficult, but when they did happen it made the work worth it. I had never done this type of service before, but I would do it again. Service is very important, and it is something that I want to make a big part of my life once I am out of college.
Thank you to Saint Michael’s for continuing to select ImmaCare for your MOVE Service Trips!
