Impact of Volunteering

One of my tasks with Faith & Citizen Programs, something I love, is to do the volunteer training. At each basic training for new volunteers, I take time for volunteers to share who they are, what their program is, and what drives their passion. I get tears in my eyes as I listen to their stories. Here are some things that I have learned about our volunteers:

1. They are regular people who have something to give and want to go into prisons to make a difference.
2. They are retirees who want to use time to create something positive in the lives of men and women.
3. And of course, those in AA and various recovery programs who support others in their battle freely give their time, knowledge, skills, and resources to help people move forward through problems and obstacles to be successful.

Volunteers are like God, who sows good seeds of love, grace, and mercy hoping for a great harvest of changed lives.

When I ask incarcerated individuals how have volunteers helped you, one person said, “Every week, for just a few hours, I feel like I’m not in prison, that I’m part of something bigger, a community of people who care.” Another said, “I have committed many horrible crimes. When I think of these volunteers who come in week after week, driving from far away, and thinking it could have been a member of their own families, it deeply humbles me and has caused me to grow and change.” Another said, “I’ve had three dramatic epiphanies and defining moments in the past years. They have all come as a result of volunteer programs.”

Research was done to measure the impact of volunteer services and research has found that:

1. Volunteering can cause improved health and longer life;
2. Volunteering sharpens focus, gives us purpose and direction, and keeps us on the right track
3. Volunteering can relieve stress in life and help with depression;
4. Volunteering helps us connect with others, both using our personality, talents, and gifts as part of a team. Many volunteers make lifelong friends and understand that we are in this battle together and a part of something bigger than ourselves.