Volunteering: A Pathway to Purpose - All About Seniors

By Mary RohaleyLong before I understood the word service, I discovered how important it is to show up for others.Volunteering has been woven into my life from the very beginning.That lesson began with my great-grandfather and my parents.

Their quiet examples planted seeds that continue to grow in me today.Some of my earliest memories involve the preparation of the Singing Christmas Tree, an annual Christmas program for the Greenville community.Whether I was dancing in a skit or folding programs, my great-grandfather had a role for everyone.I grew up in a household where we were always visiting friends and family and bringing food.

As my great-grandfather and grandmothers all aged, we would visit more often and even sang songs to lift everyones spirits.I learned how impactful our visits were not only for each of them, but for the caregivers as well.I always left there feeling better than when we arrived.The foundation laid by Daddy Pete, as well as my parents, has continued to guide me to my purpose serving senior citizens.

Volunteering is an act of giving where we think we are doing something to help others, but what we learn is they help us heal and move us closer to our purpose.What is purpose?According to the Webster dictionary, purpose is the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something.Having purpose helps move us forward with intention.Helping others by using our talent is how we find our purpose.

Having purpose gives meaning to our lives.Why volunteer?There are so many benefits to volunteering.We go through many seasons in our life: getting married, having children, losing a loved one, divorce, job displacement, health issues, and empty nesting.We may even become isolated from friends who have moved away and struggle with loneliness after loss.

Volunteering can impact our lives where we may feel grief, loss, loneliness, or depression.It can lower the rate of depression, and it is a great place to meet people, build new friendships, and even strengthen our careers.Throughout my journey working in senior services, I have continued to volunteer in different areas of service for seniors where I can use my advocacy skills and creativity.Whether its helping a dementia program or serving as a member on various boards, each opportunity has pushed me forward to the next.Every time I have the opportunity to engage with seniors, either in a group or one-on-one, I am reminded how much we learn from others.

Everyone has a story to share.Throughout my volunteer experiences, I have gained leadership, management, and organizational skills, as well as become an advocate.Senior volunteers in the tricounty area have kept our nonprofit community thriving with their dedication and purpose for many generations.Now is the time to ask yourself what makes you come alive.

What are you passionate about? Those are areas where you could be volunteering to make an impact in our community.Whether you are young or entering the end of life, we all have a purpose in life to help others.Get started finding yours.