As our volunteers have found, serving at the Well Community is a uniquely rewarding experience. But if you’re still thinking about lending a hand at the Well, there are a few things you might find surprising. Below are four you should know if you’re considering becoming a volunteer.
You can serve in ways far beyond providing a meal.
Though many Well Community volunteers provide lunch or dinner for members, this is far from the only opportunity to serve at the Well. Kathi Chandler, for example, brought one of her therapy dogs to interact with members, while others have led games or crafts. Some volunteers lead music or give a message at Thursday Night Life, our weekly worship service, and still others assist with fundraising events. If you have a gift or skill you’d like to share, get in touch! We’d love to find a place for you to serve at the Well.
It’s an opportunity for all ages.
Volunteers at the Well Community range from preschoolers to senior citizens, and those of all ages have seen how lending a hand at the Well is an opportunity not only to serve but to benefit as well. Corrie Aune, who began serving at the Well with her parents as a child over 20 years ago, has seen how her volunteer experience shaped her worldview. “It’s a really rich experience that will have a big impact on kids,” she says, adding that the skills they develop, such as empathy, benefit them in every part of life.
Volunteer Kate Thacker, who has served with her children, adds, “I think it’s a great opportunity for kids to give back to their community, to … see everybody in the community as all working together. … Everybody I talk to tells me what a rewarding experience it is, not only for them but also for their children.”
Service at the Well is rewarding not only for our youngest volunteers but also for the most seasoned. This includes the members of the Global Affairs Sunday school class at Cliff Temple Baptist, who have volunteered together for well over a decade. “It just brings you joy to see their faces,” says Kay Frierson, a member of this class. “And it is fun to serve them. It brings me pleasure.”
You might recruit others.
Our past and current volunteers often encourage others to serve at the Well, and you just might find that this is the case for you too. It was for Cyler Diesel, who has urged other teens from his high school to join him. “I always tell them how much fun it is and how good it makes you feel and why they should do it. … They always ask to come after the first time.” Many of our longtime volunteers first came to the Well because they were invited by a friend, and often they in turn ask others to join them in serving.
You’ll be blessed too.
Over and over, we hear how our volunteers are blessed as they serve and interact with members. For many, it’s one of the top reasons they give their time and energy, time and again.
As Kathi shares, “At the Well, people are just so gracious … They’re all just so kind and so polite and so grateful for what little bit I was able to do for them. I can’t wait to go back.”
Suzan Sprinkle, who has long served at the Well with her husband, Phil, encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. “It’s just a matter of dipping your toe in,” she says. “This is bringing us such joy and there’s a real need.”
We’d love to welcome you, your family or your church or community group to serve at the Well! Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.