Every month, Sarah’s Inn nominates a volunteer to be our Volunteer of The Month. Kyla Wilson was nominated as February’s Volunteer of The Month. Kyla joined the Sarah’s Inn team in November 2023. Our Volunteer and In-Kind Coordinator, Mariam, asked Kyla about her experiences as a volunteer.
- How long have you been volunteering with us, and how did you hear about Sarah’s Inn?
“I have been volunteering for 5 months and found you all through a Google search while looking for domestic violence agencies to volunteer with.”
- What have you enjoyed about volunteering with Sarah’s Inn?
“Being able to help people and of course meeting new people through the training but really helping people and letting them know about the resources available to them through Sarah's Inn. Also, reassuring callers that we are here to support them however that may look.”
- Every month, you take on multiple crisis line shifts. How do you find ways to fit volunteering into your schedule?
“I will make it happen. My schedule is jam packed but before I schedule myself for a shift, I check my calendar. I know how many shifts I need for the month and start adding them to my calendar. I put in shifts that work with my schedule and with Sarah’s Inn.”
- What made you want to volunteer at a Domestic Violence Agency?
“I started a non-profit in 2003 and we worked with the homeless population for 10 years and one of the things the clients experienced was abuse. I especially dealt with women that were out on the streets for various reasons. People need to know there is help available to them and people who care about them. I really wanted to be educated in the proper way to be able to assist them and learn about available resources.”
- Some people may find it difficult to balance working, volunteering, and their personal lives. Why do you think it is important for folks to find the time to volunteer?
“We owe it to people to give back to society. Everyone needs to give back whether they sow in their time or financial resources, we need to give back. It is about being a good citizen.”
- Why should people volunteer at Sarah’s Inn?
“I think Sarah’s Inn is a great organization to volunteer with. You all are flexible with our schedule. We also provide clients with resources to help them turn a corner because for some people who get referred to us, they just need resources to get out of their current situation. They are able to have someone to talk to like advocates since that can be daunting navigating different systems without one. Sarah’s Inn gives a voice to those who have lost their voice.”
Thank you Kyla for volunteering with Sarah’s Inn. If you are interested in volunteering, the best way to get involved is by emailing volunteering@sarahsinn.org, where you will be able to learn more about volunteering opportunities that are available to you.