.png)
Every month, Sarah’s Inn nominates a volunteer to be our Volunteer of The Month. Sarah Presnak was nominated as July’s Volunteer of The Month. Sarah joined the Sarah’s Inn team in February 2022. Our Volunteer and In-Kind Coordinator, Mariam, asked Sarah 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 with Sarah’s Inn for about 5 months. I saw a post on Facebook about Sarah’s Inn looking for volunteers so that is what led me to apply.”
- What have you enjoyed about volunteering with Sarah’s Inn?
“It feels good to give back to the community that is close to me. That feeling of giving back and helping someone in their time of need is rewarding, whether it be talking to them in their time of need, giving needed information or providing a listening ear.”
- Every month, you take on multiple crisis line shifts. How do you find ways to fit volunteering into your schedule?
“I find it easy to volunteer. Since we can sleep during an overnight shift, I will usually do a 6 pm-8 am shift so I get to sleep through most of it, just waking up to answer the phone when it rings. It is easy; I just ground myself before a call and answer them as they come in.”
- What made you want to volunteer at a Domestic Violence Agency?
“I have been in relationships that have not been abusive but have been challenging and I couldn’t imagine being in an abusive relationship. I wanted to help callers through rough times along with giving back to the community and honestly, taking calls from home makes it very easy.”
- 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?
“I really found volunteering rewarding in my life as opposed to just working. I volunteer with different organizations as a way to give back to the community and make myself a well-rounded and informed person. For a while, I was consumed with work and without a space to do other things for myself and the community. I really took a step back and decided to give back to learn about the community and others around me.”
- Why should people volunteer at Sarah’s Inn?
“It is really easy to volunteer; it is easy taking calls from home and it opens your eyes to everything around you. The 40-hour training was very insightful not only about the content about domestic violence, but it also opens your eyes to everything around you; it made me self reflect.”
Thank you Sarah 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.
.png)