.png)
Every month, Sarah’s Inn nominates a volunteer to be our Volunteer of The Month. Deena Hassaballa was nominated as June’s Volunteer of The Month. Deena joined the Sarah’s Inn team in July 2021. Our Volunteer and In-Kind Coordinator, Mariam, asked Deena 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 almost two years and heard about Sarah’s Inn after Google searching for organizations that work with women involved in domestic violence.”
- What have you enjoyed about volunteering with Sarah’s Inn?
“I am able to give back to the community and better understand the needs of victims of domestic violence.”
- Every month, you take on multiple crisis line shifts. How do you find ways to fit volunteering into your schedule?
“It helps that there are overnight shifts available especially on weekends so it doesn't interfere with my work schedule."
- What made you want to volunteer at a Domestic Violence Agency?
“I had a colleague who first told me about his previous patient who had a head injury due to domestic violence. My background is in Rehab Brain Injury Medicine and I had little knowledge about how many head traumas were related to domestic violence. This patient opened my eyes and after researching, I was surprised how little I was exposed to during my training. It was unreal how little research there is on this.
Concussion in sports is discussed a lot more even though the number of brain injuries, due to domestic violence, is higher but is not prioritized or talked about. One of the things I wanted to do was get involved in domestic violence work. I am so glad I did.”
- 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 think volunteering in general is about what you are passionate about. The first thing every individual needs to determine is what you are passionate about, what do you want to do, and how to make that happen. Then you need to think what you can feasibly do. I knew when I signed up, the crisis line coverage was available and something I could feasibly do with my schedule and time.”
- Why should people volunteer at Sarah’s Inn?
“If you are someone that is passionate about advocating for domestic violence victims, they are well established in the community and the training (40-hour DVA training) was really great and eye opening. There are multiple opportunities available. For me when I first started with Sarah’s Inn, I didn't know I would move across the country, I was happy I could still volunteer even after moving. They also have great staff and do so much for the community; it is pretty incredible.”
Thank you Deena 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)