Melanie first arrived at Casey House with a Trent University alumni group who came to volunteer. She was immediately impressed and impacted by the palpable sense of care at Casey House. It seemed as if everyone was engaged warmly with one another, no matter their role. After getting a tour and making harm reduction kits for two hours, the group was free to leave; however,, Melanie had committed herself to volunteering for the entire afternoon, so she visited with some inpatient clients. Eighteen months later, Melanie is a regular weekly volunteer, and she also helps out during Casey House Foundation fundraising events.
During her shifts, Melanie stops by for friendly visits on the inpatient floor and provides warm conversation to any client looking for company. On any given weekday, there can be up to three friendly visitor volunteers during the morning, afternoon, and evening to ensure that our inpatient clients feel socially connected during their stay. During one visit, Melanie noticed a client’s Spanish name, so she began conversing with the client in Spanish. Being able to offer that moment of comfort in speaking with the client’s native language was a meaningful and powerful experience for Melanie. That interaction with the client inspired her to continue her commitment to regularly volunteering with Casey House.
It’s connections like these that bring Melanie hope. Meaningful conversations deepen her understanding of humanity and resilience. For her, the sense of authentic connection she obtains from volunteering is what drives her spirit forward. She describes that while there are many factors in the world and different lived experiences that may isolate us, genuine human connection is what will bring us back together in community.
Volunteering at Casey House offers Melanie a deeper understanding of being a human, and she says that her time here makes her feel more connected to others in a way that she didn’t think was possible. We thank you Melanie, for being so connected to Casey House!