Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and today we want to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible individuals who make our mission possible every single day. These are the people who embody JoLynn's spirit of compassion and service, who show up consistently to support our programs and the families we serve.
Meet Jennifer, who has been volunteering with our Kindness Projects for over three years. Every Saturday morning, you'll find her organizing community service activities, from neighborhood cleanups to food drives. "There's something magical about watching people come together to help others," Jennifer says. "It reminds me that we're all connected, and that small acts of kindness can create big changes."
Then there's Marcus, a retired teacher who discovered our Flight School program and knew he had to get involved. He now tutors adults working toward their GED and helps with job interview preparation. "Education changed my life," Marcus explains, "and I want to help others experience that same transformation. Seeing someone's confidence grow as they master new skills—there's nothing quite like it."
Sarah volunteers with Jo's Nest, helping families get settled into their new homes and connecting them with community resources. As someone who once needed similar support herself, she brings a unique perspective to her volunteer work. "I understand what it feels like to need help," she shares. "Being able to offer that same support to others is incredibly healing and meaningful."
Our Squirrel Squad program benefits from the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers like David, a college student who mentors teenagers in our leadership development program. "These young people have so much potential," David says. "Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them and help them see what's possible."
What strikes us most about our volunteers is their diversity—they come from all walks of life, different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Some are retirees looking for meaningful ways to give back, others are young professionals wanting to make a difference in their community. Some have personal experience with the challenges our programs address, while others are simply moved by our mission and want to help.
But regardless of their backgrounds, they all share certain qualities: compassion, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others. They show up consistently, whether it's for a weekly tutoring session, a monthly community event, or whenever there's a special need. They bring not just their time and skills, but their hearts.
The impact of our volunteers extends far beyond the specific tasks they perform. They provide encouragement and hope to the families we serve. They demonstrate that there are people in the community who care, who are willing to invest in others' success. They create connections and relationships that often last long after formal program participation ends.
Our volunteers also gain so much from their experience with us. Many tell us that volunteering has enriched their own lives, given them new perspectives, and connected them with an amazing community of like-minded individuals. They've formed friendships, learned new skills, and found purpose in serving others.
If you're inspired by these stories and interested in joining our volunteer team, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit to regular weekly service, there's a place for you in our community. We provide training and support to help you get started, and we'll work with you to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and availability.
Because at the end of the day, our volunteers aren't just helping us serve our community—they are our community. They're the living embodiment of JoLynn's vision of people supporting people, of giving everyone the roots and wings they need to thrive.