Building Friendships through
Volunteering
Story by Coordinator of Educational
Opportunities & Resources, Becky Sluiter
"How does volunteering turn into a
meaningful friendship?" We have
often looked for a specific answer
to this question, yet we have never
come up with an adequate answer.
This is because each friendship is
a
combination of complex feelings,
shared activities, and time.
Defining a friendship is never easy,
as there are so many facets to it.
However we don't need a bunch of
words to make us realize the deep
meaning of this relationship. This
power of friendship is amazing and
is exemplified through Kathy's
volunteering story.
Kathy
Clauson has been volunteering at South
Dakota Achieve for over
one year. Kathy is more than a
volunteer; Kathy is a good friend to
Lois. Kathy and Lois spend time with
each other on Thursday afternoons doing
what friends do best; pampering
themselves, sharing their feelings, and
supporting
each
other to
try
something
new.
An
important
aspect
of their
friendship
that has
made a
positive
impact
on Lois'
life is
how a
friend
will
encourage
one
another
to try
something
new or
to pick
up a
forgotten
skill.
Kathy used her past work experience and
educational knowledge in working with
people who have visual impairments to
help Lois purchase a new walking cane.
From that point, Kathy has helped Lois
use her cane to explore her familiar
work and home environments and has
encouraged Lois to begin to walk
independently!
It's that positive push
from a friend that can help to change a
person’s life! Their friendship has also
lead them both to re-learning the craft
techniques of needlework. They support
each other to become efficient at
specific techniques, spend time trying a
variety of leisure activities and most
importantly deepening their friendship!
Watching these two women spend time
together is a gentle reminder and a
starting point in answering the
question, "How does volunteering
turn into a meaningful friendship?"
The answer: The volunteer journey
begins as one caring adult looks to
volunteer and spend time getting to know
an adult who has a disability.
As
they begin sharing their personal
interests, talents and building life
experiences, this journey quickly
evolves into a relationship that values
each person for their unique talents and ultimately celebrates
life through friendship!
If you are interested in sharing your
talents and interests, please
contact Becky Sluiter at 605-274-1229 or
at
rebecca.sluiter@achievesd.org.
