Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about building connections, creating positive change, and enriching our lives in ways we don’t often expect. April is National Volunteer Month – a time to recognize and celebrate the people coming together to support a cause they believe in.
At Neighborhood House, our volunteers play a vital role in strengthening our programs and deepening our impact. Our volunteers tutor students, procure and organize hygiene kit supplies, serve on our Youth Council, Policy Council or Board of Directors, greet clients at our sites, or support our events. The service volunteers provide helps us drive social change. Their efforts ripple outward, creating lasting benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
Beyond the impact on others, volunteering is also a journey of personal growth. One of my most profound life experiences was as a volunteer. Right after college, I served on the board of the Seattle Japanese American Citizens’ League (JACL), one of Seattle’s oldest civil rights organizations. In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to lead projects, be mentored by my elders, and eventually serve as the organization’s President. That experience helped me develop the leadership skills I still use today.
Paula (pictured below) has volunteered over 200 hours with Neighborhood House. Recently, she shared:
“It’s been a great experience volunteering for Neighborhood House to help people prepare for their citizenship interviews. Working with individuals from countries like Myanmar, Congo, and Afghanistan keeps me hopeful. It’s been a joy to witness these students’ passion to contribute, vote, and support the Constitution. Neighborhood House is providing a wonderful service to them.”
To all our volunteers: thank you! We appreciate your kindness, generosity, and commitment. You make an incredible difference. And if you’ve been thinking about volunteering, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you can give an hour or a few each month, your time and talents can change lives—including your own.
We invite you to be part of this work. Join us as a volunteer and help create a more connected, supportive community.