April is International Volunteer Month, and every year we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, where we honor and recognize LightHouse volunteers for their dedicated efforts to our students and our organization. This year, Volunteer Appreciation week is April 17 – 24, but why wait? Each week this month, we want to celebrate the helping hands, the “second set of eyes” and unparalleled generosity, and the people without whom so many programs and services would not be possible – our incredible LightHouse Volunteers!
 
Meet Lauren, a LightHouse volunteer who began working with us in Spring 2021 at one of our COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics. Since then, Lauren has begun working as a Personal Service Volunteer and works with student, Judith.
 
What sort of support do you provide as a Personal Service Volunteer?
 
“Once a week I help Judith with tasks that are inaccessible for her. Sometimes that’s sorting mail or filling out tax forms. Other times we’re handling computer tasks or learning new assistive technologies together. We recently figured out how to use Seeing AI.”
 
What are some of your favorite memories working with LightHouse?
 
“When I first started, I brought some friends along to volunteer at the COVID clinics and got to see how that helped them bloom as allies. One memorable time was when I went to the San Francisco Public Library with Judith and together we learned to use a braille e-reader that the library had available for her. Another fond memory is the time I introduced Judith and my cat, Mr. Marshmallow. It was love at first sight on both sides and she asks about him every week!” 
 
What has volunteering brought to your life? What have you learned from the experience?
 
“We hit our one year mark working together this month, and at this point Judith is basically family. I don’t have grandparents left, so it’s wonderful to have an inter-generational connection developed through volunteering. I absolutely count Judith as a role model and aspire to be as brilliant, thoughtful, and self-sufficient as she is through life. 
 
“As someone in accessibility as a profession, I’ve gained so much perspective walking through parts of daily life with Judith. It’s helped me understand how tasks can be made accessible or inaccessible, and how much inaccessible systems affect independence. Understanding barriers that get in the way and also accommodations that work for Judith continues to teach me how I can be a more effective ally.”
 
Thank you, Lauren, for your time and dedication! You a truly a shining light in our organization!
 
For more information about our LightHouse Volunteer Program, go to www.LightHouse-SF.org. Learn how you can become a LightHouse Volunteer or request a Personal Service Volunteer.