April is National Volunteer Month, the perfect opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions volunteers make across our programs. They answer suicide hotline calls, bring art to our residents, share their recovery stories with clients in treatment, ensure everything runs smoothly during our annual “Bike + Hike 4 Buckelew” event… and so much more! Meet a few of our volunteers: Kim Belgarde: Kim began answering calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022 after seeing a news story about the rising call volume and dire need for more volunteers. Her interest and compassion stem from having a family member who has struggled with mental illness for decades. “I gain a lot of insight from the callers,” Kim tells us, “and I’m continually developing confidence in my ability to be there for them in their moments of need.” Learn about 988 volunteer opportunities. Lake Kowell: Lake regularly brings art and inspiration to women in recovery at Athena House and Hope Village. Last weekend, she led a vision board project where residents could draw and collage images and words from magazines that inspire them. The residents also enjoyed beading bracelets and necklaces. When Lake isn’t volunteering with us, she’s been deeply involved in the disabled community as an advocate and mentor. Laurie Pedersen: This is Laurie’s third year as volunteer coordinator for our springtime Bike + Hike 4 Buckelew fundraiser. She organizes some 40 other volunteers who pitch in to make it a great day. “Volunteering is a way to give something back to the community that has been my home for more than 35 years,” Laurie tells us. “Most of us have had experience with relatives or friends who have mental health or addiction issues. I’m thankful to have an organization like Buckelew that provides such a wide range of services to people who not otherwise might not get the support they need.” Interested in joining Laurie’s B4B volunteer team May 11? Please contact us at Bike4Buckelew@Buckelew.org. Heartfelt thanks to Kim, Lake, Laurie and all our volunteers! Pictured top row, left to right: Lake Kowell, Kim Belgard. Bottom: Brooke Hansen, Laurie Pedersen, Jack Gallagher. |
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