Being a Raggedy Andy pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me understand why it's important to volunteer and care about the community. When visiting nursing homes and now Cottage hospital once a week, I've had the opportunity to talk with those who don't have someone to talk to amidst the most uncomfortable times of their lives. The compassion that I've been taught through this program not only helps the ones receiving the compassion, but it has also given me the strength and courage to become a more thoughtful and caring human being. With all the changes in life that goes by week to week, this organization has been the sweet consistency for me, and it's all because of the brilliant ideas of those who found and currently run the program. I cannot say enough about this organization and it deserves every bit of spotlight and praise that it can get.
Adventures in Caring is a unique organization that provides love and hope to elderly patients in nursing homes around the Santa Barbara area. As a volunteer our responsibilities are simple: provide a listening ear to those who feel unheard and become a friend to those that feel abandoned. Volunteers weekly visit patients for no other purpose than to build relationship, and after over 2 years of volunteering with this program I can personally say that the bonds we build with the residents are beautiful. For some of the residents I visit, I am the only person that they can count on seeing each and every week; for some residents I am their only friend. Adventures in Caring not only gives hope to the elderly in our area, but the joy that I receive back is such a blessing. This program has changed who I am as a person and has empowered me to share this joy and love with those around me.