I have been a volunteer with Maitri since May 2012. What has impressed me from the start is the commitment and passion new & seasoned volunteers have for this great work. Irrespective of the challenges and reality faced day in and day out as they help clients they are never fazed by it and always come back with a smile. Domestic Violence is a submit that can burn you out emotionally very easily but volunteers and staff here are always ready with a smile & 100% commitment to move on and help as many more as possible. Hats off to these wonderful souls!
I work in a demanding full time job and am yet to be trained to handle clients directly but there is always other work (administrative, outreach etc.) that I can help with and contribute in my own way.
Spreading awareness and getting your community and friends to acknowledge the issue goes a long way in making a difference. Please like Maitri's page on facebook to show your support.
https://www.facebook.com/maitribayarea?fref=ts
A couple of years ago as I mused over what I would do with my spare time as an empty nester, I toyed with volunteering at an old age home or at a center serving patients of Alzheimers. At a Thanksgiving dinner I met a Board Member of Maitri and a long time volunteer. Speaking with her, I realized how valuable and important a service Maitri offered. I signed up as a volunteer for Maitri, and began my work. I was a bit concerned about my ability to be able to make a contribution since I worked full-time in a demanding job, but discovered that the organization was very flexible, and I was able to work and also volunteer. Over these past 18 months that I have engaged with Maitri, I have found the volunteers to be dedicated, supportive and enthusiastic. Volunteers range from young women in their twenties to seasoned veterans, hailing from different parts of the Indian Sub-continent, spanning multiple religions and ethnicities. There have been evenings when I have dragged myself to our monthly meeting, drained after a tiring day at work, only to return home energized by the commitment and passion of a group of women dedicated to the cause of bettering the lives of other women. As a volunteer I have been fortunate to have been able to help a few women along their journey in life, sharing their pain, understanding their challenges, and offering information that will guide them along the path to success, happiness and independence, however they choose to define it. I have also met Maitri clients over the course of this time period - both current and former - that have shared their touching and sometimes heart wrenching stories, and how Matri has played a role in their lives. Volunteering at Maitri has been an enriching experience, and a gratifying one as I make a small contribution to the empowerment of women and the eradication of domestic violence.