"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
At Easterseals Arkansas, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Volunteering supports our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities. Through a variety of volunteer programs, Easterseals Arkansas offers diverse opportunities for people to engage in meaningful work. Whether it's administrative support, event assistance, or becoming a program buddy to children or adults with disabilities, Easterseals provides a way for everyone to contribute their time and talents.
Volunteerism is not just about helping others; it is about creating connections, fostering growth, and making a tangible difference in the community. For many volunteers, giving back offers personal growth, the chance to develop new skills, and the enrichment of knowing they have impacted someone's life. For the individuals served by Easterseals Arkansas, these volunteers provide critical support. They help them gain confidence, independence, and connections that change lives.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteers at Easterseals Arkansas come from all walks of life, bringing unique perspectives and skills to the table. Their motivations and experiences are as diverse as their roles within the organization. However, they all share a common goal: to make a difference.
Below, we offer a brief look into the lives of two of our valued volunteers. We also offer insight as to what volunteering with Easterseals Arkansas can offer.
Volunteer Profiles
Amy
Amy Dean’s journey with Easterseals Arkansas started with her son Rhett, who found incredible support and life-changing opportunities here. Wanting to give back to the program that has meant so much to her family, Amy now volunteers in our A.R.T. program, where she helps others bring their creative visions to life. Her work in the program embodies her commitment to giving others the chance to shine, just as Easterseals has done for her son. Through her volunteerism, Amy brings joy, support, and a shared sense of accomplishment to everyone she works with, making a lasting difference in their lives. Thank you to our generous supporters for making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Angela
Angela’s story is a heartfelt example of how Easterseals Arkansas creates a positive, lasting impact on individuals with disabilities and their families. In February 2017, her son Jaelyn joined the Easterseals Center for Training & Wellness in Little Rock. This is a day program for adults that provides opportunities to develop friendships, learn new skills, and work toward employment. Jaelyn has flourished in this supportive environment, improving his communication skills and even dreaming of a future in television production.
Moved by the transformative effect Easterseals has had on Jaelyn, Angela felt compelled to give back. Inspired by her son’s progress, she is now volunteering to support the organization that has given her family so much. Angela plans to participate in various volunteer opportunities, from reading stories to children at the developmental preschool to helping at special events.
Statistics and Facts
The work of volunteers at Easterseals Arkansas is not just heartwarming; it’s impactful on a large scale. In 2023 alone, volunteers contributed thousands of hours to support individuals with disabilities across the state. These efforts directly impacted the lives of over 4,000 clients, providing services that range from preschool education to adult job placement and independent living assistance.
One of the key metrics in Easterseals Arkansas’ strategic plan is to foster volunteer engagement to drive both program success and community involvement. In the last fiscal year, Easterseals Arkansas raised over $2.27 million in donations. This is a testament to the combined efforts of volunteers and donors. These funds help sustain the programs that empower individuals with disabilities. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Quotes: Voices from the Community
The impact of volunteers can be felt not only in numbers but in the personal testimonies of both those who have volunteered with our organization, and those that have received the crucial aid our volunteers provide.
Angela's son, Jaelyn, has been attending Easterseals Center for Training & Wellness since February 2017. This program has provided Jaelyn with a supportive environment to grow, make friends, and develop new skills like computer literacy. Inspired by the positive impact Easterseals has had on her son, Angela is eager to give back to the community that has given so much to Jaelyn. She plans to volunteer at Easterseals, sharing stories with children at the preschool and assisting with special events. As Angela says, “Easterseals has helped my son thrive and because of that, I want to give back by volunteering for them.”
Trey Schultz, a former Easterseals client who spent much of his childhood working with Arkansas volunteers, spoke of the impact it had on his life early on: “I learned I could accomplish anything as I saw myself progressing. And my time here helped me interact more at other schools down the road.”
How You Can Get Involved
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering can be just as deeply enriching for the volunteers themselves as it is for those on the receiving end of aid. Not only can you make a meaningful contribution to the community, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills. These skills could be working with children, supporting adults with disabilities, or organizing events. Volunteering is also a great way to build your resume, expand your network, and develop leadership abilities. All of this can be done while making a lasting impact.
Next Steps
Volunteers at Easterseals Arkansas are more than just helpers—they are catalysts for change. Their contributions ripple through the lives of individuals and families, fostering independence, enhancing social interaction, and building a more inclusive world. But the beauty of volunteerism lies in its mutual benefits. Volunteers not only give back, but they also grow, developing new skills, forging meaningful connections, and gaining a deep sense of fulfillment from their service.
If you’re looking to make a real difference in your community, consider joining the Easterseals Arkansas volunteer team. Your time, energy, and compassion can help create a brighter future for those with disabilities and build a more inclusive world—one volunteer at a time.
Volunteer Today!
Getting started is easy. Simply visit the Easterseals Arkansas Volunteer page to learn more about the available opportunities. Whether you’re interested in helping with special events, providing administrative support, or working directly with clients, there’s a role for everyone. Apply online and start making a difference today.
