Volunteers Are Changing Lives Across Tampa Bay
April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re honoring the remarkable volunteers who strengthen communities across Tampa Bay every day. The individuals highlighted below represent more than 1,900 volunteers mentoring students, supporting veterans, helping isolated seniors, and serving families in need through compassion and dedication. Their stories show the powerful impact that happens when people choose to care for others.
Angela: The Dream Maker
“When Mia comes out of the cafeteria, she has the biggest smile on her face! It’s so rewarding to see her face light up that way and know that I’m making a difference.”
Angela serves as a Lunch Pal mentor for a first grader named Mia. Once a week for the past two years, they’ve eaten lunch together. Angela talks to Mia about her family, travel, cultures around the world, and opportunities to go to college. She introduces Mia to a world outside of her neighborhood that is full of possibilities and fuels Mia’s dreams for her future.
Angela’s efforts have transformed Mia’s outlook on learning, boosted attendance, and created a bond of trust and joy. Angela says, “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and it’s not too late to meet my calling.” This dedication earned her the title of “Outstanding Mentor of the Year.” Angela proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams and help others follow theirs too!
Lauren: A Pillar of Service & Compassion
Known as "Sis" around the Gulfport Senior Center, Lauren is a powerhouse of kindness and determination. Whether she's delivering meals, organizing bingo games, or helping seniors navigate tricky situations, Lauren's motto is simple: no one gets left behind.
Her impact extends far beyond her role with Seniors in Service as a Senior Companion volunteer. Her dedication touches every corner and age group of St. Pete. She empowers youth through educational initiatives, champions transportation, safety, and services on local boards and committees, and serves as a vital resource, connecting those in need with essential services.
Lauren's philosophy is clear: "Volunteering is a two-way street; it helps me as much as I help others."
Peter: The Behind-the-Scenes Hero
Peter is the volunteer every nonprofit needs! He quietly works behind the scenes, creating spreadsheets, making phone calls, developing timelines, and keeping everyone on task. Yet, the impact of his efforts led to capacity-building results that will increase our organization's ability to serve vulnerable populations for decades.
For the past 6 months, Peter has been instrumental in organizing contractors, volunteers, supplies, and purchases for two large projects, including renovations to our office to create a safer, more inviting space for volunteers and purchasing and outfitting a van and trailer to enhance outreach efforts. Even when faced with personal health challenges, including eye surgery and a long recovery, Peter remained steadfast in his commitment to see these impactful projects through to completion!
Sharon: From Survivor to Superhero
Sharon is a true fighter! After battling cancer, she found strength and healing through volunteering and now dedicates her time to helping veterans and seniors with their own health struggles. For more than 4 years, Sharon has served 6 to 7 hours a day at the VA, helping veterans navigate online systems. Often, veterans arrive feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Sharon is the smiling face that greets them at the door. With patience and humor, she de-escalates tense situations and then provides the focused attention they deserve to help find a solution.
Over the years, Sharon has empowered countless veterans with the confidence to navigate the VA systems while assuring them she will always be there if they need more help. Sharon also serves as a Health Buddy, calling isolated seniors with chronic conditions to provide encouragement, tips for healthy living, and to let them know they have a friend who cares.
Anne: The Connection Maker
When Anne first joined Seniors in Service, she made one thing clear: “I am happy to help, but it has to be fun!” She is a natural networker, always ready to share the mission of Seniors in Service with a big smile and contagious energy. Armored in her Seniors in Service polo and nametag, Anne connects with people instantly striking up conversations with volunteers, community partners, and city officials. Not only does she recruit volunteers, but she also excites them about getting involved.
Anne’s impact is perhaps best illustrated through her work with Carlin, a blind resident in a senior community where Anne serves. Carlin was struggling with loneliness after relocating to a new city. Upon hearing Carlin’s story, Anne didn’t hesitate, she reached out, arranged a coffee meet-up, and helped her find a new community of supportive women.
What started as a simple act of kindness has grown into a thriving Volunteer Hub, where Carlin now plays a key role in helping others discover ways to serve. Anne’s ability to turn strangers into friends and friends into changemakers is nothing short of remarkable.
Grandpa Sessions: The Trust Builder
Each morning, “Grandpa” Sessions greets children with his signature “insect wave,” wiggling his fingers like antennae to bring a smile to their faces. “That little wave tells them, ‘Hey, I see you, and I’m happy you’re here’.” Mr. Sessions serves 30 hours per week as a Classroom Grandparent at Oak Grove Elementary.
When Mr. Sessions first met Destiny, her anger erupted in outbursts and fights, isolating her from her peers and leading to countless trips to the principal’s office. Through patience and empathy, he created a safe space for Destiny to open up, often sitting with her during her toughest moments and asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s going on today?”
As trust blossomed, so did Destiny’s potential. She discovered a love for math and found joy in challenging Mr. Sessions to friendly competitions, her brilliance shining through with each win.
For Grandpa Sessions, volunteering is more than just showing up, it comes from the heart. He was once a child whose teachers set him on the right path, and now he is doing the same for others. He is proof that the support a child receives today shapes the person they become tomorrow.
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