At EmberHope, we believe the smallest acts of kindness can spark the biggest changes. That belief came to life once again during our recent Volunteer Week, when individuals, families, and community members joined together to serve, support, and uplift the spaces and people at the heart of our mission.
While Volunteer Week has long been anchored by the dedicated Volunteers in Mission group—who’ve faithfully traveled to our Newton campus each year to help with projects like landscaping, remodeling, and even building our peaceful prayer garden—this year looked a little different. With the group unable to attend, our team saw an opportunity: open the week to the broader community and invite others to step in and lend a hand.
“We all have those projects that keep getting pushed back,” said Virginia Lewis, EmberHope’s Development and Volunteer Coordinator. “Things that aren’t urgent but really need to get done—until they start piling up and become a beast of a task. That’s our resource room. Maintaining it is a huge job, and having volunteers show up for just a few hours makes an incredible difference—not just for our space, but for the staff who depend on it to find items for our youth quickly and efficiently.”
Throughout the week, volunteers trickled in—some pre-scheduled, some last-minute—with sleeves rolled up and hearts ready to serve. They painted the chapel door, trimmed bushes, weeded flower beds, planted new flowers, and laid fresh mulch around Libbey Hall. And, yes, they tackled the ever-growing project of organizing the resource room, making it a more functional and welcoming space for everyone who uses it.
But for EmberHope, volunteerism isn’t just about fresh mulch and clean shelves—it’s about connection, encouragement, and being seen.
“At our agency, volunteers are the heart of everything we do,” Lewis reflected. “For the kids we serve, a packed backpack or a refreshed space sends a powerful message: you matter. Every caring action, no matter how small, helps create a moment of hope.”
That hope isn’t limited to the youth. Volunteers themselves often leave feeling inspired, connected, and changed.
“One of my favorite parts of this job is hearing people’s stories,” Lewis said. “Where they come from, what they care about, what drives them to serve. I love seeing how people from all walks of life come together, united by the shared desire to make a difference. It’s incredibly rewarding to see staff, volunteers, and departments working hand-in-hand on something meaningful.”
Volunteer Week also reminded us how vital it is to offer opportunities that welcome people of all ages and skill levels. From young children learning the value of giving back, to families serving side-by-side, to retirees offering a lifetime of wisdom and work ethic—there’s room for everyone to contribute.
“When people of all ages come together to serve,” Lewis noted, “we don’t just complete a project—we build stronger communities.”
If you missed Volunteer Week, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to get involved this summer. EmberHope is hosting our annual Back-to-School Drive, with opportunities to donate school supplies from now until August 1st. We also host Second Saturday volunteer mornings every month from 9 AM to noon, perfect for organizing our resource room or assisting with small projects. And this August, volunteers will gather for a special Backpack Packing Day to prepare supplies for the new school year.
Whether you’re an individual, a family, or part of a community group, your time and talents are welcome—and needed.
“Volunteering with EmberHope is a welcoming, rewarding way to support kids and families,” Lewis said. “Every task, big or small, truly makes a difference.”
Want to be part of something meaningful? Explore current opportunities and sign up to serve by visiting our Volunteer Page. Your time could change a life—maybe even your own.
