No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Small acts can accumulate and turn into big actions! Family Services was founded by a group of concerned citizens whose small actions grew into the agency many support and know today. These volunteers opened a battered women’s shelter in June of 1983. The founders of the shelter, led by Carol Enns and Nita Mathews, were dedicated volunteers who saw a need in the community of Tulare County. That shelter has since grown into the multi-service organization, Family Services of Tulare County (FSTC).
Volunteers remain a key part of Family Services and our work in the community.
During this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, we would like to highlight one of our dedicated volunteers: Sam.
Sam began his journey with FSTC while searching for nonprofit organizations that give back to the community. His interest in volunteering grew as he recognized that FSTC is a community-focused and welcoming agency.
He started volunteering with FSTC in June of 2022, beginning at our Goshen Family Center during monthly food distributions. Since then, he has expanded his support to other programs, including the Community Engagement team.
“I have learned in my time volunteering that it takes true time and dedication to provide for the community. It certainly is hard work waking up early in the morning to give out food to those in need or putting together large charitable events. It is because of this that I have learned that it takes true passion and commitment to be able to give back to the community in such a meaningful way,” reflects Sam.
You may have recently seen Sam delivering a mum plant during our Thanks for Giving Mum Sale last year, checking you in at this year’s Guest Chef Series: Out West, or handing out food with our Family Center in Goshen.
Sam is a volunteer who steps in wherever he’s needed. He supports many programs, continues to build relationships with our team, and is excited to be part of our mission.
“Personally, I feel my role has remained the same but has become more meaningful. Everyone does their part in giving back, and the community is grateful for it. What I like most about my work with FSTC is getting to know the staff and forming relationships with good people who seek to give back to our community and those in need. Everyone is very welcoming and kind, which makes every time I volunteer a joy.”
Sam holds Associate in Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from College of the Sequoias and is currently taking courses toward his bachelor’s in Psychology at SNHU. As a full-time student, he still finds time to be a part of meaningful community work. Thank you, Sam!
Through his experience as an FSTC volunteer, Sam has also learned about himself. He shared:
“I very much enjoy aiding others and standing alongside those who put in hard work for the benefit of the community.”
He has come to understand how the work he participates in is both fulfilling and crucial to community well-being.
“Personally, I volunteer simply because I enjoy taking time to give to something other than myself. Volunteering is extremely emotionally rewarding work— there is no greater feeling than doing good and helping others. I will always enjoy aiding others, and that will be the reason I continue to volunteer. What I’m most looking forward to next is helping with more distributions and events, as well as other activities at FSTC—it’s always a joy to help when needed.”
Family Services is proud to have volunteers like Sam who walk alongside us in our mission to serve the community.
There are many others like Sam, incredible community members, who volunteer during their evenings, weekends, and holidays. Their service makes all the difference!
There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer. Individuals and groups support us with administrative tasks, special projects, donation drives, facility maintenance, and fundraising events. In addition to these general opportunities, there is always a great need for hands-on assistance with our 24-hour crisis hotlines and crisis response. For those interested in working directly with people, we offer a 40-hour training to become a certified Victim Counselor.
When individuals lend a hand, they can truly change a life.
Family Services encourages you to remember: No act of kindness is ever wasted. If you see a need in your community, get involved! You may find a local nonprofit that aligns with your values, or you may begin a journey of your own, just like our founders did all those years ago.
Thank you to all our past and present volunteers. Thank you to volunteers like Sam, who join our mission and help children, adults, and families throughout Tulare County heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships. We appreciate you!
If you see Sam at an upcoming event, like the Purple Party, be sure to say hi!
