Share Your Story!

At VolunteerMatch, we love to learn about our members and we think you might like to learn from each other. Share your story and inspire others with your success. Click the link below to fill out a brief form and upload an image if you'd like. We can't wait to hear your story!

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Jennifer Gonzales, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance

Jennifer's work at St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance shows how engaging volunteers can create double the impact.

Nicolette Winner, Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services

Nicolette's work with volunteers is focused on blood and tissues - and saving thousands of lives across all of Ohio and in Indiana.

Marlene Lemons, MM Hope House

Marlene's story is one of suffering, hard work and triumph - not just for her, but for the thousands she's helped.

Carla Lehn, California State Library

Using smart and creative volunteer engagement, Carla has built one of the most successful and diverse library volunteer programs in the country.

Paula Cullison, Arizona Women's Partnership

Paula Cullison realized the best way to help underserved communities is to support local nonprofits and she started one to do just that.

Maria D'Angelo, The Children's Lifesaving Foundation

Maria D'Angelo's volunteer experiences working at homeless shelters inspired her to establish enrichment programs for low-income families and youth.

Leslye Borden, Handmade Especially for You

Leslye turned her favorite hobby into a global, volunteer-run nonprofit bringing hope and comfort to abused women.

Jim Killon, Changes for New Hope

Jim made some major life changes to devote himself to the cause of helping impoverished Peruvian children.

Haig "Hike" Mkhoian, Hike It Up

Haig's passion for teaching and running inspired him to connect his networks to better his community.

Laila Brenner, AtmosTheatre

Laila Brenner was inspired by an amazing theatre experience to become the ultimate volunteer.

Eric Lyons, Hope for the Silent Voices

Eric Lyons was adrift in the world until tsunami relief work opened his eyes and gave him a new mission - to end human trafficking.

Lin Seahorn, Children Without a Voice USA

Lin Seahorn's difficult childhood inspired her to protect all the abused children across the country.

Carter & Olivia Ries, One More Generation

Two children under 10 years old like Carter and Olivia CAN make a difference - and start their own nonprofit to preserve endangered species.

Dave Skoblar, Project195

Inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Dave Skoblar and his friend started Project195 to reduce the damage that this and future generations will face.

Louisiana Bucket Brigade, New Orleans, LA

The things we produce and consume can make us sick. In Louisiana, the Bucket Brigade is empowering communities to fight for quality of life.

Laura Kurland, Global Citizens Network

The thick of winter is an odd time to be shopping for mosquito repellent, but bug spray was just one of many items needed for a trip with Global Citizens Network.

Micki Magee, Transcription Program for the Blind

As Micki Magee puts it, "The truth is, someone asked me to join and I said okay!"

Justin Cannon, Episcopal Charities

While pursuing priesthood in the Episcopal Church, Justin Cannon found the perfect blend of entrepreneurialism and passion for social change.

Michele Ogden, The CHEER Program

For most of us, grocery shopping and laundry, are just items on a to-do list. But for Michele Ogden, these tasks are much more.

Alessandra Kellermann, Homefront Hugs USA, Inc.

Alessandra Kellermann knows from experience that when a family member goes to war, they need more than just training and gear -- they need unconditional support.

Kristin Walter, Feel Good

Is a grilled cheese sandwich the solution to the world hunger crisis? For friends Kristin Walter and Talis Apud, the answer is a resounding yes.

Donna Pool, RSVP, America Reads

Her children hope that one day she'll learn how to say "No," but that hasn't stopped Donna Pool from taking on new challenges. At the age of 61, she's just getting started.

Cheryl Darisse, Feel Safe Again

When tragedy strikes a loved one, the anger and grief can be overwhelming.  But as Cheryl Darisse discovered, fighting back against senseless crime sometimes uncovers a wealth of personal strength and purpose.

Devora Kanter Kothari, BayKids

With help from Bay Area volunteers, BayKids is working with multimedia to bring the power of communication to sick kids and show it's possible to "help heal through reel."

Bob L., Visions Recovery, Inc.

Former addict Bob L. discovered the power of drama to break addiction. Today he and others are telling the story of recovery with "Visions," an award-winning play about triumph and frailty.

Marianne Diaz, CleanSlate

To help young people escape the violence and despair of gangs, Marianne Diaz and CleanSlate are wiping clean the topography of gang violence.

Karen Liu, Store to Door

It takes a lot of help to be an independent senior in this country, as Karen Liu and Store to Door have discovered delivering food for more than 500 households.

Joyce Cavey, Partners in Care

Writer Joyce Cavey let her heart do the talking, which not only lead her to a career at a nonprofit but also to her dream job with Partners in Care.

Sophia Key West, Good Knight Child Empowerment Network

By day Sophia Key West is chief of staff of the Good Knight Child Empowerment Network, but it's her work as a princess for which she's best known.

Stacy Trager, The ARC of San Francisco

Stacy Trager weaves her passion for nonprofit work at the ARC of San Francisco with the time-honored tradition of tzedakah.

Mary Fink, YouthFriends

Mentors can change a student's life, which is what Mary Fink and YouthFriends are working towards achieving each day.

Puja Malhotra, One Brick

Puja Malhotra proves that when you start volunteering, it can begin the foundation of a whole new career, One Brick at a time.

Trina Mayhan-Webb, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging

Trina Mayhan-Webb has some advice on how to recruit great volunteers for your organization.

Marisa Schor, CASA of Los Angeles

Marisa Schor wanted a career change but didn't know what kind of degree to pursue until she met up with CASA of Los Angeles.

Mary O'Connor, Family Assessment Counseling & Education Services

With a mostly all-volunteer staff, Mary O'Connor relies on VolunteerMatch to help low-income familes cope with the psychological fallout of divorce.

Deland Chan, SPUR

VolunteerMatch is helping students like Deland Chan find volunteer internships that make a difference.

Babak Nahid, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles

Community Outreach Manager Babak Nahid is turning to VolunteerMatch to help find new volunteers who want to help Los Angeles prepare before disaster strikes.

Cynthia Gosa-Lazaro, Damion Gosa Memorial Foundation

Out of her own tragedy, Cynthia created a way to steer youth from violence by changing a generation.

Patti Vile, Volunteer Expeditions

Patti Vile has been taking care of people her whole life. Now through her nonprofit she helps people help others in New Orleans and other communities in need.

Nancy Williams, Love Without Boundaries

Love Without Boundaries changes the lives not only of impoverished and orphaned children, but also of its volunteers.

Amy O'Dea, Passages Hospice

For Amy, stumbling into the hospice field has led to a volunteer management career that inspires her to be a better person.

Joshua Williams, Joshua's Heart Foundation

This eleven-year-old doesn't let his age get in the way of his dream to end hunger in America.

Eliza Raymond, The GVN Foundation

Eliza Raymond uses social media strategies to raise money and recruit volunteers for global community building programs.

Jordyn Schara, P2D2

Meet Jordyn Schara, your typical 17-year-old girl who started a national drug collection and disposal program.

Christine Lott, Chris Cares International

Chris turned a summer volunteer program into a lifelong pledge to help empower women and children through education.

Amanda Patterson, WellDone

Providing clean water for over 10,000 people in the developing world is just the beginning of Amanda's plans.

Laura Hartstone, Peaks Foundation

Laura’s mountain climbing challenge with friends grew into a global foundation to engage women in local philanthropy.

Sara Ortega, Mira Scholars Foundation

After traveling the world, Sara Ortega found a way to enable everyone to give kids in developing countries educational opportunities.

Lisa Beranek, Clark Public Utilities' StreamTeam

Lisa Beranek turned her childhood as a volunteer into a career helping other volunteers make a difference.

Doug Meckelson, Elder Wisdom Circle

Doug Meckelson bridges the gap between generations and runs one of the most popular advice services on the Internet.

Debbi and Trish at NYP, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Deborah Cooke (at left) and Trisha Choi built a volunteer program model that has volunteers staying longer and feeling more valued.

Ruth Volk, Bundles of Love

With help from VolunteerMatch, Ruth Volk transformed her love of crochet into a decade-long commitment to Bundles of Love -- and helping families in need.

Christian Jarquin, December of Dreams

Inspiration often stems from something close to us. For Christian Jarquin, the past provided just that -- inspiration to help those in need. 

C.J. Felton, Community Housing Network

Out of a job and down on his luck, C.J. Felton built a new life through the help of Community Housing Network.

Shannon McNamara, SHARE: Shannon's After-school Reading Program

While most teens are updating their MySpace status, Shannon McNamara keeps busy managing the nonprofit she founded when she was 15 years old.

Robin Hoklotubbe, San Bernardino County Library

Working for the San Bernardino County Library, Robin knows the role that libraries can continue to play in the community.

Johnna Brynn, Star Shooter

For Johnna Brynn, photography is lifegiving. "I stood at the bottom of a palm tree, looked up, snapped the camera, and my soul snapped. I've never turned back."

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

A kind heart only goes so far. After fostering more than 50 kids, Rachel Ewald started an organization to help support other foster families financially.

Abby McKee, Stern Grove Festival

With three degrees in flute performance, Abby McKee was certain that whatever career path she pursued, it needed to keep her active in the artistic community she loves.

Fran Heitzman, Bridging

Fran Heitzman has served in World War II, started two successful businesses, and raised six sons. But he knows that there is always more work to be done - especially for families in need.

Brooks Lambert, Best Day Foundation

Brooks Lambert and a group of volunteers from Best Day Foundation are making it possible for kids with special needs to experience a perfect day at the beach.

Jean & Brian Schieman, American Cancer Society

With our help, the Schiemans are transforming an American Cancer Society program in the Pittsburgh area into a model of volunteer recruitment success.

Mary Smith, Eastern Regional Family Resource Network/VISTA

What can a small town in West Virginia teach this feisty world traveler whose own kids affectionately call "The Nomad" and whose sister calls "The Gypsy"

Donna Bartos, Purple Ribbon Council to Cut Out Domestic Abuse

Commitment to a cause can evolve out of a long struggle. Other times it's born in an instant. In Donna Bartos’ case, the path to a calling to end domestic abuse was both.

Ana Fortin, Juma Ventures

Ana Fortin and Juma Ventures are part of a growing effort to insert sound business strategy into the heart of social change.

Bob Arias, CASA of Polk County

Bilingual, multi-cultural volunteers are the wave of the future according to CASA of Polk County Executive Director Bob Arias, and he's committed to find them.

Meg McCreedy, New Opportunities

Foster Grandparent Director Meg McCreedy wants people to know that the older you get, the more valuable you are.

Paul Baskin, Grants To You

A successful career in the private sector led Paul Baskin to help nonprofits by founding Grants to You and he hasn't looked back since.

Chloe Good, Neighboorhood Parks Council

With the help of Neighborhood Parks Council, Chloe Good is caring about her environment by becoming a steward for a local park in San Francisco.

Brandon Fine, San Francisco Bike Coalition

Brandon Fine is a vélorution volunteer with the San Francisco Bike Coalition promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation.

Jennifer Green, EMQ Children & Family Services

Former Silicon Valley tech marketer Jennifer Green makes good on a promise to make a difference in kids' lives one child at a time.

Sarah Knippel, Better Tomorrows

Sarah Knippel has dedicated her professional life to making a better tomorrow for recent immigrants fleeing from war-torn countries to the United States.

Jan Scott, Upwardly Global

Jan Scott ha sbeen redefined her retirement years by  providing consulting services for nonprofit Upwardly Global, and now she's hooked into a new career.

Heather Pritchett, Arlington County Chapter of the American Red Cross

A Volunteer Coordinator for the American Red Cross, Heather Pritchett finds VolunteerMatch a valuable recruitment tool.

T. Crandall, Legacy Corps

San Francisco-based Legacy Corps' T. Crandall is committed to including senior volunteers in his mission to provide respite care to those who need it.