Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Madeline

What do you do in your volunteer role at the WCA?
As a Jesuit Volunteer (JV), I am serving full time at the WCA for one year as the Outreach Coordinator. In the Outreach Coordinator postion I help staff theWCA information table at outreach events, help plan events like the Clothesline Project, and help the Communication Manager maintain our website, social media pages, and monthly newsletter.

How long have you been a volunteer?
I have been a volunteer since the middle of this past August.

What do you find most rewarding about your work at the WCA?
One of the main components of my work at the WCA is participating in the Outreach Events. At these events I get the opportunity to not only educate the public on what domestic abuse is and what services the WCA offers, but I also am able to meet so many people and provide them with resources they, or someone they know, may one day need. In just the 2 months that I’ve served with the WCA, I have already been told countless stories of how these resources have helped individuals get out of a bad situation and provided the help necessary. I find that being part of an organization that is actively getting into the community and trying to stop domestic violence situations before they start the most rewarding part of my work.

How have you changed or grown as a person through your work here?
I’ve already learned so much since coming to the WCA that has definitely helped me grow as a person. Being around so many amazing individuals who are so passionate about the work they do has definitely inspired me and shown me the impact a small group of dedicated people can have. I’ve also gained a much clearer understanding of the many facets of domestic abuse and the affects it can have on everyone involved. However, I’ve come to understand the power of change that community-based organizations like the WCA can have.