Volunteers Create Optimism and Decrease Isolation for Guests at WLP
“Women’s Lunch Place offers compassion. There’s a welcoming glow, and you’re always treated with dignity and respect and concern.”
These words are from an elderly guest, Kiki, who has been making daily visits to our shelter and advocacy center for healthy meals and protection from the cold. Outside of WLP, women experiencing poverty and homelessness are often made to feel invisible and unworthy––but as we respond to necessities like hunger, human connection, showers, and laundry, guests begin to feel as though their needs can and will be met. This dynamic starts when women like Kiki first walk through the doors of our community and are greeted by a team of friendly, skilled staff and volunteers.
“If they want to chat, we’re the first ones that they see, and we ask them about their day,” said Pouran, who has been volunteering in the Welcome Center for over five years. “Many of them are vulnerable, and they feel defeated sometimes. I try to be as kind and loving as I can because I want all our guests to feel like they’re being cared for.”
When volunteers like Pouran connect with our guests, WLP begins to address the devastating impact of social isolation and the burden it causes for the women we serve. Trust-building moments between volunteers and guests are critical in advancing women to our Advocacy program, where they can work on long-term issues like housing, economic empowerment, and mental health.
Over the past decade, researchers have been exploring the connections between mental health, optimism, and social support among vulnerable people. From one University of Arkansas study, we can see that “despite the overwhelming conditions of homelessness, persons with higher levels of optimism and social support report lower depression and anxiety symptoms.” In response to the available research, Women’s Lunch Place has intentionally developed a service model that addresses our guests’ need for hope and community connections.
We understand that community is the solution to isolation, and our volunteers are––and have always been––a key element of the fabric of our community. Whether they are serving scratch-made food, working with a guest on her resume, or simply answering a phone call, volunteers deepen our ability to create a caring environment that seeks solutions and decreases a woman’s sense of isolation. This approach facilitates community integration and continuity of care by ensuring that a person has enduring ties to their community and support systems during times of need.
WLP’s analysis shows the positive effects that volunteer efforts have been making on our guests’ lives. In our 2021 guest survey, 80% of women reported that they get support from people they trust at WLP, 93% reported that WLP has made a positive difference in their life, and 94% reported that they felt welcomed by staff and volunteers.
“There are many guests who I know by name and who know me by name,” said Pouran, when asked if she has been able to create lasting connections with guests. “I have rich conversations with them. Their stories can be sad, but I’m happy that I am there to listen.”
To Pouran and the hundreds of other volunteers who lend their time and energy to our community each year, thank you for being there to listen. Our unique, individually tailored, life-changing services would not be possible without you.