VolunteerING with us
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As a Solace volunteer, we entrust in you the privilege of giving back to a population who has given so much to us. Through arts and crafts, games, reading, or simply sharing precious time with patients in the geriatric unit, our volunteers offer meaningful connection through conversation, presence, and empathy. Spending time one-on-one with patients can make a tremendous difference in a patient's day, lifting spirits and improving emotional well-being.
Solace is about more than just volunteering; it’s about broadening perspectives and acknowledging that everyone has a meaningful story. Whether you're a student exploring healthcare or someone who simply wants to give back, your presence matters.
Throughout my time in Solace, I've come to love and appreciate all the events that help further develop our close-knit culture beyond volunteering in the hospital. Organizing and participating in our two recent pickleball fundraisers brought a competitive yet lively environment to Solace and kicked off a semesterly tradition. When it comes to volunteering—whether at Shands or Al'z Place—the opportunity to learn from our wise counterparts or simply sit down for a game of Bingo has consistently brought me joy and laughter every week. I'm excited to continue this experience as I volunteer and meet new members!
MEMBERSHIP
Our organization prides itself on its strong sense of community. Each semester, we host a retreat to build relationships amongst our fellow peers and foster a sense of belonging. Our social events, which include days on the water, fun crafts, group study sessions, pickleball tournaments, and much more, allow members to develop deep friendships and continue our family-centered organization. We also come together to create crafts for our hospital units, including holiday decorations, activity kits, and cards for our patients to remind them they are not alone.
DEI AND OUTREACH
In Solace, we strive to make every volunteer and patient feel valued by stressing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We believe compassionate, personalized care begins with understanding the communities and individuals we serve. Some of our initiatives include guest speakers that discuss health disparities in various populations, student-led presentations on different cultures, and interactive activities such as games and crafts from around the world. Outreach is also an important pillar of Solace. With our large involvement in the Walk To End Alzheimer's, concert fundraiser for the local geriatric community, and volunteer experiences with Eldercare, we work to provide constant support and love to a population that is often overlooked.
Professional Development
Solace provides more than just an opportunity to volunteer and serve the community. We strive to ensure that our members are prepared to succeed, regardless of their goals. Solace hosts multiple professional development events throughout the semester such as our recent health panel which allows members to meet professionals in a specific field, workshop their resume, and find exciting opportunities to grow themselves. These events allow members to feel confident in their ability to fly as high as the sun.
