Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! Here at Christ House, we appreciate all the ways that volunteers show up to support our mission. This month, we asked two seniors from Trinity Washington University, Olamide and Rene-Armand, to share more about their experience completing internships with us this semester.
Olamide and Rene-Armand traveled a similar path to arrive at Christ House. They were both enrolled in a class for their Public Health major that required an internship. Olamide asked one of her friends who had previously taken the course for recommendations. Her friend suggested Christ House because it was close to campus and had a friendly environment. Rene-Armand heard about Christ House after a student gave a presentation about us, and he was immediately drawn to our mission. Our partnership with Trinity exemplifies the importance of word-of-mouth connection.
Olamide and Rene-Armand immediately contributed to multiple departments, from serving meals in our kitchen to providing administrative support in our nurses’ station. Serving meals in our kitchen provided an opportunity to learn from our kitchen staff and interact with our patients. They both became fixtures in our nurses’ station as they answered phones and provided access to the building after hours for patients who wanted to return from sitting out in the courtyard. Their kind demeanors and consistent presence reveal the simple beauty of showing up and seeing what each day brings.
Both interns readily shared what they have enjoyed about this experience. Olamide shared that she appreciated the welcoming support from the staff: “During my volunteer shifts, I’ve had a chance to get to know them better, and they’ve always been kind and helpful, especially when I was unsure about something.” She went on to talk about getting to know our patients: “What also stands out to me is how the patients greet me every time I arrive, whether I’m there for the lunch shift or at the nurses’ station. That small gesture always makes me feel appreciated and brightens my day.”
Rene-Armand echoed his appreciation of our warm and welcoming staff. “My favorite thing is the sense of community they have at Christ House,” he said. “Christ House is not only about providing care, but also a place where we build relationships.”
He continued to reflect on what he will take away from his experience. He told us, “I wish people knew that small efforts could produce and make a bigger difference in our community than we think. We do not need to have a special skill to become a volunteer, we only need to be kind and willing to learn.”
Olamide discovered joy in coming to Christ House regularly. “One thing I wish everyone knew about volunteering at Christ House,” she said, “is that you’ll genuinely enjoy your time there. It’s a warm and welcoming place, and even if you feel nervous or unsure about anything at first, the staff is always there to guide and support you. You’re never alone, they make sure you feel comfortable and confident. It’s a great environment to learn, connect, and make a real difference.” That sense of enjoyment and empowerment is exactly the kind of experience we want each volunteer to have when they step into Christ House to serve.
Olamide and Rene-Armand shared their future plans with us after they have completed their internships. Olamide plans to pursue her master’s degree in global public health. She said, “I want to continue building on what I’ve learned and take the next step toward making a meaningful impact in the public health field, especially when it comes to addressing health disparities on a global scale.”
Rene-Armand also plans to pursue further education. He has already applied for a master’s degree in social work, and he will continue to work as a volunteer for communities and organizations that prioritize healthcare equity.
We can’t wait to see what is in store for Olamide and Rene-Armand as they continue to make a difference in their neighborhoods. As we say at the end of every intern’s tenure with us, we hope to see them visit sooner rather than later!
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at Christ House, please reach out to our Volunteer Manager at volunteers@christhouse.org or visit our website here.
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