Commit to a New Year's resolution that benefits others: Volunteer at a Catholic Health facility

Guest Editorial by Catholic Health

Another year has passed and 2022 is here! What’s on your New Year’s resolution list? Now is the time that many of us are reflecting on the passing year and thinking about what we want to do differently in the new year. It’s a great time to start with a fresh slate, to tackle unachieved goals, and try new experiences. Volunteering at Catholic Health can help you find the right volunteer opportunity and make it so much easier to meet your goals in the New Year.

Here are some reasons why you should resolve to volunteer:

√ Volunteering can help you be physically and mentally active. Studies have found that volunteers over the age of 60 experience greater increases in life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering.

√ Volunteering helps you find a sense of purpose and can gain you professional skills.

√ Volunteering helps strengthen a community. It can help build rapport between team members, connect with families, patients and residents, and allows you to develop new relationships.

√ Volunteering can reduce stress and decrease the risk of depression. Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression through increased social interactions. By savoring time spent in service to others, you will feel a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.

√ Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Catholic Health volunteers range in age, experience and background. They serve at hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, community programs, and so much more!

Learn more by visiting https://www.chsbuffalo.org/volunteer. Or, contact Director of Volunteer Services Heide Cornell at 716-319-8405 or email at [email protected].