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Sarah Coenen Older Adult Day Support Center Volunteer

What brought you to the Older Adult Day Support Center? How did you hear about FSA?
I was referred to FSA by my psychology professor at CCSF. I wanted to do some volunteer work for the summer and my professor had been in touch with Julia.

What has been most surprising about the center and the participants for you?
The staff at the center is really warm and supportive. Volunteers at FSA are valued and regarded as a part of the family from the very start. The participants of FSA come to the center from a variety of different backgrounds each person contributes their own unique gifts and experience, each of which enriches the center. Working with the participants of the center is an exercise in creating space for these gifts and experiences to be expressed. Through the development and maintenance of relationships, growth and healing can take place for everyone involved.

Have there been particular moments at the center that have shaped your time there?
I have really enjoyed participating the performing arts group as well as the reminiscence group, both of which meet on Thursdays. Many of the participants are gifted musicians, the impromptu recital put on by Margaret and Robert was a very special moment.

Have there been any challenging parts of being a volunteer?
I didn't expect to learn so much about myself and how I interact with others. It can be challenging to be faced with one's own social limitations. For someone [like me] who is typically introverted, being a FSA volunteer is a good exercise in finding unique ways to engage with others

What has been rewarding about being a volunteer?
Volunteering with FSA is an opportunity to enrich your own life and learn a lot about yourself as well as others.

What advice would you give to new FSA volunteers?
Have fun!