Neale and Heather, sisters who each discovered a meaningful way to give back, are shining examples of the impact volunteering can have. While they initially took different paths, both found fulfillment through volunteering with Help At Your Door, a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain their independence and continue living in their homes.
Heather, pictured in the white shirt, began her volunteer journey with Help At Your Door in April 2020 (the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic). She wanted to help people during such a challenging time, so she signed up to be a Client Connector.
In this role, Heather has specific clients assigned to her that she contacts by telephone. She takes their grocery orders using an online ordering system. When requested items are out of stock, she offers available options and ensures the accuracy of the order by reading it back to the client.
This position allowed her to interact with clients remotely, taking grocery orders, reviewing preferences, and ensuring the people we serve had what they needed. Over the years, Heather has formed meaningful connections with her clients. She recalls, “I’ve worked with some very sweet clients; one shared lots of food memories of growing up in Northwest Minnesota, which is near where I grew up.”
Her role typically involves helping 2-4 clients, and she spends about 2 hours volunteering weekly. Heather urges others to step up and volunteer, highlighting how simple it is to get involved and the fulfilling experience it offers. “It is so rewarding, and Help At Your Door makes it easy to make an impact. Just do it,” she says.
Her sister, Neale, took Heather’s encouragement to heart and joined her in giving back. Neale, pictured in the blue shirt, has been a volunteer Personal Driver with Help At Your Door for three years.
In this role, she safely transports clients to and from appointments, errands, and social outings, helping them get into and out of the vehicle as requested and storing assistive devices like walkers.
On average, Neale completes 3-4 rides a month and has encountered many grateful clients along the way. “Most of the people I’ve met have been so thankful and appreciative,” Neale shares. “Many have tried to pay me or give me small gifts. I just tell them that this is my gift to them, and I want to give back to my community. Hopefully, someday, when I’m unable to get around, someone will do the same for me.”
For Neale, volunteering is about more than just giving rides—it’s about building relationships and being there for others. “Please consider volunteering, even if it’s just a few hours a week. It’s flexible enough for anyone’s schedule,” she shares. “Nothing will give you the ‘FEELS’ quicker than helping others in need. It is a great reminder that this world is so much bigger than just you or me.”
Both sisters agree on the importance of community and the satisfaction that comes from volunteering. Heather, who introduced her sister to the cause, couldn’t be prouder of the work Neale is doing. Neale, in turn, has found fulfillment in knowing that she’s making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Are you interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you join the Help At Your Door team! To learn more, visit our volunteer webpage or contact us at 651-642-1892 or volunteer@helpatyourdoor.org.
Thank you, Neale and Heather, for your time, dedication, and the joy you bring to clients. Your work is truly appreciated!
