Something new for the new year: Resolve to give back by volunteering

New Year’s is a time for resolutions that we hope will make us happier and healthier. We often try to lose weight, reduce our alcohol consumption and exercise more. Sound familiar? 

But, according to an article on the University of California’s Greater Good website (greatergood.com), people don’t like New Year’s resolutions because they can be a source of failure year after year. Folks often pick resolutions that are unrewarding and require relentless hard work. 

For 2017, I encourage everyone to consider a resolution that will bring  contentment to your life and is not difficult to achieve: Resolve to give back to your community by volunteering.   

Much research has been done about the benefits of volunteering. Studies tell us that people who give their time and attention to others are happier and healthier. Volunteering can help reduce stress, bring stimulation to your life and give you a sense of purpose. And when you volunteer, you are making the community a better place while increasing your own network of social contacts and friends.  

People often believe that they don’t have time to volunteer, but it only takes a commitment of a few hours to reap the personal benefits.

How do you get started?  Think about whom you would like to help: children maybe, or older people, or the poor? Or maybe animals? And then think about when you have spare time or flexibility in your schedule: Maybe during the day, at lunchtime, or after work.  

Jewish Family Service has many rewarding volunteer opportunities, including a new initiative called Partners in Care, for which volunteers are currently being sought. JFS will provide respite to caregivers through this program, for which JFS received Legacy Corps funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service and the University of Maryland.    

Examples of volunteer activities in Partners in Care include friendly home visits, taking someone out for coffee, playing a card game, transporting someone to a medical appointment and helping to advocate for his/her needs.  

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. No experience is necessary; a comprehensive orientation and ongoing training will be provided.  

As our seniors continue to live well into their 80s and 90s, their needs grow exponentially. There are currently more than 65 million caregivers nationally. Giving them even a small amount of relief will allow them to refresh, stay healthy and better fulfill their caregiving responsibilities. 

As we ring in the new year of 2017, think about ways you can give back to the community through volunteering. Your time is valuable; spend it doing something meaningful and beneficial to yourself and others.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at JFS and the Partners in Care initiative, contact Julie Herzlinger at 401-331-1244.      

ERIN GISHERMAN MINIOR, LICSW, is the CEO of Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island.