The Heart of Family Promise: A Volunteer’s Perspective

The Heart of Family Promise: A Volunteer’s Perspective

Every nonprofit has a backbone—a group of individuals whose dedication fuels its mission. At Family Promise of Cobb County, our volunteers are the heart and soul of what we do. They’re the friendly faces greeting families, the compassionate listeners offering hope, and the steady hands helping our guests rebuild their lives.

This week, we want to take you behind the scenes, sharing the perspective of one of our newest incredible volunteers, Anna S. Through her eyes, we hope you’ll see the true magic of Family Promise and how meaningful it is to serve families in need.

Why We Volunteer

Ask any Family Promise volunteer why they give their time, and you’ll hear variations of the same theme: “Because it makes a difference.” For Anna, volunteering is a way to connect with her community and share her creativity to support families experiencing homelessness.

“Volunteering for organizations like Family Promise is extremely close to my heart. I enjoy helping others, and when I am able to do that with my photography, it makes it even more enjoyable. Sharing my creativity as well as helping to make a difference in local families’ lives is truly what drives me to continue to want to volunteer,” Anna shared.

A Day in the Life of a Volunteer

Volunteering at Family Promise is a dynamic experience. Depending on the role, a volunteer might be:

- Preparing meals: Ensuring families have a warm, home-cooked dinner at the end of a long day.

- Hosting overnight: Providing a comforting presence and security during evening hours.

- Assisting with job applications: Helping parents navigate job boards, polish resumes, or prepare for interviews.

- Tutoring children: Offering homework help and encouragement to kids in the program.

For Anna, volunteering as a photographer at our 9th Annual Golf Classic was a unique way to contribute. 

“Volunteering at the Golf Event was a very enjoyable experience. I was welcomed with open arms and felt extremely appreciated the whole time. People looked to me to use my expertise to capture the most important parts of the event, and they answered any questions I had throughout the day. What stood out to me was the organization of the event as well as the kindness of everyone who participated and volunteered,” she said.

The Impact of Volunteering

Volunteers don’t just give their time—they provide stability, hope, and a sense of normalcy for families navigating tough times. Anna’s experience highlighted how even small contributions can have a lasting impact.

“Every person who donates time or talent to an event makes a huge difference. No one person would be able to put on an event like the Golf Tournament by themselves. Having other people to rely on before and during the event ensures that it goes as smoothly as possible,” she explained.

Anna’s photography not only captured the joy and camaraderie of the day but also created lasting memories for the families and supporters who participated.

A Volunteer’s Reflection

Through her time with Family Promise of Cobb County, Anna has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges families experiencing homelessness face.

“I was able to experience a story of an individual who had been helped by the organization. I also saw and heard a lot of statistics that displayed the gravity of challenges some people are facing. It’s been truly eye-opening and heartwarming,” she said.

When asked what she’d tell someone considering volunteering, Anna’s advice was simple: “Family Promise is a great organization to volunteer for. Everyone you interact with will leave a smile on your face, and you’ll help families experiencing homelessness in your local community. It’s a truly rewarding experience.”

Looking Ahead

Anna looks forward to continuing her volunteer journey with Family Promise of Cobb County, using her skills to support future events and families in creative ways.

“Being part of Family Promise’s mission makes me feel like a part of a bigger movement and gives me the opportunity to make a difference for families in my own city,” she said.

A Call to Action

The stories we’ve shared are just a glimpse into the life-changing work of our volunteers. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, now is the perfect time. Whether you can spare an hour or commit to regular shifts, your contribution matters.

Click here to learn more about volunteering with Family Promise of Cobb County.

Together, we can continue making a difference—one family at a time.

Check out Anna's photos of our 2024 Golf Classic