We are endlessly grateful to our volunteers for giving their time to better the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our volunteers are truly the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association here in North Carolina.
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2020, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
Mary Lindsay West
Raleigh, NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
As a graduate student pursuing my master’s degree in social work, I have had the opportunity to become involved with three different internship placements. After wonderful internships at Glenaire, a continuing care retirement community in Cary, and Charles House, an adult day center in Chapel Hill, I developed a strong affinity for working with older adults and especially those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. When looking for a third placement, I wanted a way to honor these interests in a more “macro,” or large-scale way: the Alzheimer’s Association was a perfect fit!
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
During my time with the Alzheimer’s Association, I have been an intern with the Programs Team as well as a Community Educator. Now I continue to be involved as a Co-Chair of the Mission Subcommittee for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Triangle.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
One of my favorite parts about my volunteer role has been interacting with caregivers. Although I love working with persons with dementia, I have cherished the opportunity through the Alzheimer’s Association to meet with the special folks that care for these individuals on a daily basis. I am encouraged and challenged by their faithfulness in caregiving.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
I feel that I make the biggest impact by being able to connect caregivers with resources. Sharing information about a resource as simple as the 24/7 Helpline can be huge!
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
To anyone considering volunteering with the Association, I would say there is something for everyone. So many roles are available with a variety of focus areas and time commitments. You have nothing to lose from reaching out and asking how you can become involved.
THANK YOU, MARY LINDSAY
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC?
Visit alz.org/get-involved-now/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
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