April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the people who generously share their time and talents to make a difference. At Trinity Senior Services, we’re honored to highlight two meaningful volunteer stories—one from a resident who continues to give back within our own community, and another from a dedicated community volunteer who brings connection and compassion to those we serve. Together, their experiences reflect the many ways volunteering enriches lives—not only for those receiving support, but for those who give it as well.
Read our volunteer stories below!
Getting to Know the Volunteer
What inspired you to start volunteering with us and how long have you been volunteering here?
Resident Volunteer: Since I was an adult, I always volunteered. I served on many non-profit boards and in jobs I was in charge of volunteer programming. I like to be part of the MCH team and us (residents) can bring a unique perspective. I have been a volunteer ever since I moved in, 1.5 years ago.
Community Volunteer: I became a volunteer when we moved my mother into assisted living after we moved up here from Florida. Although I was still working part-time, I was usually there once or twice a week and, if help was needed with an activity or event, I did what I could. This went on for about 4 1/ 2 years, until Mom died (2016). I always enjoyed it and just kept on coming. In 2017, I became an official volunteer with my own name tag, so almost 14 years total.
What keeps you coming back?
Resident Volunteer: I currently live at the Residence at 2462, the independent living building for Milwaukee Catholic Home. I love it here, I want to contribute to the atmosphere and culture. It gives you purpose and you meet nice people!
Community Volunteer: I keep coming in because I enjoy the people and it is always fun. And I know help is always needed in some way.
Their Experience
What are your typical duties and responsibilities while volunteering?
Resident Volunteer: I volunteer at the MCH Health Care Center as a hospice volunteer, for the Walk- Me-Home Program, an end of life service brought to those in need by MCH. I visit with other residents and provide comfort, and a listening ear during a time
Community Volunteer: Currently, in assisted living, I do manicures once a week and help with trips, or whatever else Ana (Life Engagement Coordinator) may need. Also, I do 1 day a week at the Emporium at the independent living apartments. Over the years I have done field trips, baking mornings, bingo, happy hour, etc.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment from volunteering?
Resident Volunteer: One of the first people I visited as a Walk-Me-Home hospice volunteer in the Health Care Center was someone from Independent Living. I sat beside his bed, holding his hand during that end-of-life time. We had a friendship from living in the same building, and while he couldn’t speak, I shared one of our inside jokes. He squeezed my hand in return—it was a simple moment, but a powerful reminder of the comfort and connection we can offer at the end of life.
Community Volunteer: My favorite memories come from the people you meet and the privilege of getting to know their stories. One that stands out is meeting a Milwaukee actress during her time as a resident here until she passed. I would do her manicures each week, and in those moments we would talk about her many years in theatre—her experiences on stage, the roles she loved, and the memories she carried. We also shared conversations about current productions, what we liked, and what we didn’t. Those visits were more than a routine; they were a meaningful connection built through storytelling, shared appreciation, and genuine companionship.
Impact
What have you learned from the residents you spend time with and how has it impacted you personally?
Resident Volunteer: While loss is a natural part of senior living, it deepens your appreciation for each moment and makes time feel more meaningful. Being present in end-of-life situations has strengthened my empathy and shaped me into a more compassionate volunteer. Through a lifetime of volunteering, I’ve learned just as much in those roles as I have in paid positions.
Community Volunteer: I think the most important thing I’ve learned is patience, along with being friendly and simply enjoying time with residents. In senior living and care settings, these qualities matter deeply—they help create trust, comfort, and dignity in everyday interactions, and they remind residents that they are seen, valued, and cared for beyond their needs.
Advice and Encouragement
What would you say to someone considering volunteering here?
Resident Volunteer: I would unconditionally tell them to volunteer and if you have an experience or hobby, bring it to the table and share it!
Community Volunteer: For anyone considering volunteering, I would encourage starting small—something simple like helping with bingo or assisting at a community event. It’s a great way to get comfortable, build connections, and see firsthand how meaningful even the smallest contributions can be and from there, you can find something you like to do that drives you to keep coming back.
What makes this community special to you?
Resident Volunteer: I love it here! The staff is outstanding and the care and love is apparent in your job. The staff is what makes MCH.
Community Volunteer: I keep coming back because the residents are fun to be with, and I just enjoy it the atmosphere everyone who’s apart of these communities has built.
Interested in volunteering and touching the lives of seniors? Visit our volunteer page today!
