Lutheran Life Communities volunteers come from all different walks of life, from teenagers to retirees, but all come with a similar purpose: to serve their neighbors in the community with compassion and grace.

Volunteers can serve in a variety of ways depending on which community they visit. By escorting residents to organized events, assisting with arts and crafts, working in the community store, providing respite to a caregiver, or just visiting a resident for some great one-on-one conversation, volunteers offer opportunities for priceless memories and brighten our residents’ days. Each individual brings with them invaluable life experiences that can enhance their service to others.

Darlene Cunneen, Resident Life Manager at St. Pauls House, recognizes wonderful things about the volunteers that come to her Chicago community. "Our volunteers bring so much to our events. They are great companions to residents, and they bring an energy and warmth that give our activities an extra special feel for people," said Cunneen. "They are such a help and a delight."

Besides their comfort and friendship, the help and assistance volunteers provide to staff is precious. They help activities run smoothly, allowing residents to get to a special event on time or giving extra instruction during an activity.

Wittenberg Village is another community with a strong volunteer program. Pastor Cory Wielert marvels at the dedication and sense of community their local volunteers bring every time they visit. "We have a family, the Greleckis, that volunteer every Sunday - Chuck, his wife, Sharon, and their children when they’re in town. Their tradition of volunteering began with his father, Stanley Grelecki, who gave over 14,000 hours of service to Wittenberg Village. The Grelecki family continued to volunteer here, feeling this ministry was one they wanted to continue to serve. They are such a part of our community. They’ve become a part of the Wittenberg family and, as a result, Chuck has been invited to join Wittenberg’s Mission Advancement Council."

The Lutheran Home, Lutheran Life Communities’ oldest community, has a rich history of volunteering. Local community members have been donating their time and services to the Lutheran Home since its inception in 1892. The strong volunteer program currently has about 200 adult volunteers enrolled. One volunteer, Elaine Johnson, has been serving Lutheran Home residents for about 40 years. "I began volunteering after my youngest son went to high school, and I’ve been volunteering ever since." Elaine has made a lot a friends in her fellow volunteers over the years. "You know that saying where you give, you get double back? Well [volunteering here], I got double back."

Indeed, volunteers will find that in their service enriching residents’ lives, they are enriching their own. New friendships are made between residents, as well as fellow volunteers and staff. They gain new life experiences and skills, even learning something new along side residents at a lecture or fun cultural event.

Volunteers are an important part of our communities, as they help connect us to the community at large. "Volunteers at Pleasant View have strong ties to the residents and people they serve. More often than not they have had family members here, or volunteer out of love and memories of their own parents or grandparents. They selflessly and faithfully come year round, reading to residents, monitoring the gift shop, assisting with crafts and activities, and treating "their" residents as family. Pleasant View is honored to have such loving support," said Pleasant View administrator Cindy Duncan.

Lutheran Life Communities values its volunteers and gives thanks for their precious gift of faithful service. Their presence and dedication is vital to our mission to empower vibrant, grace-filled living across all generations.