GUEST POST: How Volunteering impacted on me -- a personal view

I am always looking for ways to better myself personally and professionally; somewhat like a lifelong journey, one could call it. A small part of my journey started when I discovered a free 6 week Self-Esteem Building workshop for women at the North York Women’s Centre (NYWC) and registered to attend the workshop. On the first night, the facilitators had disclosed to the group that they were volunteers. I had observed them and thought to myself, “I could do that” and started feeling hopeful yet nervous to experience something new. I realized it would be an incredible opportunity for me to gain additional hands-on experience in group facilitation. For just over a year, I had been studying part-time to get my certification as a Life Skills Coach and have had some experience facilitating groups which I absolutely loved doing; however my previous experience was only within my classroom setting. It took me four weeks to simply gain the courage to inquire how to get involved as a volunteer facilitator with NYWC. It petrified me because it was a new experience which put me outside of my comfort zone.

NYWC provided a four-week course for their volunteer facilitators which was quite a commitment for me at that time, as I was working two jobs and in school part-time. Despite my current skill sets and previous training, the NYWC training was very thorough and relevant. On a professional level, I realized that it will benefit me to have received an additional certificate to add to my portfolio.

I can honestly say how grateful I am that I gathered the courage to get involved; I am grateful for many reasons. One of the main reasons I feel grateful is that I have had the opportunity to give back to women whom I can understand and relate to on many levels. Women in our community struggle with many issues and often feel they do not have a voice. NYWC is an environment that provides women opportunities to feel welcomed and included, to be heard and feel empowered — which are all things I am proud to say that I am now a part of. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to facilitate the Building Self-Esteem workshop as my very first workshop with NYWC which has just come to an end. It had been a gratifying experience watching all of the wonderful women in the group evolve in such a short period of time. I also learned a lot about myself personally from the women in the group—they are a source of inspiration to me.

On a professional level I am grateful to have volunteered my time because it will open many doors for me simply by getting the hands on experience. NYWC’s motto is Opening Doors for Women. They have opened many doors for me and I look forward to continue volunteering my time as a facilitator with North York Women’s Centre to give back and help open doors for other deserving women like myself.
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Brenda started out as a volunteer at JVS Toronto’s Jane and Finch location and quickly moved into a position as a placement student with the Toronto Youth Job Corps program, which then led into employment as a Receptionist at that location. Brenda has been with JVS as an employee for just over 4 years and had the opportunity to work at several locations, currently at JVS Toronto’s Markham Employment Source. Brenda recently completed Life Skills Coach Certificate Program at George Brown College and is on a personal journey of growth and advancement.

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