Belinda LaLonde and Ellen Eisele at Arts and Crafts
Imagine if every friend in your life was paid to be there, clocking in at nine and leaving at five. Friends from school, neighbors, colleagues, people you connect with through clubs or online—all present, but only for as long as they’re on the clock. Would those relationships feel the same?
For many of the people MV Advancements supports, paid staff are often their main source of companionship. Though our staff is dedicated and caring, there’s something irreplaceable about relationships based on choice and genuine connection.
That’s why MV Advancements is excited to announce a new and improved volunteer program designed to foster meaningful relationships by partnering with our Day Support Activities (DSA) program. DSA connects individuals with volunteers through engaging, community-based activities that build lasting friendships.
The DSA team coordinates dozens of activities every week, providing something for everyone. Imagine hot air balloon rides, beach outings in dune buggies, and scenic walks in local parks. Or, perhaps you’d enjoy something a little more low-key—like a coffee meetup, a visit to the library, or a group art project. DSA activities offer countless ways for people to connect and make memories.
And now, all these activities double as volunteer opportunities. When you volunteer with MV Advancements, you’re joining in on the fun, showing up at events that match your interests, and helping make those activities even more enjoyable for the people we support. It’s as simple as signing up and showing up.
Belinda LaLonde, a retired Direct Support Professional who worked with MVA for over eight years, has experienced the difference volunteers make. Since her retirement, she’s been volunteering and building relationships in a new way.
“It is heartbreaking how many people come in and out of the lives of the clients,” Belinda shared. “To have people that they know and see on a regular basis spend time with them because they want to, not because they have to, means the world to them.”
Belinda’s experience highlights what makes the volunteer program so impactful. Now, she has the opportunity to spend time with people without a work schedule or formal responsibilities. She can connect in ways that go beyond tasks and timelines. “They are amazing individuals, and I love watching them come out of their shells and take steps to learn new things,” she said.
For the people in our services, volunteers like Belinda are more than just new faces—they’re friends, mentors, and trusted members of the community. Each volunteer is someone they can rely on, someone who’s there because they want to be, not because they have to be.
This is what MV Advancements’ volunteer program is all about: building genuine, lasting connections. By giving your time, you can make a meaningful impact, whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee, cheering on a friend during a game of bowling, or simply being present.
Join us in making a difference. To apply to volunteer with MV Advancements, visit mvadvancements.org/volunteer-
