Volunteer Week at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa
National Volunteer Week 2025 is Sunday, April 20 through Saturday, April 26 and this time serves as an opportunity to consider the many benefits of volunteering.
Fellowship Square Historic Mesa shares how volunteering can improve seniors’ lives and offers an update from resident Gary Smith on Back to the Garden. This resident volunteer program provides an abundance of opportunities to get involved and help your community and neighbors.
Volunteering Benefits for Seniors in Senior Living
Volunteering doesn’t just feel good—it’s good for your health! According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering has proven health benefits, including improving physical and mental health, providing a sense of purpose and teaching valuable skills, and nurturing new and existing relationships.
An article on the Mayo Clinic Health System website states, “Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research has found that volunteering among adults, age 60 and over, provided benefits to physical and mental health. Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers."
Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older. ”Volunteering releases dopamine, thereby reducing stress and increasing positive, relaxed feelings. It also helps people experience a sense of meaning and appreciation—“both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.” The article also states, “The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving volunteers a sense of purpose, especially when giving their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem.”
Volunteering also creates social opportunities and allows volunteers to meet new people and foster their existing relationships. According to the Mayo Clinic: “Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity.”
Resident-Led Volunteer Opportunities in Our Senior Living Community
Gary Smith has been dedicated to helping grow Fellowship Square Historic Mesa’s volunteer program for the past five months and counting. There are a variety of resident led roles that are needed in various aspects of the community. Residents who are interested in getting involved with volunteering may wish to serve in a good neighbor assistance or companion visit role. Foodie types may want to help in the dining room with menu preparation, for example.
There are plenty of operational opportunities from helping with the care and upkeep of the Fellowship Square Historic Mesa campus to answering phones and even neighborhood watch. Event coordinator types can help with planning, organizing and schedule activities, lead and teach crafts, and coordinate card and table games and group activities such as book clubs and karaoke. Of course, faith-led volunteer efforts are prevalent on campus in many ways with support gatherings, bible studies, choir practice, concerts and other music ministries and more. Assisting the garden club or becoming a volunteer librarian are other options—the choices seem endless!
Creating a Connected Community Through Volunteering at Fellowship Square
The opportunity for residents to teach and learn from other residents is ongoing at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa and a large part of creating a true community among residents. Those that are interested in helping out are encouraged to reach out to Gary Smith to learn more about the many ways in which they can get involved.
There have been many updates since Gary began spearheading the resident volunteer program. Gary says some of the biggest developments that have occurred within the program include the newsletter, “which is having a big impact on campus,” as well as telephone answering service for maintenance, housekeeping, activities, employee appreciation by residents, and more.
The program currently has 123 volunteers and continues to grow, but Gary’s goal is to have 50% of residents volunteer. “Volunteer priorities impact 100% of residents,” he says.
The biggest need is currently for program operating volunteers, which he calls a “full-time job!” He adds that volunteering can truly enhance the experience of seniors living here, saying “purpose, purpose, purpose and making a family of staff and residents” are some of the key benefits.
He also adds if there isn’t currently a program, it can be added...“Literally, the sky is the limit,” he says, adding, “Anything you can think of someone who lives here has done it, and done it well. We just have to harness that knowledge!”
Ready to experience the community spirit and vibrant lifestyle at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa for yourself? Whether you're exploring independent or assisted living options for yourself or a family member, we invite you to visit our senior living campus and see how purpose, connection, and care come together. Schedule a tour today to learn more.
