Volunteer Story: “it Changed Everything for Me”

Jason is an orthopedic surgeon in Florida. After Hurricane Ida, his wife suggested he take a break from his practice and find work alongside people doing good in the world. He took a week off work and joined an SBP team mucking and gutting homes in Houma, Louisiana.

You don’t realize how bad it can be for someone until you see it firsthand. You can read or see a news clip, but to be in there in person and see the pain on their face, it breaks your heart. You see their anxiety in wondering how they’ll get their home fixed. Some have insurance but it won’t cover everything. Others don’t have insurance at all.

“Taking a break from my own job and career and making a difference for someone changed everything for me.”

It was eye-opening walking into the Davis’s home, seeing how much mold had affected it. The Davis’s were still living there together and things were tough. They were so appreciative of our help.

I never really understood how much it would mean to do something like this. It was nice to have a break from my world. It’s been hard as a doctor with all the pandemic issues. Meeting all the volunteers and AmeriCorps members from all walks of life giving their time and energy to help others, it was really hopeful to see that, despite the news, there are people out there who care.

Taking a break from my own job and career and making a difference for someone changed everything for me. It gives you a lot of faith that there are good people out there who are looking out for each other. It makes coming back to work doing what I do easier, too.

We hope this inspires you as it has us. We are so grateful for Jason’s help and each volunteer who works alongside us. Please consider joining one of our Hurricane Ida volunteer teams. We need you. Sign up here.