Volunteer Spotlight: Shibani

Shibani came to Calvary as a volunteer last month, and jumped right in as both an evening and Life Skills, Education and Arts Program (LEAP) volunteer. Education Coordinator Elaine Johnson notes, “It was a pleasure having Shibani as such an active part of our LEAP program. She has the perfect trio of qualities that we look for in LEAP facilitators: knowledge, dedication, and flexibility. The women really valued their time with her, and everyone grew as a result.”

Shibani, thank you for your time and commitment to the women at Calvary!

How are you involved at Calvary Women’s Services?

• I developed a three-part class teaching interview skills and etiquette with Elaine, and also oversee math classes, encouraging and motivating the women to keep working on their math skills.
• I also volunteer for evening shifts, spending time chatting with the residents and watching television with them.

What has been your most memorable experience at Calvary?

Teaching the interview skills class and the mock interviews.  It was great to see the women use the skills that we discussed and gain more confidence in their ability to present themselves.  Some of the women were nervous before the mock interviews, but they did an amazing job!

What would you tell someone considering getting involved with Calvary?

You will come in thinking you’ll help the women and teach some life skills, but you will leave being inspired by and having learned life lessons from them.

If you had to choose ONE word to describe Calvary, what would it be?

Community.

LEAP volunteers like Shibani lead ongoing classes for up to 15 participants that offer tangible skills and promote well-being. This is a great opportunity for skilled volunteers to share their knowledge—and a great chance to have a meaningful relationship with the women at Calvary. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Calvary, please contact Catherine Bisson at cbisson@calvaryservices.org or (202) 678-2341.