JW's story is an inspiring one. The young, terminally ill boy together his doctor raised funds to create a place for people who care for family members or ,over ones at the nearby hospitals. A inviting place to have a meal, take a shower, enjoy some peace and quite, talk to people who are in a similar situation or find a sympathetic ear among the staff and volunteers.
Jim is one of those volunteers. he spends his Sunday evenings at JW House doing house hold chores like washing dishes and making sure the house is inviting and friendly but more importantly, he supports their visitors, helps those who help others buy listening, encouraging and simply being there for them.
Listen to my interview with jim and be inspired what the vision of a few and the dedication of many can achieve.
Sometimes a small change just isn't enough and so - occasionally - I will bring you the story of somebody who did something radical.
All her life Jutta wanted to teach and part of her professional career was spent on doing just that. Her other passion is traveling. During a trip to Laos she spoke with many of the local people and found out how eager they are to learn English. After returning home she found out that she had been laid off from her job and everything fell into place for her. She sublet her apartment, packed a suitcase and booked flights to Luang Prabang, where she had spent some time during her travels.
What was meant to be a few months working and living in Laos turned into four and a half years during which Jutta taught at the local temples and started a girls only English class in her home.
Listen ton the podcast to learn more about her adventures.
Andy Frazer is an accomplished and experienced diver. During a trip to the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences he realized that he can combine two of his passions: diving and volunteering by becoming a volunteer diver at the aquarium and helping with the monumental tasks of keeping the algae at bay and the anemones well-feed while entertaining the visitors by waving and high-fiving them and raising awareness of critical conservation issues.
Listen to this interview to learn more about the rewards of being a volunteer diver.
When a friend took Moe Rubenzahl to a Board meeting of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley he immediately liked what he saw: an organization training people to become court appointed special advocates for a foster child. After serving on the board for three years Moe took the next step and became a court appointed special advocate - or CASA - himself.
Listen to this interview to learn more about becoming a CASA and the rewards of giving back to a child in need.