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2025 Volunteer Year in Review
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their generosity, time, and compassion help ensure that individuals and families in our community receive the support, safety, and resources they deserve. In 2025, that impact was felt in powerful ways.
Over the course of the year, 368 dedicated volunteers gave an incredible 6,320 hours of their time to support our mission. Whether they were helping with events, organizing donations, supporting programs, or lending a hand behind the scenes, each volunteer played a vital role in strengthening our community.
Their impact was especially meaningful during the holiday season. Through our Holiday Giving Program, volunteers helped bring joy and gifts to 69 adults and 128 children, ensuring families felt supported during a time that can often be difficult.This Year in Review celebrates the collective impact of our volunteer community and highlights two individuals whose dedication stood out in extraordinary ways—our Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year. Their stories represent the spirit of service that makes this work possible.
How did you first get involved at Harbor House and what is your role?
I was looking for volunteer opportunities in my area. The objective to provide harbor, a safe place to rest, for those in need is a core value of mine. I began volunteering in February 2025 as a Front Desk Volunteer.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Harbor House?
The staff is very supportive of volunteers. Lara, the Volunteer Coordinator, is fantastic to work with. She does a great job of matching volunteers’ skills and limitations to roles where they can succeed. For example, I have difficulty hearing phone calls, so I do less phone work and put more focus on restocking documents and fixing things.
What activities energize and excite you at Harbor House?
I enjoy fixing and maintaining things around the front desk and chatting with staff. The best thing is when a resident has an atypical problem and I am able to give them my full attention and resolve it for them. Making residents feel cared for as an individual and making their lives a bit easier brings me a sense of peace and community.
Any other thoughts or comments that you have about your volunteer role at Harbor House?
Volunteering at Harbor House is a vital part of a fulfilling week.
How did you first get involved at Harbor House and what is your role?
I began volunteering with Harbor House in March 2024 as a Childcare Volunteer. Growing up in the Appleton area, I had long been aware of Harbor House’s impact, both through people in my life who needed its services and through its strong advocacy for safety and empowerment in our community. While completing community service hours through the National Honor Society, I was eager to contribute to an organization making such meaningful change. Through childcare, I built trusting connections with children and families by taking the time to understand their individual needs and provide consistent, compassionate support. That experience solidified my commitment to Harbor House, particularly in crisis settings. After turning 18, I completed training to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Advocate, and since January 2025, I have served in this role, responding to sexual assault and domestic violence cases at local hospitals.
What do you wish other people knew about Harbor House?
I wish people knew that Harbor House is not only a crisis response organization, but a place where kindness itself saves lives. While much of the work happens in moments of crisis, the foundation of everything we do is compassion, selflessness, and meeting people without judgment. Sometimes the most powerful intervention is simply believing survivors, offering safety, and treating them with dignity. You do not need a title or formal role to make a difference. Choosing to listen, to believe, and to be kind can change the course of someone’s life.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Harbor House?
I would encourage anyone considering volunteering at Harbor House to reach out. There is a place for everyone, and the team works with you to find a role that aligns with your comfort level and strengths. Volunteering is incredibly fulfilling, and you quickly realize how meaningful even small acts of support can be. You will meet people who are deeply grateful for your presence and build lasting connections while making a real difference in the lives of others.
What activities energize and excite you at Harbor House?
What energizes me most at Harbor House is advocacy. I am deeply motivated by moments when someone trusts me to support them during one of the hardest times in their life. I love researching and connecting survivors with resources, being a steady and compassionate presence in moments of crisis, and serving as a light during someone’s darkest moments. Standing up for individuals who cannot advocate for themselves is incredibly meaningful to me, as is supporting fellow volunteers by helping them grow, feel confident in their roles, and prioritize their own well-being so they can continue this work sustainably.
Any other thoughts or comments that you have about your volunteer/advocacy role at Harbor House?
My role at Harbor House has reinforced my belief in the power of compassion and presence. Advocacy is not always about having the right words, but about showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and offering safety when it is needed most. This work has shaped the way I approach service, leadership, and human connection, and it is a privilege to stand alongside survivors and fellow advocates who embody resilience, empathy, and strength every day.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we are reminded that the strength of our mission lies in the people who choose to show up, give their time, and care for others in our community. Every hour volunteered helps create safer, more hopeful futures for the individuals and families we serve. To each of our 2025 volunteers, thank you for standing with us and making this work possible. If you’re inspired by the impact of our volunteer community, we invite you to join us in 2026 and be part of the difference. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more supportive community for all.
