Volunteer Appreciation Week

It’s National Volunteer Week! Every April, this week is a time to celebrate and reflect on the charitable contributions of volunteers across the country. In 2025, Hearth volunteers generously gave over 1,460 hours to improve the well-being of our residents by helping to address needs and combat social isolation. From dance therapy to helping residents manage their finances, volunteers at Hearth play an invaluable role in allowing us to provide stability, dignity, and community to our residents.

Here are some of our volunteers and the impactful ways they contribute to our mission at Hearth!

Safiya Leslie (Music Works)

Safiya joins us weekly at Hearth through Music Works, a Friendship Works program, and spreads the joy of music to our residents through her singing. Hailing originally from New York City, her greatest joy is bringing music and musical education to different communities. She describes music as one of the universal languages (along with food!) and volunteers her gift at Hearth to bring out the music in others. Her goal is to help our residents feel loved, appreciated, and honored.

Tariq Nicholson (Music Works)

Tariq is a fellow Music Works volunteer who plays the piano weekly for residents at our Anna Bissonnette House. As a working musician and Greater Boston Area native, his musical skill is a tool that transcends labels and allows him to connect with our residents as well as learn more about their experiences, their likes, and the lessons they have to share. He utilizes music to form community and give back to the older adults in his life who have taught him so much. He shared that, “Working with older adults is like being a kid and receiving an adult sized jacket. At first it seems too big, but over time, you learn the jacket fits just right.”

Marley (Pet Pals Program)

Marley the Golden Retriever joins us from Pet-Pals, a Friendship Works program, and brightens everyone’s day when she visits. She likes to bring joy, steal snacks, and collect backrubs from our residents. She loves to dance to music and will always bond over food. Importantly, studies have shown that visits from volunteers like Marley have both physical and emotional benefits such as lowered blood pressure, reduced markers of stress, increased socialization, and self-reported improvements in quality of life. She is a very good volunteer.

Thinking you’d like to get involved in our growing volunteer community here at Hearth? There are a few different ways to engage!

• For Individuals, visit our Idealist page for all our current volunteer postings.
• For Corporate volunteer groups, fill out this Interest Form and let us know about your team’s interests and goals!
• If you would like to learn more, reach out to Volunteer Manager Amanda Miller at 617-369-1553 or amiller@hearth-home.org

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers for enabling the people we support to age with dignity and security, rooted in community.