"Volunteering gives my life purpose," says Louise "LP" Garcia, Vice-Chairwoman of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. Known for her grateful, optimistic, and caring spirit, LP is making a lasting impact in the community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations, including the Community Teen Coalition, Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, Hosea Feeds, and Free Foundation.
For LP, volunteering is a way of coming home to family. "The Y feels like home," she shares. "It's like a neighborhood I grew up in, and the community of people are in situations that I grew up around. I know that the people who were able to surpass certain obstacles were because someone cared, someone intervened, someone gave some of their own time and treasure and made a difference." LP believes that it's not just the big donations that create change, but also the small, daily efforts of many individuals that have a lasting impact on communities and the lives of others.
“It’s so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order.””
Volunteering has also had a profound impact on LP's personal and professional life. "It's so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order," she says. "It reminds me to be grateful, encourages me to seek out opportunities for my family and company to engage in the community, informs the legislative initiatives I support, and shows me how the word of God comes to life." LP believes that volunteering is a way to get closer to God by doing good works, and it gives her life purpose.
Through her volunteering experiences, LP has honed various skills, both tangible and intangible. "Every volunteer opportunity allows you to learn something," she says. "Sometimes it's tangible skills, like organizing a food distribution warehouse to improve efficiency, and sometimes it's intangible skills, like listening better to the needs of the community and taking action." LP believes that volunteering is not only about giving back, but also about learning and growing as an individual.
One of LP's most memorable moments as a volunteer was when she was able to help a mother in need. "I saw a mother at a kids' event who looked worried and concerned," she recalls. "After chatting with her, I was able to connect her with a job opportunity that provided a paycheck, health benefits for her and her family, and college tuition reimbursement. Just one question led to a long-lasting impact." It's moments like these that motivate LP to continue volunteering and making a difference in people's lives.
“The people of Atlanta are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta’s rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city’s motto ‘Atlanta Influences Everything’ is a way of life on a global scale.” ”
As a transplant to Atlanta from Miami, LP has fallen in love with the city and its people. "The people of Atlanta feel different," she says. "They are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta's rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city's motto 'Atlanta Influences Everything' is a way of life on a global scale." LP enjoys exploring the city's bookstores and thrift stores with her daughter, trying out new restaurants, and spending time in Atlanta's green spaces.
For those interested in getting involved with volunteering, LP has some advice: "Just start... you don't have to make a grand gesture, just show up." She suggests that there are plenty of amazing nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers, and there are various ways to contribute, even by leveraging your own talents. "Nonprofits will likely never turn down administrative help or guidance on how to spruce up their websites or social media pages," she says. "Offer up your services based on your skills and interests. Any help that can lower operational costs is always welcomed."
Feeling inspired by LP’s s amazing volunteer work?
You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.
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