Volunteerism has been foundational to My Sisters’ Place: from our grassroots origins today, MSP values the contributions of the many community members who give their time and talents to advance our mission.
Through volunteer engagement, MSP creates opportunities for individuals, community groups and corporations to make a difference. MSP works with groups to tailor day-long volunteer activities, such as packaging care bags for our clients or spreading the word about our work at community events. These activities can meet the needs of survivors while also serving as a fun team building activity. Verition Fund Management recently spent an afternoon as a team preparing care packages for our clients, it was a great way for them to spend time together and to help out the community!
MSP’s Sister-In-Law program trains specialized volunteers to provide direct support to our clients. “SIL”s act as translators and interpreters, and provide supportive accompaniment to clients at court hearings, medical appointments, and in other contexts where a survivor might welcome an encouraging presence.
Our amazing community volunteers enhance MSP’s ability to serve survivors - and we would like to spotlight one such volunteer today – let us introduce Gloria!
Gloria came to MSP with a passion to share her knowledge and experience in supporting survivors in her community and joined MSP’s Sister-In-Law program in 2021. Gloria’s background practicing law in Sierra Leone and Gambia, and her work on gender-based violence gave her an insight into the needs of MSP’s clients. She loves sharing her experience and knowledge with clients, staff, and fellow volunteers alike!
Following her SIL training, Gloria provided information about the services MSP provides at community tabling events, helped to organize MSP's in-kind donation room, and is looking forward to accompanying clients to court. In particular, Gloria shared that she enjoyed interacting with students at Sarah Lawerence College and with her fellow volunteers who share her passion for this work.
For Gloria, it was important to volunteer at an organization that matched her life experience and reflected her core values. We are so grateful to Gloria, and all who share their time, care and passion in support of our work!
You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at MSP here or by emailing our Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Jennifer Dennis, at volunteer@mspny.org.