Meet Our Volunteer: Heather Bridges

How long have you been volunteering with ReEstablish Richmond? Since July 2019.

How many volunteer roles were you involved in? I've been volunteering mainly as an ESL tutor. 

What motivated you to start volunteering? My mom came to the U.S. from Korea in the ’70s. Leaving home, family and familiarity behind was incredibly hard, but she was (and I am) thankful for the people who supported her in building a new life. If I can play a role, however small, in doing that for someone else, then that's all I can ask for. 

What is the most important/rewarding part of this work? Having the opportunity to learn from clients and their families. About their lives, their perspectives, their hopes. It's a privilege. 

Any advice/thoughts you have for volunteers just starting to work with us? There will be times when you feel like you're not "making a difference" or you wonder if you're helping at all. Just be consistent and be a friend — show up and show that you care. Sometimes that's the biggest thing. 

This story is among a series of posts celebrating ReEstablish Richmond volunteers for National Volunteer Month.