This week at LifeCare Alliance reminded me why I love working in environments that are rooted in community. Whether it was helping at a fan distribution event, attending a style show, or listening to volunteers share their stories, I felt surrounded by people who genuinely care about the mission, about each other, and about showing up.

I continued to make progress on the Customer Journey project, conducting interviews with seven volunteers and two staff members, including a longtime SSD driver and a quality assurance coordinator. Each story added depth to my understanding of the Meals-on-Wheels experience, and I spent much of my time going through transcripts, reviewing recordings, and creating playback sheets. I also began coordinating materials and activities for our upcoming half-day workshop, where we’ll share findings from the project and engage staff and volunteers in co-creating solutions.

Midweek, I attended the Carrie’s Café Style Show, an uplifting event where clients modeled outfits from LCA’s thrift stores while enjoying lunch and applause from a supportive crowd. Later in the week, I helped out at the Beat the Heat Fan Campaign, distributing fans to community members in need and registering them on-site. I even had the chance to observe a media day as Channel 6 filmed interviews and featured the event on the news. It was a great example of how mission-based events can also serve as meaningful marketing moments.

From a marketing lens, I’m starting to connect the dots between outreach, storytelling, and visibility. I spoke with Brea about brainstorming engagement events to attract younger donors and volunteers, something I’m excited to keep exploring. I also heard creative suggestions in my interviews, like creating newsletters or events targeted at retirees, and even the idea of working with Greek organizations or pre-med students whose academic programs require volunteer hours. It’s clear there are many ways to grow our reach through thoughtful partnerships.

This week was full, but energizing. With just a few weeks left, I’m looking forward to turning what I’ve heard into action, and helping create a more connected and empowered volunteer experience.

Until next week,
Kat Jolley