Both Client and Volunteer

I first came to Shanti as a volunteer in the Activities Department in 1997. The following January I participated in the training to become a peer volunteer, and was soon after matched with a client. The training was invigorating, hopeful and a real eye-opener for me. I saw and learned new ways of being in a relationship, of giving support in a non-judgmental and honest manner. I learned how to just "be there" for someone else without my own personal agenda interfering with real compassionate caring. In a word, I learned how to be a better friend, son, brother, person to the people around me.

Why Shanti Volunteers Do What We Do

My name is Hulda Brown. I have been a client of Shanti since the early 90's. I can't tell you how may ways they have helped me.

Shanti on SF Live

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Addicted to Love

By Michelle Chun-LeRoy, Shanti Volunteer

The title of this piece is not a reference to the late Robert Palmer’s ode to the pathological side effects of romantic attachment; rather, I am making reference to a specific outcome resulting from being a Shanti volunteer.

The Art of Listening

By Michele Diaz, Shanti staff

When was the last time you actually listened to a loved one or friend? When is the last time you really felt heard? After a weekend of a volunteer training for Shanti, a non profit organization that provides peer counseling for individuals with life threatening illnesses, my eyes (and ears) were opened; I learned the art of listening.

Photographs

A beautiful composite image of Shanti clients and volunteers.