You Belong with Pause
Oftentimes when people think of Pause, they think of the kiddos we serve. While they certainly drive our mission and are the reason we exist, the “how” of our program is our volunteer base! In other words, our program is made possible by a group of people who have committed to serving kids and families with disabilities.
Volunteering with Pause has given people a sense of purpose in their lives, a community to belong to, and fulfillment that only comes from serving others. Actually, when people volunteer, it releases hormones in the brain called endorphins and makes them feel good! #BrainScienceForTheWin
Let’s get to know one of our Pause volunteers who makes our program possible! Meet Maddie Whaley! Maddie has volunteered at 12 different Pause events for a total of 54.5 hours! WOW! Maddie is a student at University of Cincinnati studying Speech Language Hearing Sciences! She wants to become a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with children with disabilities. Maddie is also an assistant art teacher at the Creative House of Art & Design in Covington, KY. She enjoys hiking with her dog, painting, going to the movie theater, reading, watching true crime documentaries and loves scary movies!
Our team caught up with Maddie to hear more about her volunteer experience with Pause.
Why did you choose to volunteer with Pause?
I chose to volunteer with Pause because I absolutely love working with children with disabilities. Once I heard about the mission of Pause, I wanted to be a part of their organization in supporting families with children with differing needs.
Why do you continue to volunteer with Pause?
I continue volunteering with Pause because it is such a fun and rewarding volunteer experience for me. After every Pause event, I'm so excited for the next one because I know what I am doing is making a difference. Everyone is so kind and passionate about helping the families and it is so inspiring. When I walk into Pause, I feel a sense of belonging and it's like another home to me. It is by far my favorite place I have ever volunteered at and I never want to leave.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pause?
My favorite part about volunteering with Pause is making those connections with the kids. Even if the kiddo is a little shy at first, we are like friends by the end of the event. It makes me so happy to be able to make a kid smile, laugh, and build confidence just by playing with them and hanging out with them for a few hours at Pause.
Do you feel like you're making an impact?
1,000% Yes!! I do feel like I am making an impact because the kids can come to a comfortable, safe space where they can have fun and make connections while their caregiver/parent can rest and reset. Many of these kids may have experienced judgment and negativity in other places, but at Pause, they can be themselves in a positive and welcoming environment with people who will love and support them.
Maddie - THANK YOU for being a person who continues to love and accept our kiddos just the way they are. We’re so glad you’re here. You belong with Pause!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
