Skaist\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cI would describe volunteering as white, perhaps with a few strokes of blue. To me, volunteering is something bright, good, and almost otherworldly. The blue strokes would represent the mind \u2013 my understanding of the love and friendship I experience, something that will stay with me for a long time. Volunteering at VSPN (Valakampiai Social Services Home) is a way of life for me, and nothing can replace these friendships.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Eugenija:<\/strong> \u201cColour, symbol \u2013 a yellow sun.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Connie, representative of the American volunteer group:<\/strong> \u201cWe would describe it as blue \u2013 like the sky, yellow \u2013 like sunlight, and white \u2013 like a glow or the unpredictably changing wind.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ieva:<\/strong> \u201cI would depict volunteering in green and pink.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Olga:<\/strong> \u201cColour\u2026 Probably yellow or orange.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What values and life experiences influenced your decision to start volunteering?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Skaist\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cI have been volunteering for many years, since I was 23. I feel that it is something innate \u2013 it is not something taught at school or within families. From an early age, I wanted to help people without expecting anything in return. While I was living with my parents, I could not fully pursue this dream, but once I started working, I always donated part of my salary to those in need. At your institution, I discovered a sense of spiritual fulfilment, where material support is not needed and where so little is required \u2013 just time and attention. I will probably continue volunteering throughout my life and helping those who truly need it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Eugenija:<\/strong> \u201cMy friendship with Aleksandra began long before it was referred to as volunteering \u2013 unexpectedly and naturally. My daughter Viktorija, who works at Valakampiai Social Services Home, speaks of the people living here as being just like all of us. One day, when I called my daughter, I heard a cheerful voice \u2013 it was Aleksandra. We have been talking from time to time ever since. I am always amazed by how joyfully she tells me about everything: that she has been painting, working with clay, sewing, and that all the food is delicious\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Connie, representative of the American volunteer group:<\/strong> \u201cOur desire to serve others.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Olga:<\/strong> \u201cWhen I meet my friends (and now I can confidently call them that), I am filled with positive emotions, while all the negative ones disappear. It is difficult for me to answer what values and life experiences inspired me to volunteer. I came across your institution by chance and visited without any intention of coming back, but after my first visit, something stayed with me and kept drawing me back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ieva:<\/strong> \u201cIt saddened me that people spend their time working for money or doing projects simply because they will look good on their CVs. I was even somewhat frustrated that this was so widely accepted and normalized (especially among students!). I simply wanted to do something that mattered to me, something I enjoyed, so I decided to volunteer. I believed that the experience would somehow prove valuable, perhaps even more valuable than I expected. And that is exactly what happened!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What have you learned or realized about yourself and life since you started volunteering?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Skaist\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cI never really think much about helping others. As I mentioned, it comes naturally to me \u2013 it is simply my way of life. I remember the first time I helped someone: I was 14 years old and used my savings to buy some milk and a bread roll for an elderly man who was begging. It gave me an incredible feeling \u2013 a sense of happiness in my soul and an indescribable realization of how good it feels to give and share. At your institution, I find spiritual fulfilment and experience that feeling of seeing something genuine and sincere, something that is becoming increasingly rare nowadays. We live in a world where even opinions can be bought, so being here is the best therapy for my mind.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Eugenija:<\/strong> \u201cIt is wonderful to realize how easily and simply you can bring joy to another person. I have learned how important it is in life to listen and truly hear others.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Savanori\u0173 amerikie\u010di\u0173 grup\u0117s atstov\u0117 Connie<\/strong>:\u00a0 Gal\u0117jimas matyti \u0161ypsenas bei d\u017eiuges\u012f \u017emoni\u0173, kuriems patarnavome, veiduose, suteik\u0117 mums labai maloni\u0173 i\u0161gyvenim\u0173. Reikia nedaug pastang\u0173, kad kitiems gal\u0117tum suteikti d\u017eiaugsm\u0105. Gyvenimas yra per trumpas, kad gal\u0117tume nesidalinti savimi, savo \u017einiomis bei d\u017eiaugsmu su kitais. Beje, mums labai patiko apsikabinimai \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Olga:<\/strong> \u201cI experience so many positive emotions when I see Jonas, Juozas, Marina, and the others, when I arrive and hug them\u2026 It is very touching. I feel their genuine sincerity and the way they respond to my deepest emotions\u2026 I simply feel good being with them; there is no pretence. Thanks to them, I have realized that I have no right to complain about life. I feel happy, for example, when we go bowling, when I hear laughter and see my friends smiling. I miss you all very much.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ieva:<\/strong> \u201cWhen I first started volunteering, I had no idea how to communicate with the residents, what they would be like, or whether we would get along. By the end of my volunteering experience, I could describe each of them individually, had spent time talking with everyone, and it was truly eye-opening. First of all, I realized that everyone has a completely unique personality and that putting labels on people does not really tell you anything about who they are. Secondly, you do not need to take special courses to know how to behave or communicate here \u2013 you simply need to be human and empathetic. And finally, I realized that we are all much more alike than we are different.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In your opinion, who would benefit from volunteering?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Skaist\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cThat is a really difficult question. I believe volunteering should come naturally. People should feel joy when volunteering and share love and positive emotions. If you think volunteering is merely a selfish escape from negative thoughts or difficulties in life, you are mistaken. I believe it is more important to know how to give, in every sense, rather than to receive. Then you will experience joy rather than simply seek personal benefit.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ieva:<\/strong> \u201cVolunteering would be beneficial for people who are not satisfied with what they are doing or who are unsure of what they want. It is possible to volunteer while working or studying. For students, volunteering can be very useful in learning about the nature of work in different fields. For older people who lack emotional fulfilment or variety in their lives, I believe volunteering could bring a great deal of positive energy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Olga:<\/strong> \u201cI think it is difficult to give advice on this. The most important thing is whether the person themselves feels the need to volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Eugenija:<\/strong> \u201cThis kind of volunteering in particular \u2013 over the phone \u2013 would be beneficial for people who are lonely. I believe that conversations can be healing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What would encourage more people to start volunteering?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Skaist\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cThis question has been very important to me personally for many years. You cannot force people to volunteer; you can lead by example, but not all of us are naturally inclined to empathize, give, and find joy in doing so. Perhaps this interview will even help us find a new volunteer :)))\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Eugenija:<\/strong> \u201cThere should be more awareness that it is possible to volunteer in this way \u2013 over the phone.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ieva:<\/strong> \u201cAdvertising.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What do the residents of Valakampiai Social Services Home think about the volunteers, and what would they like to wish them?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n R\u016bta:<\/strong> \u201cI like it when the volunteers come to visit. Together we play games, dream, bake cookies, do crafts, draw with the American volunteers, go to Skaist\u0117\u2019s exhibitions, and we made pilaf with Olga. It is always wonderful to spend time with the volunteers. I would like to wish them happiness, good health, and lots of money. We love you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n J\u016brat\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cI like it when the volunteers come to visit because I can talk and spend time with them. I enjoy cooking and playing games together with them. I am in a good mood and feel happy when I meet the volunteers. I would like to wish them good luck and good health, and I hope they will continue to visit us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Kristina:<\/strong> \u201cI like it when the volunteers come to visit. I really enjoy talking with them, visiting them, and receiving gifts from them. I also enjoy playing basketball, dressing up, and painting pictures together. I feel happy and good when the volunteers come. I would like to wish them good luck and happy holidays.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Aleksandra:<\/strong> \u201cI enjoy talking on the phone with Mum (Eugenija). We talk about handbags, big beds, how things are going, sewing, toothache, little sheep, and how much I would like to meet her. Talking to the volunteer makes me feel good and lifts my spirits. I would like to wish her happiness, joy, good spirits, good health, and a Merry Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Supratau. Toliau kiekvien\u0105 pastraip\u0105 versiu \u012f angl\u0173 kalb\u0105 ir pateiksiu **atskirai, kad b\u016bt\u0173 patogu kopijuoti**.\n\nVirgilija:\n\n\u201c I like the volunteers. We play games, draw, dance, perform theatre, and eat together. We made potato pancakes with Skaist\u0117, ate pilaf with Olga, and baked cakes and did crafts with the American volunteers. I am in a cheerful mood and feel good when I meet the volunteers. I would like to wish them good health, lots of friends, lots of money, and many friends.\u201d\nv<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ir darbuotoj\u0173 mintys apie savanori\u0173 veikl\u0105…<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ocial worker Justyna:\n\n\u201cWe always look forward to welcoming volunteers to our institution. Each of them is unique and brings something different into our lives. Some volunteers simply interact with the residents, while others engage them in various activities, entertainment, and excursions, bringing new colours into their lives. This is exactly what I expect from volunteers \u2013 sincerity and being present here and now.\n\nMost importantly, volunteering should benefit not only the residents but also the volunteers themselves. From their feedback, I can see that the volunteers themselves feel as if they are \u2018walking on air\u2019 \u2013 it uplifts them and brings them joy. I am extremely happy to see the bright eyes of both residents and volunteers and their sincere communication. Both sides become attached to one another, and the friendship continues even afterwards \u2013 they also keep in touch by phone.\n\nAttention, care, and sincerity are what I would like most from volunteers. Volunteering is not about coming, doing something, and leaving without any commitment. A volunteer can also simply be a person who wants to give a little of their time to others. It is particularly suitable for people who are overwhelmed by their daily routines and no longer see the colours of life.\n\nIt is important to understand that a volunteer not only gives but also receives a great deal from the residents \u2013 sincerity, joy in life, faith, warmth, laughter, and time spent together. Therefore, volunteering is beneficial to everyone.\n\nWithout a doubt, volunteers provide the greatest benefit to residents by giving them their time. It is the most important gift we can share with others, although not everyone is willing to do so.\n\nEvery new volunteer brings a new story and new colours into our residents\u2019 lives. Staff members also feel a great sense of joy because volunteers can help us move away from our daily routines and bring a burst of positive emotions into our work.\n\nResidents are eager to interact with volunteers and readily embrace new acquaintances and experiences. All these new experiences, impressions, and sincere interactions are the greatest benefit to our institution. Therefore, we always look forward to welcoming new volunteers and are delighted to have them with us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodyt\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cWe are delighted to have such a large group of volunteers whose care for the well-being and leisure activities of our residents is, in my opinion, extremely valuable. Volunteers come to us for different reasons: some because they enjoy it, others see it as a form of service, some find it pleasant and interesting to discover differences, while others simply enjoy doing good.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodyt\u0117:<\/strong> \u201cWe are delighted to have such a large group of volunteers whose care for the well-being and leisure activities of our residents is, in my opinion, extremely valuable. Volunteers come to us for different reasons: some because they enjoy it, others see it as a form of service, some find it pleasant and interesting to discover differences, while others simply enjoy doing good.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cI believe volunteering would be most beneficial for curious people who want to broaden their horizons and for those who are open to differences.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cThank you for being with us!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cWe sincerely thank our volunteers Skaist\u0117, Eugenija, Ieva, Olga, the group of American volunteers, and their representative Connie for their meaningful work and generosity!\u201d<\/strong><\/strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cYou bring so many beautiful, bright colours into the daily lives of our residents! May your own lives also be filled with the most beautiful colours!\u201d<\/strong> <\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Occupational Specialist Viktorija Kuodyt\u0117 and<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Deputy Director for Social Affairs Virginija Paulauskyt\u0117<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Valakampi\u0173 socialini\u0173 paslaug\u0173 nam\u0173 gyventojai ir darbuotojai \u00a0d\u017eiaugiasi ir did\u017eiuojasi, kad \u012fstaigoje nuolatos lankosi savanoriai. Savanori\u0173 ind\u0117lis \u012f bendr\u0105 teigiam\u0105 \u012fstaigos atmosfer\u0105, ger\u0105 gyventoj\u0173 (ir darbuotoj\u0173) nuotaik\u0105, k\u016brybi\u0161kumo lavinim\u0105, \u012fdom\u0173 laisvalaik\u012f yra didelis. Kiek daug teigiam\u0173 emocij\u0173 gyventojams padovanoja Skaist\u0117, kuri kartu su gyventojais pie\u0161ia ry\u0161kius paveikslus, o v\u0117liau dalyvauja parodose…Amerikie\u010diai savanoriai geba taip sudominti […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-naujienos"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10386"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10386\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13073,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10386\/revisions\/13073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.valakampiuspn.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/126507086_133729784852031_617260226250783999_n-4.jpg\")
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