I am a volunteer with Women’s Recovery Services (WRS), a nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa that has been providing a residential addiction treatment program for women for the past 50 years.
For the past three years I have been coordinating a program called Weekend Discoveries. The WRS women work hard toward recovery all week long so Weekend Discoveries gives them a chance to get out of their heads and into their bodies, or into art, or nature, or movement. In its unique way, it has been transforming the weekends for the women into a time of enrichment, a time to let down, let creative juices flow and to have some fun.
While inviting volunteers to bring their passions and expertise to the WRS women, it also serves as a message and reminder to the women that they are not alone; that the larger community sees them, values them, and shows up for them.
The power of the connection between the women and the volunteers flows both ways. Volunteers frequently describe the experience as unexpectedly transformative.
Sally, a photographer who captured a horse ranch outing in Cotati, shared: “For me, being able to witness the work these courageous women are doing to reclaim their lives is an immense privilege.”
Another volunteer, Hilary, who coordinates the equine therapy class reflected on her team’s experience: “We all commented on the peace and full-heartedness we felt from the women. They were so spiritually attuned. They moved us with their openness, their love of nature, and the creative way they engaged with everything we offered.”
A longtime community volunteer, new to WRS, shared how she loves using her skills for service. She was surprised by the enthusiasm for her Pilates and dance-art offerings. “The women tried everything,” she said. “Even with physical limitations, they moved with such willingness. The gratitude was profound.”
One volunteer brought her passion for wildflowers to the WRS campus. “I thought I’d be teaching, but I learned just as much. I found the women to be unconventionally creative, making flower art in ways I never imagined. They were always thinking of others, creating pieces for a sponsor, a child’s birthday, or someone they want to reconnect with. It was touching. They help each other. They laugh. They care deeply by showing up with love, curiosity, and presence.”
Programs like Weekend Discoveries highlight what makes volunteerism in America so powerful. It is not only about giving; it is about sharing. It is about building bridges between people, forging understanding, and reminding us of our shared humanity.
Judy Ryder has been a volunteer at WRS for 10 years, working initially with the women in the transitional housing program, and currently as a member of the Board and the coordinator for Weekend Discoveries.
