A Volunteer Experience that Grows as It Builds

Volunteering at the Chilton Family Health and Back-to-School Expo on August 2, 2025, at Chilton High School offered a dynamic and rewarding experience. Just ask members of the Falls County Community ARC Coalition Dr. Brandon Hubbard (Superintendent of Schools, Chilton ISD and Pastor of Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Chilton), or Pastor Chip Parmer (First Baptist Church Marlin, Rotary Club 2025-2926 President), Jan Smith (Central Texas Mobile Food Pantry Marlin Volunteers Coordinator), Bettye Tarver (Community Garden Club Secretary), Shirley Piper (Director Faith, Hope & Charity), or Letitia Estep (Community Garden Club, Rotary Club, DKG Society International) of Marlin. Ask Pastor Robert and Lady Donna Curtis (Greater Jude Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Chilton).

Volunteers also in service were the nurse practitioners and medical doctors from Falls Community Hospital and Clinic, Chilton ISD principals, teachers, coaches, and students, Lions Club from Marlin and Rosebud, and volunteers from Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Chilton who served in the “Boutique”. These volunteers were there - to help.

Providing overall direction and assistance were Rosondra Hartsfield, Family and Community Health-Extension Agent II, Prairie View A&M University- Extension and Myriam Virella, CCHW | (she/her/hers) | Program Coordinator II, REACHing Well - Family and Community Health, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

The fun began months before with the pre-event preparation, resource gathering, donations management (much to give away), and it only got better.

The day of the event, these volunteers welcomed and guided guests. They staffed tables, sharing information about resources and answering questions from families. Some assisted with an activity such an educational presentation (Example: How to grow vegetables in containers or what to feed wild birds; what do bees and butterflies need?).

Volunteers ensured the smooth flow by easing bottlenecks. They made certain attendees could easily access information and directed them to services and goods such as food, school supplies. There was a lot to share!

There were specific roles such as registering attendees and providing language translation.

In addition to the fun in serving, there was an added plus for volunteers. They built relationships. Through volunteerism, these volunteers connected with the community and fostered stronger community ties. They interacted with families from diverse backgrounds, including parents, children, and, of course, other volunteers. This was a perfect setting for networking with professionals. Volunteers engaged with teachers, administrators, staff, healthcare professionals, and other parents. They potentially built connections and mentorship opportunities. “One educator offered to serve as social media chair for another organization!” exclaimed one volunteer.

Through it all, learning and growth took place. Volunteers gained exposure to real-world healthcare and education settings. Plus, they ended up applying the classroom knowledge they had learned many, many years before in practical scenarios.

Were there any personal rewards and challenges? Of course. A personal reward was explained by former educator Bettye Tarver, “I can help, however I can, the well-being of families and my community. Right here is where help is needed, especially for our children.”

Possibly decades after graduation, volunteers continued their skills development. They enhanced skills in communication, teamwork (Amazing how quickly tables and demonstration and service areas went up!), organization, leadership (Everyone knows that certain someone who’s got a handle on the big picture), problemsolving (Sometimes it is the daunting question of how to prop up a wobbly, long banner!), and more..

Volunteers were strong in empathy and understanding. Why and what does that have to do with a family health and back-toschool expo? Volunteers, here at a service event especially, experience moments that allow for the development of a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families and individuals in accessing healthcare and resources for education.

There are challenges in volunteering. There can be cultural and language barriers, requiring the need to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A volunteer may have to draw from his/her emotional resilience as he/she witnesses difficult situations or meets individuals and families facing significant challenges. And there is always the importance of coordination. Working effectively with other volunteers and staff to ensure a smooth fair and expo is not only commendable but paramount.

The Falls Community ARC Coalition extends its gratitude for the volunteer efforts of not only its members but all volunteers at the Chilton Family Health and Back to School Expo. “You contributed to the community. You provided valuable skills, built connections, and most importantly for all, you gave your personal time to support the well-being of other families and children. You gave 100%,” expressed Chair Letitia Estep. “Thank you.”