As I prepared for graduation in my senior year of college, I knew that I needed more time to explore the world and to learn more about myself before jumping into a career or grad school. As much as I wanted to, I knew that I couldn’t commit a long period of time to volunteering, but I knew that I had gifts and a calling to help others that I could not ignore. When I discovered then that CAP welcomed short-term volunteers, I knew that I had found where God wanted me to be.

I first committed to two months of service at a spouse abuse shelter and even though I was only going to be there for a short period of time, I was welcomed so warmly and made part of the community that I felt like I had been there forever. After those two months I returned home but knew that my heart was still with CAP and I realized that I needed to return and again share my enthusiasm and love for the mission I had been a part of.

Short-term volunteers have a unique perspective within CAP because we know we have to use our time here wisely to learn and experience as much as we can in a short period of time. As a short-term volunteer, you are challenged to open yourself up to the people you live and work with faster than you might be used to in order to create those friendships you know will last a lifetime. I have been challenged to step out of my comfort zone and to allow myself to be more open with my new CAP family here. Short-term volunteering is a great option for those who are looking to share their compassion even if it is just for a few weeks or a few months. I have met some of the kindest, warmest and giving people in the last few months that I know I will always be friends with and I am grateful for the time I have spent here.

Amanda Breen is a short-term volunteer at one of CAP's Spouse Abuse shelters. She is finishing her second stint as a short-term volunteer at the end of May.