Honoring Service and Community During National Volunteer Month
April 24, 2026
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the individuals and partners whose generosity, compassion, and commitment strengthen our community every day. At Full Life Care, volunteers are at the heart of our mission, and few partnerships reflect that spirit more deeply than our long-standing relationship with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Alpha Zeta Chapter.
For more than a decade, members of Zeta Phi Beta have shown up for Full Life Care with dedication and care, building meaningful connections with older adults, caregivers, and families across our programs. Their service reflects a shared belief that people should never be forgotten and that community care matters at every stage of life.
A Partnership Rooted in Meaningful Connection
The partnership began with monthly volunteer visits to Full Life Care’s memory care homes, Gaffney House and Buchanan Place. One Saturday each month, Zeta members brought activities, companionship, and joy to residents, creating moments of connection that made a lasting impact. Over the years, their involvement grew to include support for in-person fundraising events, committee leadership, and hands-on event volunteering.
“The Zetas’ partnership with Full Life Care has been invaluable. They take pride in being a ‘community-conscious, action-oriented organization’ and it shows!” Jessica Chin, Volunteer Program Supervisor said.
Through every season, including times of change, their commitment remained steady. Zeta members supported ElderFriends Thanksgiving Meal Deliveries by providing volunteers, supplies, and thoughtful decorative touches that helped make the holidays brighter for participants.
Stepping Up When It Mattered Most
When in person volunteering was no longer possible, the Lambda Alpha Zeta Chapter quickly adapted. During the pandemic, members participated in remote volunteer opportunities such as Cards for Encouragement and support for virtual adult day health activities. Their creativity and flexibility ensured that Full Life Care participants continued to feel cared for and connected, even during the most isolating times.
Zeta member Jhaki Gonsalves played a key role in expanding this outreach by engaging the group’s youth organization, the Archonettes. High school students created handmade cards for Thanksgiving participants, assembled spring gift baskets for caregivers, and supported Full Life Care’s first Winterfest social for ElderFriends and Care Teams participants.
“My mother needed help as she got older, and I appreciated the people that helped her,” Jhaki shared. “I wanted to give back to an organization that is helping our vulnerable population. This organization does great work. It demonstrates daily through their work that people are not forgotten.”
Service That Inspires Across Generations
The impact of this partnership is deeply personal for those who volunteer. “It was an amazing experience,” said Zeta member Brandi Ampofo. “Knowing that I helped bring joy to someone during the holiday season felt really good. I’m so grateful for the work that Full Life Care is doing, and I hope to be able to volunteer again.”
For younger volunteers, these experiences often spark a lifelong commitment to service. “I really enjoyed helping others,” shared student volunteer Averionna. “It made me want to do more volunteering.”
Another student, Sumaiya, reflected on the power of small acts of kindness. “Volunteering with Full Life Care, crafting cards and baskets, revealed the power of simple kindness. This reminded me that small gestures can bring immense hope and connection. It’s a testament to our shared humanity and the profound impact of love.”
Recognition of a Lasting Impact
In recognition of their continued service, Full Life Care was honored with the chapter’s Finer Partner Award in February 2025 and later received the Washington and Alaska Community Partner of the Year distinction in October 2025. These honors reflect the strength of a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a deep commitment to community well-being.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we are grateful for the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Alpha Zeta Chapter, and for all the volunteers who give their time and heart to Full Life Care. Their service reminds us that meaningful change happens through connection, compassion, and showing up for one another.