2025 Global Volunteer Month
Volunteering can be healing for both communities and volunteers. Through giving back, many volunteers uncover a special way to cope with hardships.
In the wake of her father’s death, Nevaeh Carson pulled herself out of bed and into community service.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to give back, but I didn’t know how,” said Nevaeh, who volunteers with Community Action Network. “When my father passed away, I thought, ‘I can’t just lay in my bed, I need to do something,’ and I felt like volunteering was the way to go.”
Through volunteering at her neighborhood community center, the 21-year-old began to feel reconnected and supported.
“The kids definitely helped me overcome,” said Nevaeh. “They’ve seen how bad it dragged me down in the beginning, but every day they gave me a hug and encouraged me to keep going.
“Seeing them excited when I come, it’s just makes me feel better, like I’m actually doing something useful.”
A LIFESTYLE CHANGE
During Global Volunteer Month, United Way for Southeastern Michigan celebrates inspiring community helpers like Nevaeh with our 2025 Volunteer Honor Roll.
Johnny Monroe is another all-star volunteer turning bad into good and making waves in his hometown. Johnny reinvented himself while he watched the pandemic unfold.
“During the coronavirus, I said, ‘Wait a minute, people are dying and I’m not healthy,’” said Johnny, founder of Avenue Runners & Walkers. “I decided to change my lifestyle, and I joined the We Run 313 run club.”
Johnny began to volunteer, providing support and encouragement at races all over metro-Detroit. Eventually, Johnny founded his own club called Avenue Runners & Walkers.
“I always had a heart for giving back; my parents instilled that you should always be willing to help others,” said Johnny. “It’s just encouraging to see people of all ages, all nationalities, out there just making progress— and movement is always progress.”
Johnny welcomes all to join his weekly runs/walks, monthly bonding activities and local volunteering events.
GET INVOLVED
“You can experience some unbelievable joy and gratification through volunteering,” said Johnny. “It makes you a more personable part of your community.”
Across the four counties we serve, United Way is encouraging volunteer projects this month through eight mini grants of up to $1,500. Recipients include Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Kids on the Go, SOS Community Services, Growing Hope, Looking at the Whole Picture Foundation, Hospitality House, Friendship Circle and Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County.
“Our mini grants program was created when our volunteer projects were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic and our front-line partners had a desperate need for volunteers to ensure resources were getting to those in need,” said Kristen Cibulskis, director of engagement at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “It has become such an impactful part of our community partnerships that we have continued it annually to coincide with Global Volunteer Month.”
With projects ranging from gardening and community cleanups to preparing meals for isolated seniors, there is something for everyone.
“Honestly, I want people to push themselves to volunteer,” said Nevaeh. “Volunteering is key, and right now, we need more volunteers in the world.”
Find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you, here.
