Meet Cindy! She has been a dedicated volunteer with us for almost two and a half years. She has done so many things at MCC, and is always offering a helping hand. Cindy is a regular lunch service volunteer for the Weinberg Senior Center, but she certainly doesn’t stop there. She has volunteered in a variety of roles from being an English conversation partner for those learning the language to helping with translation for older adults to working to organize our community arts studio. We feel so lucky to have long-term, committed volunteers like Cindy who continue to provide energy and support for our community during challenging times like these.
1. Which volunteer opportunities are you apart of at MCC?
I primarily volunteer as a lunch service volunteer for Senior Center Lunches. I’m so blessed to have expanded my volunteer opportunities to helping in the Community Arts Studio, working with English conversation classes, and helping with the Art School Ceramic sales. I would like to do more programs whenever I get the chance.
2. What brought you to volunteering at MCC and how has your experience been?
I feel grateful for being blessed in many things in my life. Because of these blessing I feel the obligation to share with others, specifically with the people and communities where I live and go.
3. What is your favorite part about volunteering?
My favorite part about volunteering is gaining experiences of interacting with many people of diverse backgrounds. By learning from these experiences, I can become the best version of myself, before I have expectations, demands, or blame for others. My quote of life is “How could we gain something beyond our expectations if we are never willing to sacrifice what we have”.
4. How do you plan to stay connected to your community during this time of social distancing?
By using the technology, we are still able to connect with each other.
5. What is your favorite at home self-care activity you have been practicing during this time?
Doing positive things and keeping life as simple as I can, and enjoying this peaceful lifestyle and mindset while still thinking of what I can do for others.
As a changemaker, volunteers are part of a movement of engaged New Yorkers taking action to strengthen Lower East Side and beyond. Our spotlight series provides an opportunity to share the stories of why community members get involved, what they gain from the experience, and the impact they are able to make at the Manny Cantor Center and in the community. Thank you to all who choose to come through our doors to help build the neighborhood we want to live in.
If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved with us here at Manny Cantor Center, we have opportunities available for a variety of schedules and interests. Learn more about being a Volunteer Changemaker at MCC here.
