For National Volunteer Month, we're spotlighting some of our amazing community of volunteers.
Meet Katherine Griffin, a DOROT Caring Calls Volunteer!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Barring my 4-year stint attending college in Massachusetts, I am proud to be a lifelong New Yorker. I live in Manhattan and work as an investment analyst. My simple pleasures: completing a puzzle, reading a thriller with a great plot twist, watching reality TV, and shopping at specialty grocery stores.
How did you first get involved with DOROT?
I first became involved with DOROT in 2024 when I was searching for new volunteer opportunities. Learning more about DOROT's mission to alleviate social isolation and foster intergenerational connections compelled me to submit an application.
Why did you choose to become a Caring Calls Volunteer specifically?
I chose to become a Caring Calls Volunteer because I knew that I had the right skills to contribute. I love learning about people, listening to different perspectives, and forming authentic relationships. The program's relatively small time commitment also allows me to balance volunteering with the responsibilities of my full-time job.
What is one of your favorite moments from your experience as a DOROT volunteer?
It's difficult to choose one moment, though one of my favorite conversations started with the question, "Where were you when...?" Our discussion inevitably turned into a refresher on American history. More interesting was that the conversation ended with each of us trying to recall our very first memory. Having a conversation about earliest memories with someone who has lived for nearly a century was both remarkable and poignant.
What do you gain from your experience of volunteering at DOROT?
Caring Calls are always a welcome break in my week! In addition to being genuinely fun and enjoyable, my volunteer experience has given me a stronger sense of purpose and community.
What would you say to someone else who was deciding whether to become a caring caller with DOROT?
Becoming a caring caller with DOROT is a unique and rewarding experience. I think it's most important to consider that conversations can range from silly and uplifting—like talking about sketch comedy and trading stories about dating in NYC—to very profound—like talking about what happens at the end of life. Maintaining an open and empathetic mindset is essential.
Feeling inspired? Learn more about becoming a Caring Calls volunteer HERE.