When looking for summer internship opportunities last year I knew I wanted to be a part of a compassionate, well-built, influential group, and CARS has gone above and beyond exceeding my expectations more than I could have imagined. As a non-profit dedicated to providing rides and transportation to anyone 60 or better, CARS shows true compassion for our community. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to contribute to their mission.
One noteworthy task I was gifted to complete was interviewing our volunteers. These conversations I had with each volunteer gave me an eye-opening, deeper understanding of what makes CARS such a compassionate organization. Each volunteer I interviewed had their own impactful story on why CARS was a perfect fit for them. Some were retired individuals looking to give back, and others had personal connections that inspired them to join. Many volunteers expressed how fulfilling it was to build connections with our VIP’s (Very Important Passenger), explaining how a simple ride for them was an impactful ride for our clients. Through heartfelt conversations to building friendships, our volunteers expressed positive experiences with our clients. I compiled these insights into outreach materials with the hope that it would inspire others to want to join us as volunteers.
I also had the privilege to speak with a client of ours to better understand how CARS has affected their lives. The VIP I interviewed shared how difficult it had been to maintain her independence before discovering CARS. Whether it was shopping at the grocery store, hair appointments, doctor appointments and more, CARS made it possible for her when she had no other option. By interviewing this client, I had the opportunity to express her interest in CARS, hopefully connecting her experience to many future clients as well.
Another highlight of my experience working with CARS was assisting with the Petal Pushers program. This program assists with creating beautiful bouquets and delivering those gorgeous flowers to our VIP’s on their birth month. It might seem like a small gesture, but assisting in a program that brings smiles to our clients faces, gratitude to our nonprofit, and spreads kindness to people’s doorsteps, this initiative was truly rewarding.
Lastly, I was tasked with community outreach and communications. I spent some time driving from town to town distributing our informational packets filled with brochures, tear-off flyers, and our most recent newsletters. Through this task I learned how important visibility is for nonprofit organizations like CARS.
Final thoughts, this experience was truly a blessing. I gained hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing and communications, improved my interviewing and journalism skills, and most importantly, helped contribute to a mission that is important to me. I am grateful to everyone at CARS who made this internship so welcoming and special, and I look forward to seeing the organization continue to grow and thrive. Thank you!
