Heifer Volunteers Change the World

Her Life Flourishes as a Heifer Volunteer
June Chapman sits comfortably at her desk and seems at home in her role as a volunteer at Overlook Farm, Heifer International's Learning Center in Rutland, Massachusetts. Ms. Chapman began volunteering in 2000.

During that time, she says she has seen many faces come and go but one thing remains consistent, "This is a very supportive atmosphere and something I needed in my life."

Ms. Chapman was drawn to Heifer by a newspaper ad heralding a call to those interested in volunteering.  "I've always been a people person and thought this would be a great place to get involved since I was retired. And it has been very fulfilling," says Chapman.

After offering me a warm brownie she baked, Ms. Chapman shares some of her experiences volunteering at Heifer over the years. She tells of her 12-year-old granddaughter, Carissa Johnson, coming to the farm from New Hampshire in the summers.

"Carissa loves the animals! She takes part in the day camp that is offered in the summer. It's a great way for us to spend time together." The animals make Overlook Farms truly special.

"One time two high school boys were helping out at our office," says Chapman, "when they heard a group of kindergartners squealing with delight outside the window. The high school boys couldn't help but be curious about what the kids were excited about and walked to the window to find an ewe giving birth to two little lambs. You could see them stand in awe at the new life. These moments are really wonderful."

 Volunteering at Overlook farm has had its difficulties, too - like several years ago when one of the barns caught on fire. 

"When the fire burnt down the barn it was a major setback and a lot of work to recover," says Chapman, "but we received an outpouring of love from the community."

Last February Ms. Chapman was away from the farm, but she said she was surrounded with hugs when she came back. 

"You can laugh with the staff.  This is a sharing place, everyone is accepting of each other. When I come in and work fifteen minutes, if anything was bothering me when I walked through the doors, it disappears."

Ms. Chapman says that working at Heifer is like "planting a seed in your heart. It takes root and grows into something beautiful." She says she feels fortunate to be a part of Heifer's mission. Overlook Farm would not be the same without her warm, welcoming presence.

Interested in becoming a change agent through volunteering for Heifer International?
Heather Souare, Operations and Volunteer Supervisor at Overlook Farm, says there are many opportunities to be involved. “We have many positions both for residential volunteers and for local volunteers.” Heather can be contacted at heather.souare@heifer.org.

Kate Sheehan, a Community Relations Coordinator for Heifer’s Northeast Region, says the opportunities are limitless for those who want to join Heifer’s mission. Sheehan describes opportunities such as, “giving presentations to various groups, staffing a Heifer display at conferences and fairs, and assisting community groups with educational and fundraising programs.” According to Sheehan, “Our Area Volunteer Coordinators welcome new volunteers to become part of the Heifer community.”