• A young woman and an older woman are sitting at a table in a community room, posing for the camera. The young woman has long dark hair, is wearing a white striped sweater, and is making a peace sign with her hands. The older woman has short gray hair, glasses, a face mask under her chin, and is wearing a red top and blue gloves. Both are smiling. On the table are colorful bottles of paint, some open, and Christmas decorations. In the background, there are people working at desks and a kitchenette area.

    Isabella Solano

    Founder

    In September 2023 I visited a senior community for the first time. It was the first time in a long time I felt at peace. I felt at home in a community that welcomed me with open arms as we began to share our laughs and stories and gave each other the companionship we desperately needed. In a time when I needed a community, my residents gave me a family.

  • Two women sitting at a table engaged in arts and crafts, surrounded by markers, scissors, photographs, and papers in a bright room with large windows and artwork on the walls.

    Youna

    Growth Coordinator Intern

    Volunteering has opened my eyes to see that connection drives community. Starting with small opportunities here and there, I began to realize the importance of strong relationships and valuing your time with others. Herralink has given me a chance to bring people together, and that is really what makes me happy.

  • A young girl with long dark hair, glasses, and a striped headband with cat ears, sitting on a chair in a room with wooden flooring and beige walls. She is wearing a white T-shirt with a visitor badge.

    Aadhya

    Growth Coordinator Intern

    I initially joined Herralink as a volunteer seeking out a convenient way to earn service hours, but soon realized the value of this experience, both for myself and others. I've grown to understand how crucial quality time spent with others is, especially as you get older.By being provided this one-of-a-kind opportunity, I'm lucky to serve a growing community and help residents live their lives with a little more joy.

  • A woman in a hospital bed smiling and holding a stuffed octopus, with a visitor leaning in and smiling, in a hospital room with beige curtains.

    Mahika

    Community Event Planner Intern

    I first began volunteering at Herralink because I was looking for a meaningful way to get service hours while making an impact. However, now, the program has become much more than that: a chance to meet and give back to members of my community. I know that even if my impact is small, it still brightens someone's day.

  • A young woman taking a selfie outdoors, wearing a blue shirt with 'CREF Foundation' logo, smiling, with trees and a man in the background.

    Audrey

    Fundraiser Intern

    I was looking through a list of my school's service hour providers and saw Herralink. Later that day, my grandfather peacefully passed away from Parkinson's in his assisted living home. I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer at an older adults home as a way to honor his memory. He spent so much of his life dedicating his time to giving back to his community and donating, and this is my way to give back in his honor.

  • An elderly man with glasses and a beard is smiling and holding a spoon, sitting at a table in a dining area. A young man with glasses and dark hair stands behind him, smiling. The background features a clock on the wall, chairs, and cabinets.

    Akarshan

    Financial Analyst Intern

    At first, volunteering was beneficial to me for the service hours, but as I began to go to more events I was able to see the positive impact I was leaving on the residents. Ever since then, volunteering became implemented into my routine, without it I feel like I’m missing an important part of my life - which is giving back.

  • Smiling woman with glasses and an elderly woman, sitting outside near a house.

    Sampriti

    Art Event Manager Intern

    I started my journey with Herralink after coming across a news article about the impact Herralink was making in my community. After just one coffee and coloring session, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. Volunteering with Herralink has shown me how conversation can bring joy to others. Through art, I want to create opportunities for people to express themselves freely, and build meaningful connections.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, glasses, and wearing a black top, beige cargo pants, and white sneakers, sitting on a yellow bench in front of a floral wall with pink, purple, red, and yellow flowers. A neon sign above her reads "Live life in full bloom."

    Nivi

    Art Event Manager Intern

    Even from the other side of the country in California, having the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Herralink was truly the push I needed to make an impact. Not only did the team support my volunteering endeavors for my local community, being able to remotely partner with Herralink allowed me to reach and give back to people nationwide.

  • An elderly woman smiling and leaning in a wheelchair, sitting at a table with a young woman, in a room with chairs and a whiteboard in the background.

    Sophia

    Event Manager Intern

    I decided to volunteer because I wanted to make a difference in my community. After my first event with Herralink, I knew that this was perfect for me. I witnessed the joy and delight that we brought to residents through our events and presence, and was so grateful to play a part in spreading happiness to our elders.

  • Young woman smiling with long dark hair, wearing a beige long-sleeve top and jewelry, crossing her arms, standing against a plain neutral background.

    Mehr

    Marketing Intern

    Volunteering with Herralink is incredibly rewarding because I get to make a direct impact on the lives of seniors, helping them feel valued and supported. I love being able to give back to a generation that has given so much, and seeing the joy and connection it brings to their lives is truly inspiring. For me, it’s all about building relationships and making a positive difference in the community.